Summer internship in pollinator ecology and restoration Dates: Part-time position from May 20-August 20 (dates flexible)
Location: The Nachusa Grasslands, a tallgrass prairie restoration run by The Nature Conservancy in Franklin Grove, Illinois Project managers: Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar, ([email protected]) PhD student at Rutgers University Sean Griffin, PhD student at Rutgers University Project description: With over 80% of natural prairie habitat in the United States lost due to agricultural development and much of the remaining prairie in danger from further degradation, conservation groups such as The Nature Conservancy have become involved in active prairie restoration in order to preserve biodiversity and protect this unique ecosystem. However, very little is known as to how these restoration efforts affect communities of pollinators, which are an essential ecological group due to their mutualistic relationship with plants. In light of worldwide concern about the recent decline of bees, it is necessary to assess how prairie restoration is affecting pollinator communities both in terms of diversity and abundance. In our research, we will investigate bee communities in an ongoing tallgrass prairie restoration run by The Nature Conservancy at the Nachusa Grasslands, Illinois, in order to determine the extent to which native pollinator communities benefit from prairie restoration and to provide information to aid conservation practitioners in the development of restoration practices. Internship description: In our project, we will use traps to sample pollinator communities across restoration sites and agricultural plots throughout the summer. Interns will participate in a one week training period at the end of May, and will independently conduct six sampling rounds every two weeks until mid-August (dates somewhat flexible). Sampling rounds will take 2-3 days each, and will involve placing and collecting traps at each site. Other work will include equipment repair and preparation of insect specimens (hours and location flexible). We will provide a grocery stipend, housing at the Nachusa Grasslands during sampling rounds, and travel costs. As part of the internship, we offer co- authorship on any resulting publications of this work. If the intern wants additional research experience or an independent project to be used as an undergraduate honors thesis, we are willing to make the position full-time and work with the student to develop research ideas and create a project. We have several grants pending, and if accepted may be able to extend additional funding to interns. Requirements: Must have an interest in insects and pollinators, be an independent worker, and have a car for driving to and from field sites. No background in entomology required, though previous research experience is preferred. To apply: Send your resume, a short statement of interest, and contact information to Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar at [email protected]. If you have any questions regarding the internship or application, please email or call Bethanne at (443) 433-8262.
