*Position Opening:* *DUE 3/11/15: National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate Position (REU): Testing for cryptic seed dispersal to explain connectivity effects on plant communities. *Duration: 15 weeks from mid-May to mid-August 2015 (flexible start and end dates)
We seek to hire a continuing undergraduate student to work within a landscape fragmentation experiment to understand the long-term impacts of habitat connectivity on plant community assembly and diversity. Our field site is at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. The REU student will be involved in a part of the research project that asks: To what extent could large mammals potentially disperse seeds through incidental ingestion? The REU student will take the lead in this area and work with Dr. Ellen Damschen and her Ph.D. student, Quinn Sorenson, to formulate methods and analysis. As a part of this project the student will collect and process animal scat samples to determine if they contain seeds. Additionally, the REU student will support the main experiment by performing vegetation sampling, and collecting plant functional traits. The student will work in the lab of Ellen Damschen (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and be directly mentored and supervised by her graduate student. While in South Carolina, the student will work and interact with the project PIs, graduate students, technicians, and local US Forest Service resource managers. *The position gives a stipend of $400 per week and provides funds to assist with travel, housing, and project materials.* Applicants should be an undergraduate and plan to enroll as a full time student in Fall 2015. Successful candidates should have experience with plant identification and be able to endure hot and humid conditions and long hours in the field. Previous field research experience, strong organizational skills, perseverance, and the desire to quickly learn the longleaf pine forest understory flora are mandatory. Because the Savannah River Site is a highly secure area run by the U.S. Department of Energy, non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. For full consideration, apply by March 11, 2015, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, email Quinn Sorenson ( [email protected])a CV and a cover letter describing past experience, why this opportunity interests you, and why you are a strong candidate for this position. Additionally, please supply dates of availability, and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references.
