Are you interested in field research experience and learning about the ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented prairies? We are looking for 3-6 summer researchers for an NSF-funded project investigating how habitat fragmentation influences inbreeding, pollination, herbivory, and demography in purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia, populations in western Minnesota. We anticipate hiring 2-3 REUs, 2-3 summer field assistants, and a 12-month research intern. This is a great opportunity for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists to gain research experience and learn about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairies!
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working. During the summer, you will monitor natural plant populations, observe and collect bees, measure plant traits in experimental plots, and assist in all aspects of research. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to pursue an independent project as an REU participant. Potential projects could involve observing & collecting insects, monitoring flowering phenology, conducting statistical analyses, or computer programming. If you would like more information or wish to apply, please visit this website http://echinaceaProject.org/opportunities/ or contact Stuart Wagenius. Applications will be reviewed starting 26 February 2014 for REU positions and 4 March for other positions.
