Hillslope hydrology undergraduate research opportunity at Hubbard Brook Application deadline: Mar. 2, 2012
The Hubbard Brook LTER site currently has two Research Experience for Undergraduate positions available for the summer of 2012, in topics relating to tree physiological ecology and hydrology. Both positions will be embedded with teams of researchers working on related, but somewhat distinct, projects, so REU students will gain exposure to a variety of research projects while developing independent projects of their own. This program is conducted with National Science Foundation funding that provides students with a $5,000 stipend, room and board, and an allowance to cover supplies and travel to and from site. This 10-week program begins Tuesday, May 29 and ends Tuesday, August 7. Applications are due by 5pm, March 2. Applicants must be United States citizens. Hillslope hydrology: A group of researchers from the USDA Forest Service, Virginia Tech, and the University of Vermont are collaborating on a project documenting the varying flowpaths that water takes through soils in its journey through hillslopes on its way to streams. An REU student will work closely with a team including research scientists and graduate students. Duties will include installation and operation of tensiometers and pore water samplers and collection and characterization of soil samples in a headwater forested watershed. The student will also help conduct total station surveys at several sites exemplifying the topography and surface features of the watershed. The position will require long days in the field under varying weather conditions. No previous field experience is required, but the applicant should be enthusiastic and hard-working. The approach of this project follows the emerging discipline of hydropedology, with implications for understanding water quality regulation and spatial patterns in forest soil habitats. Within this framework, the REU student will develop, conduct and report on an independent project. For more information about the project and researchers please visit: http://hydro.vwrrc.vt.edu/Lab/Hydroped.html. To apply, download the application from: http://hubbardbrookfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-REU-application.docx and submit it, along with the essay described in the form, to: gwil...@hbresearchfoundation.org by 5 pm on Friday, March 2. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the time of the program. First semester seniors are eligible, but recent graduates are not. The application form and information about the REU may also be found at: http://hydro.vwrrc.vt.edu/Lab/Opportunities.html
