REU opportunities studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Louisiana salt marshes and coastal environments
Two 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 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 [email protected] with “2016 REU application” in the subject line. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
