Previous Graduate Research Mentors
Biology (EB)
Rose Osborne
Ecology
My PhD research focuses on Pacific island land snail body size. I am interested in how evolutionary relationships, habitat differences, and immigrant selection impact body size differences between Pacific island land snails, focusing on land snail of the Belau Archipelago (Republic of Palau, Oceania). I measure land snail body size from digital images of shells, and I'm exploring better ways to measure snail body size from photographs.
I returned from my Summer 2018 field season in Belau with thousands of snail specimens to photograph and measure. Undergrads volunteering on this project will help me image specimens using digital light microscopy. In other words, we put tiny snails under a dissecting scope connected by a camera to a computer and record images generated by the camera. Undergrads are expected to work an average of 3 or more hours per week photographing snails, depending on number of credit-hours for which they register, and can set their own schedules based on when they prefer to work in lab. Undergraduates will learn to use digital light micrography hardware and software and handle delicate invertebrate specimens. This opportunity may expand into other shell photography opportunities, digital image processing, a summer research apprenticeship, and/or other projects of mutual interest relating to land snail body size.
If you are interested, please email your CV and a brief outline of why you would like to join the project to [email protected].
Mariano Arias
Ecology
I work on myrmecochory - the dispersal of seeds by ants, a common plant-ant partnership in North America’s deciduous forests. My research aims to characterize this mutualism along ecological gradients in the northern forest, and to identify the biotic and abiotic factors that may hinder or promote plant migration by influencing this interaction.
I currently have forest litter samples and vegetation cover data, collected at conifer and hardwood forests from the Finger Lakes area in New York, which constitutes the core data base of my first field season. I also have a small collection of live ant nests intended to be used in seed removal experiments. Undergraduate students volunteering for this project will be helping me in extracting ants from litter samples, managing an invertebrate collection, setting up seed removal experiments, and digitizing data. This is a nice opportunity for you to add these skills to your toolbox, earn credits and have fun playing with ants while doing so. If you are interested, contact me at [email protected], and please include a CV on your email.
Jason Hamidi and Jessica Van Splinter
Entomology
Members of the Fierke lab are looking for two field techs to help us with insect pollinator research projects around New York State during the summer. These are paid positions! In the field, we’ll be setting up pan traps/sweeping and in the lab processing/pinning/ID’ing our samples. On field days, we’ll leave from campus to head to our sites.
This position is paid, requiring ~40hours/week during the summer.
Candidates must:
• Have availability throughout summer
• Have the ability to carry equipment and be outside for extended periods of time.
Preferred but not required:
• Entomology experience
• Plant ID experience
• Previous research experience
If interested, please send your resumes to [email protected] with the days/times you can meet for an interview.
Molly Jacobson
Conservation Biology
My research focuses on native pollinators in restored wetlands. I seek to discover what native bee assemblages exist in restored wetlands like the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and how the varying management regimes influence these assemblages in terms of abundance, diversity, and composition. Through this, it is my hope to learn more about how bees are using wetlands and the floral resources within these systems, possibly as a refuge in agriculture-dominated landscapes. This would provide new insight into how wetland management affects pollinators, so we may better understand how to protect native bees and improve best management practices, and offer further justification for the conservation and restoration of wetlands, especially near agriculture.
I am looking for an undergraduate student, preferably an honors student, who is highly motivated and would be interested in 1) assisting me during the summer field season, collecting bees at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and 2) conducting undergraduate research under the guidance of Dr. Mike Schummer, on monarch butterflies in restored wetlands, with the expectation of publication (great for your resume!)
Due to the nature of this work extending into the next semester or beyond, you would need to be a returning student. The details of the research are still being finalized, but at this point in time, the field season will be at least from May-September, depending on the phenology of the flowering plants at Montezuma. For monarch research, there will be additional field sites, possibly Iroquois NWR, Oak Orchard WMA, and Tonawanda WMA. Field work will likely be 2-3 weeks per month. Driving license required, and must not be allergic to bee stings (stings are rare, but precaution should still be taken). Previous entomological experience, particularly with bees, is a great help, but not required, so long as you can learn the methodology quickly and effectively.
Possible funding for the position is still in progress. However, some compensation will be available for honors students. If you have questions, contact Molly Jacobson ([email protected]) and Dr. Mike Schummer ([email protected], or stop by Illick 204), and if interested please include a letter of interest, resume/CV, and unofficial transcripts in one pdf, addressed to both of us.
Abigail Jago
Entomology
A unique opportunity for a student to contribute to a Rare & Endangered Pollinator Survey, collecting & preparing insects from all major regions in NYS through the summer.
This project is part of a larger project with NY Natural Heritage Program: http://www.nynhp.org/pollinators
This is a paid position. Work 40 hours a week from May 13th- Aug 23rd.
Candidate MUST:
Preferred but NOT required:
*Note: Position open to current, graduating, or past ESF students*
If you're interested, send your resume & days/times that you can meet for an interview to
[email protected].
Michaela Kenward/Carrick Palmer
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
Seeking field assistants for the Onondaga Lake biomonitoring project
3 PAID undergraduate positions available (May– October 2019)
•Need motivated students willing to work a mixture of days and nights (~35 hrs/week). Personal transportation is required
•Work closely with EFB graduate students and gain valuable field experience in fisheries techniques and aquatic ecology
•Fish community and habitat assessment in Onondaga Lake (gill, trap, seine, and sturgeon netting. Boat electrofishing and plant surveys)
•Send resume and interest statement to Michaela Kenward & Carrick Palmer ([email protected] & [email protected]) or drop off in Illick 127
•Deadline: Monday, 2/25/19
Toby Liss
Ecology
I use green roofs as a model system to conduct experiments on the relationship between plant species richness, functional diversity, and ecosystem functions such as water use and nutrient retention. This experiment will involve a substantial amount of labor to build green roof microcosms and plant them with a variety of species that can tolerate the stressful conditions on a green roof. Over the summer I will measure precipitation inputs and runoff outputs of the planted microcosms, and collect runoff for nutrient analyses.
Expectations for an Undergrad: At the moment I have a lot of repetitive construction labor to get the microcosms up and running (tool work, digging, carrying, planting), and data collection over the summer (reading rain gauges, emptying collection buckets, taking water samples). Looking for an undergrad that doesn't mind hard physical labor outdoors/repetitive tasks in the name of science. Ability to work independently after training is a must. This project has potential for an independent undergrad aspect down the road (this summer/fall or next).
If you're interested, stop by my office in 401 Illick or email me at [email protected]
Alex Petzke
Ecology
I am studying populations of the annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) from both
inland and coastal salt marshes to investigate differences in the plants’ physiological responses to
the strikingly different environments of these two ecosystems; variables of interest include
hydrological regime, nutrient availability, and salinity. I will be conducting a pilot greenhouse
study later this spring and can use help in its implementation. Research credit is possible but data
will not be available until the fall semester.
Expectations: I am looking for an assistant who is ambitious, enthusiastic, independent, and
detail-oriented. You must be willing to help with a variety of tasks including experiment setup,
preparation of materials, routine experiment maintenance, and data collection and analysis. You
must be available through the summer and have a flexible schedule (we can discuss details
further if you contact me). If you are a good fit for this position and will be at ESF for future
semesters there may be opportunities to assist with other aspects of my research, including field
work. If you are interested in this opportunity please send me an email at [email protected] with
your CV attached and briefly tell me why you think you are a good fit for this position.
Rea Manderino
Entomology
The Parry Lab is looking for full time techs for Summer 2019 (May-August) to assist with research on several different insect conservation and invasive species projects.
General responsibilities will include: Assist with rearing caterpillars of several different species, collection of insects and other data from the field, foliage collection, data recording and entry.
Should be able to hike off trail, enjoy the outdoors, be willing to work weekends, record data accurately, and be able to work independently. A car is a plus! All positions paid.
Position 1: Syracuse based - Assist with gypsy moth experiments looking at adaptive change across its invasive range in North America. Some travel (Heiberg Forest and Lafayette Rd. field station). If interested, contact Dr. Parry ([email protected]).
Position 2 & 3: Syracuse based - Evaluation of biological control of invading black and pale swallow-wort. Some assistance with gypsy moth projects. Help assess performance of caterpillars from the Hubbard Brook ice storm study (Project ISE). Assist with giant silk moth study. If interested contact Dr. Parry ([email protected]).
There are potential independent research projects that could be used to fill EFB-498 (Independent research) requirements with each of the positions.
Michelle Stantial
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
As a Ph.D. candidate my interests include predator-prey relationships, population dynamics, species interactions, and conservation. My current project will examine the factors limiting reproductive success of piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) in southern New Jersey. The Atlantic coast population of piping plovers has more than doubled since 1986 due to intensive management efforts across the breeding range. However, the New Jersey population has remained at approximately 100 pairs since listing, despite recovery actions taken by wildlife agencies. The goal of the project will be to make specific management recommendations that will maximize ideal piping plover breeding habitat and minimize the effects of predation and human disturbance.
My expectations of an undergraduate mentee are simple: I'm looking for someone who is willing to work hard and who will have great attention to detail. I am currently working on a coast-wide data collection smartphone app for piping plovers. The tool has the potential to streamline and standardize data collection across the entire range of the species as well as implications for collecting data for other beach-nesting birds. We will be working on meticulously entering data and testing the app so that users can be ready for the 2018 nesting season. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected].
Jordon Tourville
Ecology
The Dovciak Lab at SUNY-ESF seeks undergraduate research aides to assist an NSF-funded project studying responses of sensitive montane forest ecosystems in the northeastern United States to changing environmental factors such as changing climate, land management, biogeochemical cycles, trophic cascades, and declining biodiversity. You will help us answer questions such as “How do tree species shift their distributions in response to global environmental changes?” while gaining valuable research skills. This is a perfect opportunity to gain valuable research experience for students in any department and level, and especially for students in EFB (covers EFB 498 or EFB 298 research credits).
We have following research opportunities:
Please email Jordon Tourville ([email protected]) for any questions regarding details of the opportunities or stop by 302 Illick Hall.
Michelle Volk
Conservation Biology
I'm researching effectiveness of biocontrol on the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), because the eastern hemlock, a unique and ecologically important foundational species, is being threatened by this invasive insect. I released silver flies into branch enclosures to test for success, based on predation and fly offspring, in Spring 2018.
Students would go through HWA infested branches, counting the number of HWA found. Please send me an email describing why you are interested and your level of experience. (No experience is required, but familiarity with a microscope is preferred.) This opportunity is meant to earn you credit in your required internship 498 course.
Office: Illick 148
Email: [email protected]
Ecology
My PhD research focuses on Pacific island land snail body size. I am interested in how evolutionary relationships, habitat differences, and immigrant selection impact body size differences between Pacific island land snails, focusing on land snail of the Belau Archipelago (Republic of Palau, Oceania). I measure land snail body size from digital images of shells, and I'm exploring better ways to measure snail body size from photographs.
I returned from my Summer 2018 field season in Belau with thousands of snail specimens to photograph and measure. Undergrads volunteering on this project will help me image specimens using digital light microscopy. In other words, we put tiny snails under a dissecting scope connected by a camera to a computer and record images generated by the camera. Undergrads are expected to work an average of 3 or more hours per week photographing snails, depending on number of credit-hours for which they register, and can set their own schedules based on when they prefer to work in lab. Undergraduates will learn to use digital light micrography hardware and software and handle delicate invertebrate specimens. This opportunity may expand into other shell photography opportunities, digital image processing, a summer research apprenticeship, and/or other projects of mutual interest relating to land snail body size.
If you are interested, please email your CV and a brief outline of why you would like to join the project to [email protected].
Mariano Arias
Ecology
I work on myrmecochory - the dispersal of seeds by ants, a common plant-ant partnership in North America’s deciduous forests. My research aims to characterize this mutualism along ecological gradients in the northern forest, and to identify the biotic and abiotic factors that may hinder or promote plant migration by influencing this interaction.
I currently have forest litter samples and vegetation cover data, collected at conifer and hardwood forests from the Finger Lakes area in New York, which constitutes the core data base of my first field season. I also have a small collection of live ant nests intended to be used in seed removal experiments. Undergraduate students volunteering for this project will be helping me in extracting ants from litter samples, managing an invertebrate collection, setting up seed removal experiments, and digitizing data. This is a nice opportunity for you to add these skills to your toolbox, earn credits and have fun playing with ants while doing so. If you are interested, contact me at [email protected], and please include a CV on your email.
Jason Hamidi and Jessica Van Splinter
Entomology
Members of the Fierke lab are looking for two field techs to help us with insect pollinator research projects around New York State during the summer. These are paid positions! In the field, we’ll be setting up pan traps/sweeping and in the lab processing/pinning/ID’ing our samples. On field days, we’ll leave from campus to head to our sites.
This position is paid, requiring ~40hours/week during the summer.
Candidates must:
• Have availability throughout summer
• Have the ability to carry equipment and be outside for extended periods of time.
Preferred but not required:
• Entomology experience
• Plant ID experience
• Previous research experience
If interested, please send your resumes to [email protected] with the days/times you can meet for an interview.
Molly Jacobson
Conservation Biology
My research focuses on native pollinators in restored wetlands. I seek to discover what native bee assemblages exist in restored wetlands like the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and how the varying management regimes influence these assemblages in terms of abundance, diversity, and composition. Through this, it is my hope to learn more about how bees are using wetlands and the floral resources within these systems, possibly as a refuge in agriculture-dominated landscapes. This would provide new insight into how wetland management affects pollinators, so we may better understand how to protect native bees and improve best management practices, and offer further justification for the conservation and restoration of wetlands, especially near agriculture.
I am looking for an undergraduate student, preferably an honors student, who is highly motivated and would be interested in 1) assisting me during the summer field season, collecting bees at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and 2) conducting undergraduate research under the guidance of Dr. Mike Schummer, on monarch butterflies in restored wetlands, with the expectation of publication (great for your resume!)
Due to the nature of this work extending into the next semester or beyond, you would need to be a returning student. The details of the research are still being finalized, but at this point in time, the field season will be at least from May-September, depending on the phenology of the flowering plants at Montezuma. For monarch research, there will be additional field sites, possibly Iroquois NWR, Oak Orchard WMA, and Tonawanda WMA. Field work will likely be 2-3 weeks per month. Driving license required, and must not be allergic to bee stings (stings are rare, but precaution should still be taken). Previous entomological experience, particularly with bees, is a great help, but not required, so long as you can learn the methodology quickly and effectively.
Possible funding for the position is still in progress. However, some compensation will be available for honors students. If you have questions, contact Molly Jacobson ([email protected]) and Dr. Mike Schummer ([email protected], or stop by Illick 204), and if interested please include a letter of interest, resume/CV, and unofficial transcripts in one pdf, addressed to both of us.
Abigail Jago
Entomology
A unique opportunity for a student to contribute to a Rare & Endangered Pollinator Survey, collecting & preparing insects from all major regions in NYS through the summer.
This project is part of a larger project with NY Natural Heritage Program: http://www.nynhp.org/pollinators
This is a paid position. Work 40 hours a week from May 13th- Aug 23rd.
Candidate MUST:
- Have a valid driver license for at least 1 year
- Have experience hiking, camping, & backpacking
- Need to provide own equipment
- Have availability throughout the summer
- Live in Syracuse during the summer
Preferred but NOT required:
- Entomological experience
- Previous research experience
*Note: Position open to current, graduating, or past ESF students*
If you're interested, send your resume & days/times that you can meet for an interview to
[email protected].
Michaela Kenward/Carrick Palmer
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
Seeking field assistants for the Onondaga Lake biomonitoring project
3 PAID undergraduate positions available (May– October 2019)
•Need motivated students willing to work a mixture of days and nights (~35 hrs/week). Personal transportation is required
•Work closely with EFB graduate students and gain valuable field experience in fisheries techniques and aquatic ecology
•Fish community and habitat assessment in Onondaga Lake (gill, trap, seine, and sturgeon netting. Boat electrofishing and plant surveys)
•Send resume and interest statement to Michaela Kenward & Carrick Palmer ([email protected] & [email protected]) or drop off in Illick 127
•Deadline: Monday, 2/25/19
Toby Liss
Ecology
I use green roofs as a model system to conduct experiments on the relationship between plant species richness, functional diversity, and ecosystem functions such as water use and nutrient retention. This experiment will involve a substantial amount of labor to build green roof microcosms and plant them with a variety of species that can tolerate the stressful conditions on a green roof. Over the summer I will measure precipitation inputs and runoff outputs of the planted microcosms, and collect runoff for nutrient analyses.
Expectations for an Undergrad: At the moment I have a lot of repetitive construction labor to get the microcosms up and running (tool work, digging, carrying, planting), and data collection over the summer (reading rain gauges, emptying collection buckets, taking water samples). Looking for an undergrad that doesn't mind hard physical labor outdoors/repetitive tasks in the name of science. Ability to work independently after training is a must. This project has potential for an independent undergrad aspect down the road (this summer/fall or next).
If you're interested, stop by my office in 401 Illick or email me at [email protected]
Alex Petzke
Ecology
I am studying populations of the annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) from both
inland and coastal salt marshes to investigate differences in the plants’ physiological responses to
the strikingly different environments of these two ecosystems; variables of interest include
hydrological regime, nutrient availability, and salinity. I will be conducting a pilot greenhouse
study later this spring and can use help in its implementation. Research credit is possible but data
will not be available until the fall semester.
Expectations: I am looking for an assistant who is ambitious, enthusiastic, independent, and
detail-oriented. You must be willing to help with a variety of tasks including experiment setup,
preparation of materials, routine experiment maintenance, and data collection and analysis. You
must be available through the summer and have a flexible schedule (we can discuss details
further if you contact me). If you are a good fit for this position and will be at ESF for future
semesters there may be opportunities to assist with other aspects of my research, including field
work. If you are interested in this opportunity please send me an email at [email protected] with
your CV attached and briefly tell me why you think you are a good fit for this position.
Rea Manderino
Entomology
The Parry Lab is looking for full time techs for Summer 2019 (May-August) to assist with research on several different insect conservation and invasive species projects.
General responsibilities will include: Assist with rearing caterpillars of several different species, collection of insects and other data from the field, foliage collection, data recording and entry.
Should be able to hike off trail, enjoy the outdoors, be willing to work weekends, record data accurately, and be able to work independently. A car is a plus! All positions paid.
Position 1: Syracuse based - Assist with gypsy moth experiments looking at adaptive change across its invasive range in North America. Some travel (Heiberg Forest and Lafayette Rd. field station). If interested, contact Dr. Parry ([email protected]).
Position 2 & 3: Syracuse based - Evaluation of biological control of invading black and pale swallow-wort. Some assistance with gypsy moth projects. Help assess performance of caterpillars from the Hubbard Brook ice storm study (Project ISE). Assist with giant silk moth study. If interested contact Dr. Parry ([email protected]).
There are potential independent research projects that could be used to fill EFB-498 (Independent research) requirements with each of the positions.
Michelle Stantial
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
As a Ph.D. candidate my interests include predator-prey relationships, population dynamics, species interactions, and conservation. My current project will examine the factors limiting reproductive success of piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) in southern New Jersey. The Atlantic coast population of piping plovers has more than doubled since 1986 due to intensive management efforts across the breeding range. However, the New Jersey population has remained at approximately 100 pairs since listing, despite recovery actions taken by wildlife agencies. The goal of the project will be to make specific management recommendations that will maximize ideal piping plover breeding habitat and minimize the effects of predation and human disturbance.
My expectations of an undergraduate mentee are simple: I'm looking for someone who is willing to work hard and who will have great attention to detail. I am currently working on a coast-wide data collection smartphone app for piping plovers. The tool has the potential to streamline and standardize data collection across the entire range of the species as well as implications for collecting data for other beach-nesting birds. We will be working on meticulously entering data and testing the app so that users can be ready for the 2018 nesting season. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected].
Jordon Tourville
Ecology
The Dovciak Lab at SUNY-ESF seeks undergraduate research aides to assist an NSF-funded project studying responses of sensitive montane forest ecosystems in the northeastern United States to changing environmental factors such as changing climate, land management, biogeochemical cycles, trophic cascades, and declining biodiversity. You will help us answer questions such as “How do tree species shift their distributions in response to global environmental changes?” while gaining valuable research skills. This is a perfect opportunity to gain valuable research experience for students in any department and level, and especially for students in EFB (covers EFB 498 or EFB 298 research credits).
We have following research opportunities:
- Soil chemical analysis (summer)
- Plant propagation/greenhouse work (fall)
- Canopy photo analysis (fall)
- Seedling annual growth-ring analysis (fall)
- Soil analysis techniques:
- Soil texture quantification
- pH, extractable nutrients, CEC, etc.
- Seedling propagation
- Plant biomass estimation
- Mycorrhizal colonization quantification
- Image analysis
- Tree ring analysis software and quantification
- Data management and analysis
Please email Jordon Tourville ([email protected]) for any questions regarding details of the opportunities or stop by 302 Illick Hall.
Michelle Volk
Conservation Biology
I'm researching effectiveness of biocontrol on the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), because the eastern hemlock, a unique and ecologically important foundational species, is being threatened by this invasive insect. I released silver flies into branch enclosures to test for success, based on predation and fly offspring, in Spring 2018.
Students would go through HWA infested branches, counting the number of HWA found. Please send me an email describing why you are interested and your level of experience. (No experience is required, but familiarity with a microscope is preferred.) This opportunity is meant to earn you credit in your required internship 498 course.
Office: Illick 148
Email: [email protected]
Chemistry (FCH)
Environmental Science (GPES)
Annabel Roberts-McMichael
GPES - Coupled Natural and Human Systems
I use qualitative methods, GIS and species surveys, including techniques ranging from Participatory Action Research to standard interviews, group discussions and personal observation, to learn about Indigenous land issues in our region. I work closely with the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment and NYS DEC. I have a background in visual art, especially drawing, and for seven years following my undergraduate degree, I worked on a number of organic and food justice farms in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes in pursuit of regenerative food systems and a culture of nature connection. I have been learning about wild edible plants and survival skills. As I work toward a Society of American Foresters certification, I am learning ways we can help to care for forests and develop good relationships with the land where we are and people who live here. I also work with the ESF Botany Club. I would love to share with you about these experiences and involve you in any way, or assist you in your related pursuits. Let's go for a campus walk and taste some healthy plant gifts, or explore GIS apps! Please email me at [email protected] if interested.
Kayla Smith
GPES - Coupled Natural and Human Systems
My dissertation research involves rivers and marine connectivity in terms of diadromous (sea-run) fishes. This work focuses on how people perceive dam removal, and what drives receptivity to that given other priorities and interests. To address these social-ecological questions, I use quantitative and qualitative methods in the fields of ecological modeling, systems thinking, and environmental communication.
I am currently looking for an intern or research assistant to help facilitate a series of public engagement workshops throughout communities in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley, New York. Workshop goals aim to help educate and engage stakeholders on the positive aspects and limitations of dam removal within these communities, with a focus on migratory fish restoration, to support decision making processes. Tasks include organizing project materials, logistical event support and data entry/analysis. Student will gain an introduction to social science research and survey methods used to study human dimensions of environmental problems. If interested please send resume/CV to [email protected]
GPES - Coupled Natural and Human Systems
I use qualitative methods, GIS and species surveys, including techniques ranging from Participatory Action Research to standard interviews, group discussions and personal observation, to learn about Indigenous land issues in our region. I work closely with the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment and NYS DEC. I have a background in visual art, especially drawing, and for seven years following my undergraduate degree, I worked on a number of organic and food justice farms in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes in pursuit of regenerative food systems and a culture of nature connection. I have been learning about wild edible plants and survival skills. As I work toward a Society of American Foresters certification, I am learning ways we can help to care for forests and develop good relationships with the land where we are and people who live here. I also work with the ESF Botany Club. I would love to share with you about these experiences and involve you in any way, or assist you in your related pursuits. Let's go for a campus walk and taste some healthy plant gifts, or explore GIS apps! Please email me at [email protected] if interested.
Kayla Smith
GPES - Coupled Natural and Human Systems
My dissertation research involves rivers and marine connectivity in terms of diadromous (sea-run) fishes. This work focuses on how people perceive dam removal, and what drives receptivity to that given other priorities and interests. To address these social-ecological questions, I use quantitative and qualitative methods in the fields of ecological modeling, systems thinking, and environmental communication.
I am currently looking for an intern or research assistant to help facilitate a series of public engagement workshops throughout communities in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley, New York. Workshop goals aim to help educate and engage stakeholders on the positive aspects and limitations of dam removal within these communities, with a focus on migratory fish restoration, to support decision making processes. Tasks include organizing project materials, logistical event support and data entry/analysis. Student will gain an introduction to social science research and survey methods used to study human dimensions of environmental problems. If interested please send resume/CV to [email protected]
Forest and Natural Resource Management (FNRM)
Alex Rice (on behalf of the Yanai Lab)
Ecology and Ecosystems
For research apprenticeships (FOR 298), we can offer a variety of activities in the field and the lab. We will make several weekend trips to New Hampshire to collect leaf litter. Laboratory activities include processing leaf litter, analyzing soil texture, sorting roots from soil, sorting seeds from litter, identifying Neonectria species via microscopy, and entering and managing data. These do not require an independent project and are graded S/U based on hours worked (40 hours/credit).
For independent study (FOR 498), we have the following project opportunities:
1. It is important to understand the soil properties at our research sites. Samples from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest were collected in July and need to be analyzed for nitrogen and nutrient cations. Samples will be processed through sequential extractions and a digestion.
2. Roots from the soil pits excavated at Hubbard Brook this year can be used to complete a data set of roots collected from soil pits at Bartlett Experimental Forest. The distribution of root biomass is important to predicting forest productivity and nutrient uptake.
3. Are trees producing more leaves in response to fertilization? Which limits leaf production, N or P? Is there more of a response in young stands than old stands or in infertile sites compare to more fertile sites? We are sorting leaf litter by species and weighing them. These can be compared to pre-treatment data to analyze change over time due to nutrient additions. An intern on this project will learn to identify leaves by species, dry and weigh them, and organize and report the data.
4. Soil texture is a master variable that determines water holding capacity and affects nutrient cycling in ecosystems. We need to determine whether a pre-treatment to remove organic matter (by wet oxidation or dry ashing) is necessary to get accurate results. This project involves soil processing and analysis and data analysis and interpretation.
5. In the second year of nutrient treatments, we collected quantitative samples of leaf litter arthropods from all 13 of our sites. Using a dissecting microscope, sorting these arthropods to order (or possibly to family) would help to answer questions about the effect of nutrient additions (N, P, Ca) on the brown food web.
6. Video/photographic documentation of lab procedures: A student interested in environmental interpretation or science communication could help us document many of the lab procedures we find difficult to explain, such as root sorting, leaf sorting, ashing and digestion, ICP, and oxidizing soil organic matter prior to textural determination.
7. Our pre-treatment foliar data set is incomplete! There are archived samples in need of analysis. A student on this project would learn procedures for analyzing tissue chemistry using microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Data analysis could include calculation of foliar nutrient resorption in response to our treatments (pre-treatment concentrations being an important covariate in the analysis).
Contact Alex Rice ([email protected]) for more information.
Ecology and Ecosystems
For research apprenticeships (FOR 298), we can offer a variety of activities in the field and the lab. We will make several weekend trips to New Hampshire to collect leaf litter. Laboratory activities include processing leaf litter, analyzing soil texture, sorting roots from soil, sorting seeds from litter, identifying Neonectria species via microscopy, and entering and managing data. These do not require an independent project and are graded S/U based on hours worked (40 hours/credit).
For independent study (FOR 498), we have the following project opportunities:
1. It is important to understand the soil properties at our research sites. Samples from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest were collected in July and need to be analyzed for nitrogen and nutrient cations. Samples will be processed through sequential extractions and a digestion.
2. Roots from the soil pits excavated at Hubbard Brook this year can be used to complete a data set of roots collected from soil pits at Bartlett Experimental Forest. The distribution of root biomass is important to predicting forest productivity and nutrient uptake.
3. Are trees producing more leaves in response to fertilization? Which limits leaf production, N or P? Is there more of a response in young stands than old stands or in infertile sites compare to more fertile sites? We are sorting leaf litter by species and weighing them. These can be compared to pre-treatment data to analyze change over time due to nutrient additions. An intern on this project will learn to identify leaves by species, dry and weigh them, and organize and report the data.
4. Soil texture is a master variable that determines water holding capacity and affects nutrient cycling in ecosystems. We need to determine whether a pre-treatment to remove organic matter (by wet oxidation or dry ashing) is necessary to get accurate results. This project involves soil processing and analysis and data analysis and interpretation.
5. In the second year of nutrient treatments, we collected quantitative samples of leaf litter arthropods from all 13 of our sites. Using a dissecting microscope, sorting these arthropods to order (or possibly to family) would help to answer questions about the effect of nutrient additions (N, P, Ca) on the brown food web.
6. Video/photographic documentation of lab procedures: A student interested in environmental interpretation or science communication could help us document many of the lab procedures we find difficult to explain, such as root sorting, leaf sorting, ashing and digestion, ICP, and oxidizing soil organic matter prior to textural determination.
7. Our pre-treatment foliar data set is incomplete! There are archived samples in need of analysis. A student on this project would learn procedures for analyzing tissue chemistry using microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Data analysis could include calculation of foliar nutrient resorption in response to our treatments (pre-treatment concentrations being an important covariate in the analysis).
Contact Alex Rice ([email protected]) for more information.
Chemical Engineering
TBD