Washington Universitys experimental Ozark glade project is looking for a paid summer intern to study the effects of restoration on insect diversity in a rare habitat.
Tyson Research Center is a 2,000 acre ecological laboratory owned by Washington University in Saint Louis, MO (http://tyson.wustl.edu/index.php). The experimental Ozark glade project at Tyson began in 2010 with the restoration of nearly 25 acres of a rare, unique habitat in Missouri, Ozark glades (https://pages.wustl.edu/knightlab/research/project-5). Glades are dry, short-grass prairies, and house many rare, endemic plants and animals, such as prickly pear cactus and tarantulas. This habitat was nearly lost due to fire suppression in the Midwest, but recent restoration efforts have begun to bring it back. The experimental Glade project is the first to empirically assess the process of glade restoration. We ask questions such as: how do plant and insect communities change during the process of restoration, and why do rare species do poorly in small, restored habitats? Our main goal is to develop recommendations to better create and maintain biodiversity in restored glades. Our primary research goal for summer 2014 is insect community monitoring. We extensively sampled three insect groups in 2011, beetles, true bugs and ants, on both our experimental glades and natural glades in the region. We will do so again in 2014. We are currently looking for a student intern with a strong interest in insect biology to join our summer research team. The interns primary responsibilities will be to conduct the field sampling, morpho-species identifications, and analyze the changes in insect communities during the process of Ozark glade restoration. Job Requirements: currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree in Entomology, Biology or a related field have had basic introductory courses in ecology, entomology and preferably statistics be able to work out doors, in intense heat and humidity for long periods of time, and will regularly be exposed to ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes Position Details: must be available to work for 11 weeks from May 12 July 25, 2014, although the specific start and end dates can be flexible Tyson Research Center is located in Eureka, Missouri; housing is NOT provided stipend will be $4,000 for the 11 weeks Applications and application instructions are available at http://tyson.wustl.edu/teaching-ugrad.php. Please direct questions and email the application to Holly Bernardo at [email protected].
