PURPOSE: The Bernhardt lab (http://bernhardtlab.weebly.com/) at Duke
University has a research experience for undergraduates (REU) position
open for the summer of 2015. The REU student will design and conduct a
study that contributes to a larger project examining how variability in
urban watershed development affects receiving streams.
DESCRIPTION: Most of the urban growth projected until 2030 is expected
to occur in medium to small sized cities (population 1-5 million), yet
neither the structure nor the effects of the intermediate intensity
development characteristic of these cities on aquatic ecosystems are
well understood. This project is exploring how differences in urban
landscape characteristics within a narrow range of intermediate
development intensity drive variation in the water quality of receiving
streams.
Over the past year and a half we have been monitoring the pour
point of 24 watersheds throughout the NC Piedmont Triangle. The REU
student will be expected to work with a team of researchers to develop a
study which addresses an aspect of our overarching question. Potential
projects include linking urban landscape characteristics to: suspended
sediment and contaminant transport during storm flows, stream metabolism
during disturbance events, variation in microbial activity, organic
matter and nutrient dynamics, and other related projects. The REU
student will be involved in both the field and laboratory components of
this work. She/he will also participate in some of the stream
monitoring, which will provide the background data needed to interpret
the results within the broader context of the project.
REQUIREMENTS: Experience with field research in an ecology, hydrology,
or biogeochemistry lab a plus but not necessary. Background or at least
one environmental science, ecology, and chemistry course is required.
Must be self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision. Must
have a driver’s license and be willing to drive a large lab vehicle. We
are especially interested in students who would like to gain research
experience that will contribute to a thesis.
Name of Student's Supervisors: Joanna Blaszczak, Joseph Delesantro, Dr.
Emily Bernhardt
Position/Time Frame: ~9 weeks with summer stipend
How to apply: Send your resume, including your GPA, relevant classes
taken, and a brief description of why you are interested and relevant
experience to Joanna Blaszczak at [email protected]
Application Deadline: Friday, April 10th, 2015
