Three NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions are available for summer 2013 with Drs. Melinda Smith and Alan Knapp at Colorado State University. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in two different collaborative research projects. The first is assessing the impacts of severe drought on grassland structure and function, and the second is assessing convergence and contingencies in North American and South African savanna grassland responses to fire and grazing. The students will develop their own independent research projects, as well as participate in a range of research activities, including assessing plant ecophysiological responses, plant traits, plant community composition, and aboveground productivity responses to severe drought and alterations in fire regimes and herbivory by bison. The positions will involve a competitive monthly stipend, travel to/from field sites in Colorado and Kansas, and potentially housing nearby the Kansas State University campus. The candidates must demonstrate their ability to work independently, in a group setting, and under rigorous field conditions, as well as be willing to work long hours in the field. Coursework in plant ecology and statistics is preferred but not required. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter that explains your interest in the position and background, a C.V. or resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications and questions should be directed to Dr. Melinda Smith ([email protected]). Only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this position.
