*Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU ) - Macroinvertebrate
community variability in a large Arctic watershed*
*Project Summary: *
The Flinn Lab at Murray State University is seeking applicants for an
NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in
summer 2014 to examine macroinvertebrate communities in the Arctic. The
primary goal of the REU is to develop and conduct an independent
research project investigating how macroinvertebrate communities change
over the course of a stream to help predict how stream function scales
from the patch to the stream reach. This research will help inform our
larger SCALER project which examines changes in stream production,
respiration, and nutrient uptake in response to large consumer
exclusions along stream discharge gradients across five North American
biomes. SCALER is a multi-year project, and we will be conducting our
second set of experiments in summer of 2014. This REU will support an
undergraduate student who will, under the supervision of the PI, help
characterize the macroinvertebrate communities of each SCALER stream
site near Toolik Field Station. The REU will design, sample and analyze
the macroinvertebrate communities at several intensively sampled sites
nested within a larger framework of habitat types and also at a broad
scale across the watershed. This project will help address the question
of how stream ecosystems vary in consumer complexity from headwaters to
larger streams, and whether habitat complexity requires additional
sampling effort to effectively quantify heterogeneity. Further, efforts
to quantify patterns of macroinvertebrate communities in reaches with
high heterogeneity versus homogeneous reaches will help us understand
the drivers of community change at different scales.
*Position Requirements:*
Applicants should have considerable backcountry experience and the
ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for considerable distances over
uneven terrain and and under high densities of biting insects. A general
understanding of stream ecology and an interest in aquatic
macroinvertebrates is desirable. Eligibility is limited to currently
enrolled undergraduates that have a graduate date no sooner than fall
2014. Further, all applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent
resident. Applications from women, underrepresented minorities, and
persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
*Details:*
REU includes a stipend of $6000 ($500/week for 12 weeks, start date
negotiable). All user day costs (food and lodging, etc.) associated with
Toolik Field Station will be covered as well as all travel costs to and
from Fairbanks, AK from Murray, KY. Additionally, if student is
recruited from off campus at Murray State University, the student will
be housed at Murray State's Hancock Biological Station for the duration
of the stay in Kentucky (up to 10 weeks @ $5 per day = $350 total).
*To Apply:*
Please send a resume, unofficial transcripts and a cover letter to: Dr.
Michael B. Flinn ([email protected]).The cover letter should
describe your background, qualifications and career goals. Review of
applications will begin immediately.
--
Michael B. Flinn, PhD
Assistant Professor
Graduate Coordinator for Biological Sciences
Biology Building 1112I
Murray State University
Murray, KY 42071
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(office) 270-809-6051
(lab) 270-809-6052
email mflinn(at)murraystate.edu
