Summer Research Positions in Plant Ecology

Cindy Johnson-Groh

Environmental Studies Rockefeller Grant

Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College

cjgroh@gac.edu

• · Are you looking for a position in biology that will give you research experience?
• · Perhaps, something that will allow you to explore the field of conservation biology?
• · Are you interested in plant ecology and rare plant conservation?

If these questions fit, then read on…

I am seeking two students who are interested in plant ecology to work on a moonwort (Botrychium) research project this summer (beginning this spring as schedules allow). This project will focus on investigating the belowground and disturbance ecology of rare ferns in the genus, Botrychium. This will include field and laboratory investigations. Students will learn about rare plant biology and conservation strategies.

Project Objectives:

1. Like many plants some Botrychium species appear to require natural disturbance for colonization and reproduction. Other than anecdotal observations no one has quantitatively determined the relationship between Botrychium presence and disturbance. Because these plants are rare it is impossible to manipulate environments by imposing disturbance for the purpose of studying these plants. Instead data must be gathered from sites with past disturbances. This project includes surveying disturbed sites for Botrychium.

2. Several sites in the Chippewa National Forest have been identified, which prior to disturbances, such as timber harvest and worm invasion, had sizeable populations of Botrychium mormo. These sites have been informally monitored since disturbance and no plants have re-emerged. Whether or not plants still exist belowground, but have not emerged because of the environmental change or whether they are locally extinct is not determined. We will conduct belowground surveys of six sites to determine the belowground population of Botrychium.

Project Components:

1. Superior Studies. Much of the research will be conducted in northern Minnesota. Students will be expected to enroll in a Superior Studies class (http://www.wolf-ridge.org/frameset/frameset.htm). Expenses related to this class are the student's responsibility (ES majors are eligible for competitive Superior Studies scholarships; see ES website for details. http://www.gac.edu/oncampus/academics/env-studies/index.html). Fieldwork will be conducted from Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center on non-class.
   
   
2. Summer Research. Following the SS session we will conduct fieldwork in northern Minnesota and Oregon on Botrychium. This will include collecting samples for belowground analysis, surveying plants in disturbance sites, visiting Botrychium monitoring plots. The remainder of the summer will be spent analyzing belowground samples in the laboratory at Gustavus.
   
   
   
3. Work-study research during academic year ('02-'03). Students will be expected to work 10 hours weekly throughout the year continuing to analyze belowground samples in the laboratory. (Wages will be paid by grant from the Chippewa National Forest.)

Details:

· Students must enroll in a Superior Studies class (expenses covered by student).

· Summer stipend for research, $3,000.

· Travel to Botrychium management sites in Northern Minnesota and Oregon (expenses covered by Rockefeller grant).

· Workstudy research position during academic year ('02-'03) requiring 10 hours weekly.

Qualifications:

· Gustavus 1^st or 2^nd year student with strong interests in environmental studies and biology

· Declared (or intent to declare) major in environmental studies (Biology majors with no intent to declare environmental studies major, but with interests in ecology should talk to Dr. Johnnson-Groh.)

· Interest in plant ecology

· Willingness to enrollment in SS class

· Willingness to engage in work-study '02-'03.

Application Procedure:

1. Written statement of why you are seeking this position. Explain your interests, background, and career goals. (Not to exceed 2 pages.)
2. Two letters of reference, including at least one GAC professor.
3. Interview

Applications are Due: February 28

Questions: Cindy Johnson-Groh, cjgroh@gac.edu

Or if you would like to talk with students currently conducting Botrychium research in

Dr. Johnson-Groh’s laboratory contact: afreier@gac.edu or ayoung3@gac.edu.

(Please include Botrychium in subject line.)