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.