[Srm] Fwd: [ECOLOG-L] REU opportunity in Serengeti National Park

[Shawn Stone]

Two weeks left to apply for this.

Research Experience for Undergraduates: Ecology of plant-fire interactions
in Serengeti National Park

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available at the
University of Missouri for the summer of 2013 to study the flammability of
savanna grass species under the supervision of Drs. Ricardo Holdo (U. of
Missouri), Michael Anderson and Thomas Morrison (Wake Forest U.). The
position will be based in Tanzania, and the REU student will be part of a
research team housed at the Serengeti Wildlife Research Center, inside
Serengeti National Park.

The research project will quantify interspecific variation in flammability
among tropical savanna grasses in the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania, as
part of a broader NSF-funded study of savanna tree dynamics. The main
experiment will consist of burning trials of 20-30 species of Serengeti
grasses under controlled conditions and mapping flammability into existing
study plots. The project also has the potential to: 1) examine the evolution
of flammability as a trait by mapping peak combustion temperature and energy
release onto an existing phylogenetic and 2) explore flammability in
relation to other plant structural or chemical traits.

We are looking for a candidate with a solid academic record, a willingness
and ability to work and live in a remote field site, and a strong interest
in ecology. The duration of the study is approximately 8 weeks. The start
date is flexible, but will ideally be in late May or early June.  The REU
student will earn a stipend of $500/week and receive support for lodging,
food, research permits and travel to Tanzania, as well as the necessary
research supplies.

Applications received by March 21 2013 will receive full consideration, but
the position will remain open until filled by a suitable candidate. Eligible
candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be currently
enrolled in a college or university. Students from underrepresented groups
in STEM disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications
should include: copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable),
contact information for two academic references, a resume, and a cover
letter describing research interests, previous research experience, career
goals and the range of dates available.

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact:

Ricardo M. Holdo
Division of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri
217 Tucker Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-4885
holdor at missouri.edu
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