Research Experience for Undergraduates: Ecology of plant-fire interactions in Serengeti National Park
A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available at the University of Missouri for the summer of 2013 to study the flammability of savanna grass species under the supervision of Drs. Ricardo Holdo (U. of Missouri), Michael Anderson and Thomas Morrison (Wake Forest U.). The position will be based in Tanzania, and the REU student will be part of a research team housed at the Serengeti Wildlife Research Center, inside Serengeti National Park. The research project will quantify interspecific variation in flammability among tropical savanna grasses in the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania, as part of a broader NSF-funded study of savanna tree dynamics. The main experiment will consist of burning trials of 20-30 species of Serengeti grasses under controlled conditions and mapping flammability into existing study plots. The project also has the potential to: 1) examine the evolution of flammability as a trait by mapping peak combustion temperature and energy release onto an existing phylogenetic and 2) explore flammability in relation to other plant structural or chemical traits. We are looking for a candidate with a solid academic record, a willingness and ability to work and live in a remote field site, and a strong interest in ecology. The duration of the study is approximately 8 weeks. The start date is flexible, but will ideally be in late May or early June. The REU student will earn a stipend of $500/week and receive support for lodging, food, research permits and travel to Tanzania, as well as the necessary research supplies. Applications received by March 21 2013 will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled by a suitable candidate. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be currently enrolled in a college or university. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications should include: copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable), contact information for two academic references, a resume, and a cover letter describing research interests, previous research experience, career goals and the range of dates available. For more information, or if you have questions, please contact: Ricardo M. Holdo Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri 217 Tucker Hall Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-882-4885 [email protected]
