To support the development of innovative policies rewarding
landowners for environmental goods and services such as carbon
storage, we are seeking an MSc student to conduct novel research
studying plant litter and soil organic matter decomposition in
Alberta's rangelands. The goal of this project is to link the
dynamics of carbon and nutrient cycling, via examination of
decomposition and microbial enzyme activity, to carbon storage in
response to grazing, based on a variety of rangeland plant species.
The successful candidates will be co-supervised by Drs. Edward Bork &
Cameron Carlyle and work closely with Dr. Daniel Hewins (Dept. of
Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science). A stipend is available
for two years. The project is funded by the Alberta Livestock and
Meat Agency Ltd.
This project will require considerable field work conducting a
litterbag study and collecting soil and vegetation samples. Follow-up
laboratory work will assess litter decomposition, microbial
extracellular enzymes in litter and soil samples, as well as carbon
and nitrogen content. The student should be enthusiastic, strongly
motivated to have an active role in both the field and lab, possess a
valid class 5 driver's license, work well with others, and be
prepared to spend significant portions of the summer in the field.
The successful applicant will have a BSc in Ecology, Biology, Soil or
Environmental Science, Range Science or a related field. They should
have a strong GPA and 3 favorable references and meet the
university's entrance requirements:
http://www.afns.ualberta.ca/Graduate/MasterofScienceThesisbased.aspx.
Previous experience working in a related field (e.g., summer research
position, internship) is an asset.
For more details please contact:
Dr. Edward Bork ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>) -- Phone: 780-492-3843
Dr. Cameron Carlyle ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>)
Dr. Daniel Hewins ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>)
