RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES Ecology of Bird Loss (EBL) Project Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Summer of 2015
The Ecology of Bird Loss project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student interested in gaining research experience in tropical forest ecology. The student will assist with an ongoing experiment that examines the role of seed dispersers in forest treefall gap dynamics and will work with an undergraduate REU student from the Mariana Islands to develop a research project related to this experiment. An interest in community ecology, plant ecology and/or plant-animal interactions is required. General Description of the EBL project: The Ecology of Bird Loss project examines the effect of bird loss from the island of Guam on forest ecosystems. We do this by comparing forests on Guam, where birds are functionally extinct due to predation by the invasive brown treesnake, to forests on Saipan and Rota, where native bird populations are still intact. We have a particular focus on the role of seed dispersal by birds and bats. For more information on the project, visit www.ecologyofbirdloss.org. Requirements and qualifications The successful applicant must: - Be current freshman, sophomore or junior and registered for classes in Fall 2015 - Be a US citizen and hold a valid US drvier’s license - Be willing to commit 10 weeks of their summer break - Be able to pay attention to detail - Work well as part of a group and independently with minimal supervision - Be flexible - Have previous field work experience Research involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Duration, Payments and Benefits The successful applicant will receive: - A roundtrip flight from the mainland US to Guam - A stipend of $400 per week for 10 weeks between May and August 2015 - Housing and access to a shared car. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, an unofficial copy of your transcripts, and contact information for 3 references in a single pdf document to Dr. Haldre Rogers ([email protected]). The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. The subject line of your application should read “EBL REU application (your last name)”. For more information, email Dr. Haldre Rogers ([email protected]). Applications are due March 30th.
