Hi All, I have funding to support a Masters student for two years, ideally beginning in early August of this year. The student will enroll in the Biology Department Masters Program at Loyola University Chicago ( http://www.luc.edu/biology/ms.shtml), and work on their research in my lab.
The first goal of the project is to assemble a database of all known occurrences of non-native aquatic species in the state of Illinois. Many databases currently exist, but they are all limited to smaller geographic areas and/or taxonomic groups. We will assemble a comprehensive database and make it publicly available. This portion of the project will require extensive consultation with scientists across the state, and likely some travel. I anticipate that it will take 6-9 months to complete. The remainder of the project will be to analyze the database, with the exact methods and questions are not yet fixed. Potential questions include the role of various vectors in the introduction and transport of species, or examining the role of the Chicago Waterway System in facilitating the movement of species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi Basins. I will work with the student to decide upon questions that are interesting to both of us, and publishable. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to a revision of the Illinois Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. I am particularly interested in students who have experience in database management, GIS, and/or multi-variate statistics. However, these are not essential. The project includes full stipend for two years, funding to attend a conference in the second year, and funds for any additional required travel. To apply, please send a statement of interest, current CV, and the names of two references to me at rkell...@luc.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact me at rkell...@luc.edu Reuben Keller -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Reuben Keller Department of Environmental Science Loyola University Chicago 6460 N. Kenmore Cudahy Science 401 Chicago, IL 60660 773-508-2952 rkell...@luc.edu
