M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY SHRUB ENCROACHMENT INTO COASTAL PRAIRIE I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the ecological consequences of shrub encroachment into coastal prairies of south Texas. Conversion of coastal prairies and other grassland ecosystems into shrublands is a global phenomenon with important implications because of the potential for changes in plant functional type (grass vs. shrub) to alter ecosystem function, such as the ecosystem’s ability to provide habitat for wildlife, control microclimate, produce and store carbon, cycle water and nutrients, and stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and aplomado falcon.
The position will begin in spring 2014 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 15-19 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month salary, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
