Summer internships in forest ecosystem ecology Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for an expense-paid summer internship at Bartlett, Jeffers Brook, and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forests, New Hampshire. About the Project: Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) is an NSF-funded collaboration between researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY ESF), Cornell University, Miami University, The University of Michigan, and The Marine Biological Laboratory. The MELNHE project seeks to examine the limits to forest productivity through the lens of resource optimization theory. This is being done through replicated, large-scale nutrient additions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in stands of different ages at three sites. Treatment results will be used to help develop the Multi-Element Limitation (MEL) model. More information on the project is available at http://www.esf.edu/melnhe, including a blog from previous field crews. Internship Description: Interns will gain experience in the field with tree germinant identification, fertilizer application, soil respiration measurements (LiCor LI-8100), root growth measurements (minirhizotrons), and leaf litter collection. Laboratory duties include weighing leaves, sorting roots from soil, and entering and managing data. Interns are encouraged to design their own summer projects, and will have access to previously collected datasets. Interns will have the opportunity to present their work to a group of leading ecosystem scientists at the annual Hubbard Brook CooperatorÂ’s Meeting in July. Interns are provided with shared housing at Bartlett Experimental Forest; tenting is optional. Typical weekdays begin at 8:00 AM and end at 4:30, although may be shorter or longer depending upon the task. A stipend of $100 per week is provided for living expenses. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs generally run between $5-6 per day. Interns willing to drive personal vehicles for fieldwork will be reimbursed for mileage at $.55/mile. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse for travel to and from New Hampshire. Desired Qualifications: The ideal applicants have strong interests in forest biology, ecology, or biogeochemistry, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field. Recent graduates will also be considered. A positive attitude is important and a sense of humor is a plus. Candidates should be able to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail under harsh conditions (heat, rain, biting insects). They should also be willing to perform repetitive tasks in the lab. Applicants should be flexible in their expectations, but an estimated breakdown of the summer is: 60% fieldwork, 25% labwork, and 15% independent Project. To apply send a brief letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references in a single file (word document or pdf) immediately to Adam Wild at [email protected]. Please include all previous work experience on resume (not just research experience). Dates of availability should be included in the cover letter. Starting and ending dates are flexible but would prefer a student who could start ASAP. [email protected]
