Graduate Research Opportunity Greater Yellowstone Area (David Williams Lab, University of Wyoming) Tracing pollution sources and deposition hotspots using nitrogen isotopes and lichen bio- indicators
DESCRIPTION. We seek a graduate student to pursue Masters thesis research beginning Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 semester on the sources and spatial pattern of nitrogen (N) pollution in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) in Wyoming and Idaho. Our collaborative project involving the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the University of Wyoming will refine benchmark Critical Load levels for lichens across the GYA, and calibrate lichen bio-indicators for N deposition rates and N-isotope composition. The work will require field set-up of ion exchange resin collectors for monitoring N deposition, field collection of lichens from throughout the GYA and laboratory analysis of lichens and resin extracts for N isotope composition. For additional information about the Williams Lab, visit http://www.uwyo.edu/dgw/home.html. For additional information about MS degree options in the Department of Botany at the University of Wyoming, visit http://www.uwyo.edu/botany/graduate%2Dprograms/. QUALIFICATIONS. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree in biology, environmental sciences or a related field. Candidates should have experience in field studies with capabilities for carrying out research in remote field locations. Candidates with experience in GIS and spatial analysis or environmental chemistry are especially encouraged to apply. TO APPLY. Candidates should email (in a single PDF file) a cover letter, CV, one-page statement of research interests, GRE scores, and the names and contact information of three references to David Williams ([email protected]).
