Are you an undergraduate student interested in conservation, landscapes, and urban sustainability? Professor Kelli Larson at Arizona State University is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate student to participate in research during the summer of 2018. The participant will work with faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students to explore how people manage their yards and what types of landscapes cities are pursuing for water conservation, biodiversity, and other purposes. The student will work with team members to conduct research on current landscape design trends across cities of the U.S.
The position is located in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, and situated in the northern Sonoran Desert, which is home to the iconic saguaro cactus and charismatic desert animals. ASU is located in Tempe, a lively and vibrant college town with accessible public transportation and amenities. This REU is a 10-week position that runs from mid-May to mid-August, 2018. The successful applicant will be awarded a $5,000 stipend, and up to $3,000 for room and board. Additionally, funding is available for the REU student to prepare and present a poster at the January 2019 CAP LTER All Scientists Meeting in Tempe, AZ. About the Project As part of a NSF-funded Macrosystems grant, Larson’s research group is exploring residential landscapes and how they are designed and managed across diverse cities including Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL. Documenting landscaping trends in residential areas is critical for enhancing the environmental and social value of these common urban ecosystems. Minimum Qualifications The successful candidate must: • Be pursuing a degree in geography, planning, sustainability, landscape design/architecture, or a related field. • Have an interest in environmental research. • Be able to work in Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Have solid written and verbal communication skills. • Be able to work independently and as part of a team. Desired Qualifications • Interest in developing this research into an Honors thesis and/or for publication. • Experience in conducting social science research. Eligibility Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full- time) leading to a Bachelor’s degree. The funding also requires the student to be must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the U.S. How to apply Please send cover letter, resume or CV, and unofficial transcripts to [email protected] by April 23, 2018.
