[ECOLOG-L] NSF Advanced Computational Research Experience for Students REU at Michigan State University- Predicting Biodiversity Hotspots and Coldspots in Space and Time
Michigan State University offers several NSF Advanced Computational Research Experience for Students (ACRES) REU positions for Summer 2017 One to three positions are available for the project: Predicting Biodiversity Hotspots and Coldspots in Space and Time Mentors: Drs. Phoebe Zarnetske, Kyla Dahlin, Patricia Soranno, Kendra Cheruvelil, Andrew Finley, and Lifeng Luo. A major challenge for scientists is to generate robust models that describe and predict biodiversity in space and time. With these models, we can identify hotspots (highs) and coldspots (lows) of biodiversity change, which are likely linked with shifts in ecosystem functions and services. Students will have the opportunity to study and forecast the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, using a variety of computational tools and spatial analysis. Key aspects of the project include: analyzing ?big data? from the NSF National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), learning remote sensing techniques, conducting statistical spatial analysis in R (including species distribution modeling), learning Python and QGIS, and learning to run models on the MSU High Performance Computing Cluster. Prior coursework in biology, ecology, or environmental science is a plus but not required. Other ACRES REU opportunities are also available at Michigan State. To learn more about these opportunities, and to apply, visit: https://icer-acres.msu.edu/ For other questions, contact Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske: p...@anr.msu.edu Laura A. Twardochleb PhD Student Zarnetske Spatial & Community Ecology Lab Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Michigan State University communityecologylab.weebly.com
[ECOLOG-L] Field Experiment Technician- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University
The Zarnetske Spatial and Community Ecology Lab at Michigan State University, Department of Forestry, offers a field experiment technician position for the project, "Climate Change and Herbivore Effects on Plant Communities." Position description: The Field Technician will directly manage a long-term climate warming experiment on early successional plant communities in Michigan, USA. The goal of the experiment is to quantify the single and interactive effects of climate warming and insect herbivory on plant communities through time. The Field Technician would oversee two experimental sites, to ensure their proper functioning and record long-term ecological data on plants, insects, and climate. The two sites are located at: Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Ecological Research site (KBS LTER), in Hickory Corners, Michigan, and the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) in Pellston, Michigan. The individual will work directly under Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske to determine the experiment?s management needs, and will be based at one or both of the sites throughout the summer. Responsibilities include field data collection, data entry, applying insecticide treatments twice monthly during the growing season, and maintaining the experiment infrastructure. The position would also involve co-designing and constructing precipitation treatments at one or both sites. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in ecological field work with plants and/or insects. Position is available for 1 field season (March - early October 2017), with the potential for extension, contingent on satisfactory progress and funding. See more about the lab?s research here: http://www.msu.edu/~plz. For more information about the position and how to apply, see the lab opportunities page: http://communityecologylab.weebly.com/opportunities.html For other questions, contact Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske p...@anr.msu.edu Laura A. Twardochleb tward...@msu.edu PhD Student Zarnetske Spatial & Community Ecology Lab Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Michigan State University communityecologylab.weebly.com
[ECOLOG-L] NSF REU Summer Position- Michigan State University
NSF REU Summer Position- Michigan State University A position is available with the Zarnetske Spatial and Community Ecology Lab studying "Climate Effects on Species Interactions in Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems." Summary: The student will gain hands-on experience with field experiments in both terrestrial and freshwater systems at two LTER sites at Kellogg Biological Station in southwestern Michigan. Responsibilities will include assistance in field- and lab-based data collection as well as set-up of an aquatic long-term ecological experiment. The student will be responsible for working ~40 hours/week from May-August, 2016, exact dates TBD. This is a paid position that includes housing, meals, and funding for travel and research expenses. For information about how to apply, visit the Spatial and Community Ecology Lab website: http://communityecologylab.weebly.com/opportunities.html Please send applications to Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske, p...@anr.msu.edu Laura Twardochleb tward...@msu.edu Laura A. Twardochleb PhD Student Zarnetske Spatial & Community Ecology Lab Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University http://communityecologylab.weebly.com
