M.S. Assistantship, Oklahoma State University – Wind Energy Impacts on Wildlife
I am seeking a graduate student to pursue an M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University and to study the impacts of wind energy development on birds and bats. Wildlife mortality from collisions with wind turbines is the most direct and well-documented impact of wind energy development. However, until recently, conclusions about collision rates have been based primarily on extrapolation of results from individual wind facilities and non-systematic comparison of collision rates among sites. Furthermore, the collision mortality literature consists primarily of unpublished industry reports that are not widely available to researchers and the public. As a result, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the full range of impacts posed to wildlife by wind energy development. This project will consist of using and updating an extensive collision mortality database that includes data collected in greater than 70 studies representing greater than 60 U.S. wind facilities. The student will use the database and existing quantitative methods developed by the principal investigator and collaborators to: (1) generate estimates of the numbers of bats killed annually by collisions with wind turbines in the U.S., and (2) extract information about the original studies’ sampling protocols to analyze the degree to which different sampling methodologies contribute bias to national estimates of wildlife mortality. In addition, the student may have the opportunity to participate in a limited amount of field work for a field study of bird and bat mortality at wind turbines. The student will also have the chance to work with several project collaborators, including Dr. Jay Diffendorfer (USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center), Dr. Wayne Thogmartin (USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Change Science Center), and Dr. Matt Etterson (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-continent Ecology Division). The position includes an annual stipend of $16,800 plus benefits and tuition remission. Applicants should possess a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management or a related field, a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and with a group of research collaborators. Applicants must have experience with statistical analysis and have taken at least one course in statistical analysis as it relates to wildlife ecology and management. Applicants with experience managing and analyzing large data sets and/or conducting independent research under an advisor will be especially competitive. Interested applicants should send via email (in a SINGLE ZIP FILE) a cover letter outlining how they meet the above qualifications, a resume or CV, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Scott Loss ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Applications should be submitted by October 18th, 2013, and the position will begin January 13, 2014. Any questions regarding the position should also be directed to Dr. Loss at the above email address or at (405) 744-4067.
