Terrestrial Ecosystem Graduate Research Opportunity

Graduate Research Opportunity.  The University of Kansas, Department of

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has a position available for graduate work

(M.S. or Ph.D.), starting in spring 2005.  The project involves studying

the effects of forest fragmentation and woody plant encroachment in

grasslands on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling.  Fieldwork will consist of

above- and belowground sampling of biomass and detritus, and measuring flux

rates of CO2 and N2O from the soil profile.  The study site is located at

KU's Kansas Ecological Field Station and Reserves

(http://www.ksr.ku.edu/).   Lab work will offer opportunities to gain

experience with gas chromatography, soil organic matter fractionation,

isotope ratio mass spectrometry, analyses of soil nutrient parameters, and

microbial ecology.  Stable isotope ecology is an important focus of this

project.  Opportunity exists to include a remote sensing component in the

project.  Experience with any or all of these topics is desirable but not

required.  We are interested primarily in finding a dynamic, intelligent,

fun individual with an eagerness to expand the lab's capabilities and

outlook.  The EEB department at KU includes approximately 40 faculty of

varying interests, and about 75 graduate students; opportunities to excel

abound, as evidenced by EEB's active research programs

(http://www.ku.edu/~eeb/).  The town of Lawrence is an attractive place to

live with a lively music scene, many restaurants and shops, and nearby

hiking and camping opportunities.  Interested candidates should contact

principle investigator Dr. Sharon Billings at sharonb@ku.edu.

URL link and Application: Terrestrial Ecosystem Graduate Research Opportunity