Disturbance Ecology Research Experience for Undergrads in Central Appalachia
Post date: Feb 8, 2018 3:30:15 AM
REU: Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia
- Description
What do sustainable and resilient ecosystems look like after a long period of dramatic disturbance and deconstruction, and what are the best approaches to restoration for ensuring a highly functioning alternative state? During the summers of 2017-2019, student interns will work closely with faculty and professional mentors to study anthropogenic disturbance, while immersed in the landscape of Appalachia. Students will live on campus at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY, and will spend large parts of the summer at the Lilley Cornett Woods old-growth forest ecosystem, and at the Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory.
Summer 2018 Program Dates: May 21st to July 27th
Expectations
Students will typically work 40 hours per week, but the actual hours will vary between weeks depending on the project needs. Students will attend a weekly workshop and travel throughout Kentucky, sometimes staying in primitive conditions.
Benefits
Stipend is $5,250 for 10-week session, a partial food stipend ($50/wk), housing, travel to the program (one round trip, up to $500), regional travel associated with research, and an allowance for research supplies.
Eligibility
The EKU Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia summer research program is open to current undergraduates from all institutions. Students must be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year school. Students graduating before August 2017 will not be eligible. Participants must be US Citizens, US Nationals, or permanent residents. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the sciences, first-generation college students, students that attend colleges with limited research opportunities (small liberal arts and community colleges), financially disadvantaged students, and students with physical disabilities, and US military veterans. Participants must be able to show proof of health insurance during the project period.
To Apply
After ensuring your eligibiligy, read the research project descriptions and select your top 3 project choices. Next, prepare your applicatin materials. You will use the online application form to submit your application. We encourage you to prepare materials ahead of time using a word processor, especially for the extended responses. You can then copy and paste your responses into the application form. The deadline for applications is Feb 16, 2018, but we encourage earlier submissions. All questions should be directed to bioreu@eku.edu