We are seeking a PhD student to work on an integrated research and extension project studying the ecology of native bee communities in organic and transitioning farming systems. We are investigating how farming practices interact with land-use (specifically urbanization) to influence native bee communities and the pollination services they provide. The project also will investigate the impacts of habitat augmentation on promoting healthy native bee communities that efficiently pollinate crops.
This is a federally-funded project in the laboratory of Dr. David Crowder that involves a second PhD student (Eli Bloom). The incoming student will have the opportunity to work with Crowder and Bloom to develop an innovative research program focusing on native bees and the ecological services they provide. Possibilities include investigating how farming systems and land-use influence the diversity and stability of native bee communities, the structure of bee-plant food webs in different farming systems, and interactions between native bees and honey bees. The incoming student will also be asked to participate in a myriad of educational opportunities to help train citizen-scientists and farmers on “good-practices” to promote native bee health. This position is available starting January 2015, although a start date of May 2015 may be negotiable. Funding is available for the duration of the PhD as a research assistantship, although the student will be asked to serve as a teaching assistant for one semester to fulfill requirements of the Entomology PhD at Washington State University. Coursework will be done on Washington State University’s main campus in Pullman, Washington, which is located in eastern Washington near the Idaho border. This area is known for a pleasant summer climate and abundant outdoor activities. Field work will be primarily conducted in western Washington (near Seattle and Tacoma), and the student will have the opportunity to move to this area after coursework is completed (1.0-1.5 years). Interested students should contact Dr. Crowder ([email protected]) and Eli Bloom ([email protected]) with a cover letter describing their background and interest in the position along with an updated CV and GRE scores. Students will also have to formally apply to the graduate school at WSU. Applicants will be screened as they are received.
