The Kunz Lab at Boston University is seeking several qualified volunteers to assist with a research project on bats in central Texas. Our work, funded by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research, seeks to understand complex flight behaviors of bats by combining the expertise of field biologists, computer scientists, and engineers. To achieve this, we use thermal imaging cameras to record nightly emergence of large numbers of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) and cave bats (Myotis velifer). A summary of our work can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/inquiring-minds-tracking-bats/
The majority of the work will take place at the Bamberger Ranch Preserve in Johnson City, Texas. The term of the project will be from July 8 until August 1. Due to training requirements, volunteers are asked to contribute at least one week to the project. Volunteers must be in excellent physical condition as the majority of our work takes place during the late afternoon in temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Main responsibilities will include moving thermal imaging equipment, experimental set up, data recording, and some video processing using custom software. Familiarity with coding and/or Matlab is favored, but not required. Travel to Texas will not be provided, but housing and meals will be provided, as will transportation to and from Austin and San Antonio airports. Interested applicants should contact Nate Fuller at [email protected]. Please provide a copy of your resume with relevant field experience and a short paragraph explaining why you are interested in volunteering. **All volunteers MUST be rabies vaccinated and will be asked to produce proof of vaccination or recent titer check** For more information, publications, and bat facts please visit: http://www.bu.edu/cecb/bats/aeroecology/ Nathan W. Fuller Ph.D. Candidate Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology Boston University
