One of the four open positions this summer involves studying soil respiration with myself and Dr. Alix Contosta of UNH. More info below and here:
Environmental controls on soil carbon cycling: The flux of carbon from soil microbes and plant roots is a major part of the forest carbon cycle and appears to be changing. This research project will involve measuring CO2 and O2 concentrations from different soil depths in the Climate Change Across Seasons Experiment (CCASE), which investigates the effects of both warmer soils and increased freeze-thaw cycles on the biogeochemistry of a northern hardwood forest. Measurements will be made multiple times per week, providing the opportunity to model soil respiration throughout the growing season. In particular, we are interested in exploring the soil respiration response to rainfall events. This research would also include testing new CO2 sensor technology to see if low-cost sensors can be deployed in soils in lieu of expensive infrared gas analyzers.
The program runs from early June to mid-August. Students receive a $5000 stipend for the 10-week program, as well as free housing. Limited funding is available for research supplies and travel expenses. Food costs are paid by the participants and run approximately $42/week. Students live at Hubbard Brook Research Foundation’s researcher housing adjacent to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, among a community of summer field students and technicians. All residents are expected to share and cooperate with cleaning, cooking, and related chores.
Applicants should send the following to the mentor in the field they are interested in: A one page resume (including relevant coursework), contacts for three people who can provide a reference, and short answers (~1 paragraph each) to the following questions:
• There are many options for working in the environment, and research is one particular way. Why do you want to explore research?
• Why are you interested in the research project to which you are applying?
• How do you think that participating in the Hubbard Brook REU program could help you in your degree program and in your future pursuits?
Please e-mail your application materials to caitlin.hicks.pries<at>dartmouth<dot>edu by February 28th.