MSc positions in wetland ecology Two MSc positions are available to study the effects of cattle grazing on grassland-associated wetlands in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. The students will be involved in a large project, working with two faculty members (Drs. Fraser and Heise), two other graduate students, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Agriculture Canada, and the B.C. Ministry of Environment. Wetlands are important habitat for many taxa such as migratory birds and amphibians, but they are also recognized for their natural forage production by the cattle industry. Cattle can affect wetlands and associated biota through grazing, trampling, and water quality. Our study examines ~30 ponds to assess cattle effects by monitoring waterfowl populations, vegetation, amphibians, wetland invertebrates and landscape parameters including forests. It will also experimentally manipulate grazing-related disturbance parameters to understand the effects and relative importance of defoliation and soil compaction on wetland plant communities.
The two MSc opportunities are: Hydrology – quantifying hydrology of fresh-water ponds in semi-arid landscapes and correlating water level changes with grazing intensity. Supervised by Dr. Lauch Fraser ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Zooplankton – analyzing the zooplankton community to determine the effects of cattle. Supervised by Dr. Brian Heise ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Applications are currently invited for these M.Sc. positions, scheduled to begin in May 2008. The selected MSc candidates will be eligible for a stipend of $18,300 per year. We are looking for bright, motivated individuals who can work within a team and are keen on making a difference in understanding and conserving wetlands. Prior research experience, such as the completion of an Honours or Directed Study project during your undergraduate degree, or previous employment as a research assistant, is viewed favourably. The selected students will join the dynamic MSc in Environmental Sciences program at Thompson Rivers University, in Kamloops B.C., Canada. Please contact either Lauch Fraser or Brian Heise for more information. Dr. Lauch Fraser Canada Research Chair in Community and Ecosystem Ecology Dept of Natural Resource Sciences and Biological Sciences Thompson Rivers University Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Websites of interest: Fraser homepage: http://www.tru.ca/schs/research/lfraser/ Heise homepage: http://www.tru.ca/science/nrs/faculty/brianbio.html MSc program: www.tru.ca/science/msces.html Kamloops information: www.tourismkamloops.com/
