We have funding for one enthusiastic student interested in a research
experience in forest ecology, physiology and genetics of disease resistance in
collaboration with the Still lab at Oregon State University and the USDA Forest
Service Dorena Genetic Resource Center in Cottage Grove, OR.
The successful applicant will become part of a research team working to
quantify the geographic pattern and frequency of natural genetic resistance of
southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) to the non-native invasive
pathogen, Cronartium ribicola, across the tree’s range. There is growing
concern that many forests will become endangered as a result of climate change,
shifting disturbance regimes and invasive pathogens. The broad aim of this
collaborative project is to study how the mechanistic processes spanning scales
of biological complexity over time and space interact with global change to
influence the distribution, gene flow, local adaptation and host-pathogen
dynamics in southwestern white pine. Our research utilizes genomic techniques,
bioinformatics, and common garden experiments. This is an integrative research
program that includes plant growth and physiology measurements in the common
gardens at Dorena Genetic Resource Center and greenhouse experiments at Oregon
State University, as well as analysis of patterns of resistance using
statistical analysis, GIS, and landscape genetics methods. The student will be
exposed to various methods and will be expected to develop an independent
research project within the scope of the larger research program.
Students will be fully supported for 10 to 11 weeks during the summer of 2018.
Funding is provided from an REU supplement to our National Science Foundation
Macrosystems Biology grant. A $500 weekly stipend will be provided to the
student for food and lodging in the Eugene, OR area. The start of the REU is
negotiable with optimal start dates between May 1 and June 17.
To apply please email Johnson and Still an updated copy of your CV (including
GPA) and a one page statement of your research interests and experience, as
well as goals for your education and career. Applicants should arrange to have
one faculty member provide a letter of recommendation (email is fine).
Students with experience in quantitative genetics, physiology, mixed model
analysis, GIS and/or bioinformatics are encouraged to apply. Application
deadline is 9 March 2018. Feel free to email us with questions.
-Jeremy Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Associate - Dorena Genetic Resource
Center: jeremy.john...@nau.edu<mailto:jeremy.john...@nau.edu>
-Chris Still, Principle Investigator:
chris.st...@oregonstate.edu<mailto:chris.st...@oregonstate.edu>
Jeremy Johnson
Northern Arizona University
USFS Dorena Genetic Resource Center
E-mail: jeremy.john...@nau.edu
--
Jeremy S. Johnson Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
School of Forestry
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Office: Dorena Genetic Resource Center
Cottage Grove, OR
office phone:541.767.5718
jeremy.john...@nau.edu
jeremysjohn...@fs.fed.us