Opening for a graduate student (Ph.D. or M.S.) interested in conducting research on the conservation and ecology of aquatic insects that contributes to conserving the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana), a federally-listed endangered species that occurs in the Midwestern United States and Canada. The species has a number of unique ecological and behavioral attributes, and its survival is closely linked to groundwater dynamics. You can contribute to ongoing research efforts including habitat conservation, e-DNA protocol development, captive- rearing, and habitat restoration. Field research is conducted primarily in Door County, Wisconsin and near Chicago, Illinois. Students interested in adult or larval dragonfly ecology and behavior, or with general interests in wetland hydrology and predator-prey or predator- predator interactions are especially encouraged. I seek self-motivated students interested in working on studies that integrate basic and applied ecology. In my lab we work closely with a number of federal, state, and local agencies as well as non-profits. If you are interested in conducting research that plays a vital role in saving a rare and unusual species, or conserving aquatic insects in general, contact Dr. Daniel A. Soluk, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of South Dakota ((dso...@usd.edu, http://www.usdbiology.com/soluk) for further information. Support for this position comes from a combination of Teaching and Research Assistantships. Consideration of applicants will begin January 10, 2018.
