REU
OPPORTUNITIES:
STUDY the EFFECTS of the DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL
SPILL on LOUISIANA SALT MARSHES and COSTAL ENVIRONMENTS
2 Research
Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions are available at the Louisiana
Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) for the summer of 2016.
The REU students will design and
conduct studies that contribute to the larger Coastal Waters Consortium
(http://cwc.lumcon.edu) collaborative effort studying the effects of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Louisiana salt marshes and coastal environments.
Over the past 4+ years CWC researchers have been studying the impacts of the
spill at paired oiled-unoiled marshes across the southeastern Louisiana coast.
The REU students will be expected to work with a team of researchers (under the
supervision of Dr. Brian Roberts (http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) and/or
Dr. Nancy Rabalais to develop studies which address aspects of the larger
effort.
We are particularly interested in
students interested in conducting projects on wetland biogeochemistry, plant
ecology, microbial ecology, sediment microalgae and/or subtidal benthos.
The REU students will be involved
in both the field and laboratory components of their project as well as a
variety of related projects and experiments being conducted by other LUMCON and
CWC researchers.
Candidates must be available for
a ten week period beginning in early June 2016. We will provide a $500/week
stipend, room and board at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA
(http://www.lumcon.edu), and support for their research.
The ideal candidate should be
interested in pursuing a career in ecology or biogeochemistry, creative, hard-working,
detail orientated, dedicated, and comfortable working as part of research team.
Experience with field or laboratory research in these areas in a plus but not
necessary.
Background or at least one course
in ecology, chemistry, biogeochemistry, or environmental science is required.
To be eligible you must be
returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall (e.g., if you will
graduate in May or June, you are NOT eligible).
Application deadline: April 1st 2016.
Applications should include: copy
of unofficial transcripts, contact information for two academic references,
CV/resume, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU
position, academic goals, and any previous research experience.
Applications
should be sent to Dr. Brian Roberts at broberts@lumcon.edu
with “2016 REU application” in the subject line. Please contact Professor
Nicholas Barber if you have any questions.
