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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, or CFWE, research faculty actively seek undergraduate students to assist with the college’s diverse research programs. Research opportunities are included in the below directory which is updated frequently, but may not be inclusive of all opportunities. Conversely, listed positions may not be active but are included as a form of reference.  If interested, please inquire with the advising faculty member to confirm openings. For other opportunities that may not be posted, please consult with a faculty member most aligned with your research interests.

Though not required for CFWE undergraduate research opportunities, fellowships can assist students with anticipated expenses related to achieving their research objectives.  To be considered for an undergraduate research fellowship, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research to learn more about eligibility and application requirements.

Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit | Summer 2024 - Research Technician

Research Technician

$11-$13 h, depending on experience

Seeking an undergraduate summer research technician to work primarily on stream sampling in Alabama. More than 75% of the work will be completed using day trips; however, this will include some overnight trips, and lodging will be covered. Most activities will take place M-Fri but some weekend work will also be required on occasion. There will also be other activities such as pond inspections, ageing fish, and other duties to support ongoing research efforts. Applications are due by March 8 and should include a cover letter and CV (submitted to the contact indicated below).

If interested, please contact:

Dr. Shannon Brewer, Unit Leader

AL Coop Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

3236 College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building 

skb0064@auburn.edu

 

02/27/2024

Field and Lab Research Technicians in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab

Details

Application Deadline: 03/01/2024
Published: 01/09/2024
Starting Date: between 3/2/2024 and 4/1/2024
Ending Date: between 8/30/2024 and 12/31/2024
Hours per Week: 30 – 40
Salary: $12 to $16 per hour
Education Required: none
Experience Required: none
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Tags: Graduate Opportunities, Undergraduate Opportunities

Description

Dr. Heather Alexander is hiring field and lab research technicians to work in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab at Auburn University for spring 2024, starting as soon as possible (January 2024). Must be able to commit 30-40 hours per week and travel for overnight, multi-day trips (up to a week) outside of Auburn. The positions will include a combination of fieldwork and lab work. No prior experience necessary, but applicants must possess an interest in forest ecology, a willingness to learn, and be capable of (and excited about) working long hours outdoors exposed to heat, cold, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. Pay ranges from $12-$16/hour depending on education and experience.

Research technicians will gain experience collecting experimental and observational field data. Other tasks will include vegetation sampling, measuring plant traits, plant identification, data entry, and vegetation and soil sample processing in the lab.

If interested, please e-mail a brief description of your interest/experience and a résumé to Tamara Milton (tfm0010@auburn.edu).

Notice: Auburn University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community.

Contact

Tamara Milton
tfm0010@auburn.edu (preferred contact method)

Miami University | Research Experience for Undergrads | "Ecology in Human Dominated Landscapes"

This program supports and prepares students in STEM to address critical research questions of the Anthropocene. This REU experience will prepare participants in all aspects of scientific research; build professional skills and understanding of how professional training, environmental ethics, and societal outcomes are linked; and expose REU participants to the ways science and ethics can lead to conservation solutions through hands-on service learning. Participants will conduct an independent research project with mentors in collaborative research clusters, and will participate in a variety of enrichment activities that address professional skills, environmental ethics, and service. All components of the program integrate the theme of ecology in human-dominated landscapes. This collaborative research experience is designed to address global issues that will empower some of our nation’s brightest students with the confidence and skills that allow them to solve socially and ecologically complex challenges.

This will be a 10-week research experience in which students will receive funding for research, both room and food allowances while staying at Miami University, and travel allowances for travel to and from Oxford, OH. This is a paid experience! Students will receive a $6250 stipend. Applications are open, and submission decisions will start in March 2024. The program will last from May 27th, 2024 to August 3rd, 2024.

TO APPLY:

The link to the NSF application portal: https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fetap.nsf.gov%2Faward%2F739%2Fopportunity%2F5120&data=05%7C02%7Ccal0044%40auburn.edu%7Cd7764edb248d4f05189108dc0bb792a7%7Cccb6deedbd294b388979d72780f62d3b%7C0%7C0%7C638398130274671531%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2v9vT1fbQKrsXMO69F%2BnMZV%2BKHrF%2Bg9D90P%2BF1bdB80%3D&reserved=0

See https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.miamioh.edu%2Fecologyreu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccal0044%40auburn.edu%7Cd7764edb248d4f05189108dc0bb792a7%7Cccb6deedbd294b388979d72780f62d3b%7C0%7C0%7C638398130274671531%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cRtwUpJkEvDkKiDCblp6mQgei3FHGRm20NOOUPX6DfM%3D&reserved=0 to learn more!

Feel free to reach out to ecoreu@miamioh.edu with further questions.

1/2/2024

Forest Economics Lab - Data Research and Analysis

Timberland Investment – Data Research and Analysis

Undergraduate students participating in this research project will focus on the two timberland investment vehicles (publicly traded timberland REITs and privately-held NECRIT timberland index) and forest industry stocks, compared with other investment vehicles (such as general stocks, bonds, and real estate). They will extract price and return data from a database, analyze them, and present their results. They will also have an opportunity to seek insights on timberland valuation based on the recent timberland transaction data. One or two undergraduate students with good quantitative analysis skills are needed. Students with a finance background are desirable.

Foreign Direct Investment in Forest Industry – Data Research and Analysis

Undergraduate students participating in this research project will focus on U.S. and Canadian inward and outward foreign direct investment in the forest industry. They will extract data from a couple of databases, analyze them, and present their results. They will also have an opportunity to investigate the rising Canadian ownership of sawmills in the U.S. One or two undergraduate students with good qualitative and quantitative analysis skills are needed. Students with forestry or forest industry backgrounds is desirable.

Contact: Dr. Daowei Zhang at zhangd1@auburn.edu

Climate, Water, and Society Lab - Data Science and Modeling

Environmental Data Science – working with heterogenous data including land, Water, and atmosphere; data cleaning and formatting, multi-dimensional data, trend analysis, and hypothesis development, python programming.

Climate Modeling – Designing and running climate modeling experiments using the Community Earth System Model and it’s land component Community Land Model. Analysis of climate model data, including CMIP6, for hypothesis testing and climate change projections.

Contact: Dr. Sanjiv Kumar at szk0139@auburn.edu

Forest Health Dynamics Lab - Field Research and Data Analysis

  1. Effects of climate variables on fungal spore distribution and abundance: Brown spot needle blight is an emerging disease in loblolly pine caused by the fungus Lecanosticta acicola. We are interested in looking at spore production, distribution, and abundance across the State of Alabama. Student will be construct, deploy, and collect spore traps, identify and count spores, and analyze data. Travel to field sites is required. Must be able to drive a university vehicle. Contact Dr. Eckhardt for more information at eckhalg@auburn.edu
  2. Effects of brown spot needle blight on insect diversity: Brown spot needle blight is an emerging disease in loblolly pine caused by the fungus Lecanosticta acicola. We are interested in looking to see if there is an insect population shift (more pest insects) in stands that are infected with brown spot needle blight. The student will deploy and monitor insect traps, identify and catalog insects, and analyze data. Travel to field sites is required. Must be able to drive a university vehicle. Contact Dr. Eckhardt for more information at eckhalg@auburn.edu

Geospatial Analytics Lab - Field, UAV/Drone Data Collection, Processing and Analysis

Our work involves synergistic use of Earth Observation data to better understand, characterize, and monitor ecosystems at multiple spatial scales. We have undergraduate research opportunities for field data collection (travel to forested sites required) using Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)/drones and analysis of UAV-derived imagery high-density lidar for studying forest pathogens, and the acquisition, processing, and analysis of airborne and spaceborne datasets. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to applications using image-based and lidar-based technologies, apply innovative methodologies for forestry applications and contribute to the development of manuscripts for potential publication. If interested in undergraduate research opportunities with the Geospatial Analytics Lab, please contact Dr. Lana Narine at LLN0005@AUBURN.EDU.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation - Multiple Projects

Ecology and Conservation Projects:

  1. Hawaii camera trap image analysis. Assist with evaluating game camera photos of native and non-native wildlife on Kauai.
  2. Social survey of veterinarians related to cat health. Develop a contact list of veterinarians and then administer a social survey online, followed by analyzing the survey data.
  3. Comparing snake monitoring methods. Assist with using traditional versus modern methods of surveying snakes.
  4. SNAPSHOT USA analysis of game camera data across the US. Using a national game camera database from the past 5 years, students can evaluate a variety of questions about mammal occurrences and co-occurrences, including the overlap of cats and foxes.
  5. Fire ant-related project. Currently working to expand the evaluation of red-imported fire ants on wildlife, changes in ant diversity, and ways to control ants.
  6. Landowner surveys of urban yard and wildlife management. Develop and carryout surveys of residents in Auburn and Opelika related to how they manage their property for wildlife.
  7. GIS/landscape analysis of invasive and endangered species. Evaluate the spatial overlap of these two groups of species at different spatial scales. Students need to have experience in GIS and remote sensing.
  8. Comparing yard management options related to wildlife. Evaluate landowner approaches to managing wildlife.
  9. Dog diet evaluation. Assist a current student in a structured review of a free-ranging dog diet.

The projects will work with Drs. Lepczyk, Fantle-Lepczyk, and Gitzen depending on the exact project. Students are encouraged to apply for undergraduate research fellowships as well as use projects (or develop their own) for Honors Theses. All students are encouraged to present research at local and national scientific meetings and write up the research findings for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Students can also enroll for undergraduate research credits as part of the experience. Interested students should email (1) a brief letter of interest and which project(s) they would like to work on, (2) a resume or CV, (3) an unofficial copy of transcripts, and (4) available work hours during the spring semester to lepczyk@auburn.edu. If you have questions, please email Dr. Lepczyk.

Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab - Field and Lab Work

Undergraduate students are sought to participate in ongoing coastal wetland studies with the Anderson Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab (https://auburnwetlands.weebly.com/). Students will work with other undergraduate and graduate students to conduct research on wetland functions (e.g., habitat, nutrient cycling, water storage) in response to land use change and other anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Students have the potential to gain field and lab experience while learning about important and fascinating wetland systems along the Gulf coast.

Students can email Dr. Chris Anderson (andercj@auburn.edu) for more information and to discuss research interests.

Nongame and Nuisance Wildlife Lab – Field Work

Snake Mark-Recapture – Students will work to deploy coverboards and regularly check coverboard arrays on university-owned land near campus. Snakes will be captured, measured, permanently marked, and released as part of the newly initiated long-term mark-recapture project.

Students who are interested in nongame wildlife management and conservation, nuisance wildlife management, or citizen science through iNaturalist are encouraged to reach out and work to develop their own independent research projects.

Contact: Dr. Wesley Anderson at wma0016@auburn.edu.

Forest and Fire Ecology Lab - Field Work, Data Entry and Processing

We are interested in hiring enthusiastic students who are willing and able to help with field and lab work related to forest fire ecology. We work at field sites locally and around the southeast to better understand feedbacks between forest composition, structure, function, and fire behavior through observational and experimental studies. All undergraduate research assistants will have the opportunity to work with graduate students, attend weekly lab meetings, and develop independent research projects if desired. If interested, please contact Dr. Alexander at heather.alexannder@auburn.edu.

Deer Lab - Live Animal Capture and Data Collection

Auburn’s deer research program provides opportunities for undergraduates to get valuable experience with capturing and handling large mammals. Undergraduates who volunteer with the Auburn DeerLab will dart white-tailed deer at the captive facility in Camp Hill, AL. In addition to using a dart gun equipped with a night-vision scope, volunteers will participate in data collection activities, including drawing blood, enumerating ectoparasites, and collecting body and antler measurements. Contact Dr. Stephen Ditchkoff to inquire about volunteering at ditchss@auburn.edu.

Coastal Tourism - Literature Reviews and Data Analysis

Job Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Compensation: $15/hour for 15-20 hours per week starting in the Fall 2024 semester

Overview: We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student to assist a graduate student and faculty member in researching tourism resiliency along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The project aims to explore the historical and future impacts of environmental conditions, including climate change, on the region’s tourism industry. The research assistant will play an integral role in achieving the project’s objectives and will gain hands-on experience in literature reviews, data gathering & analysis, and potentially be involved with stakeholder interviews. Some in-person, on-campus meetings are required, and some work can be completed remotely at a time and place of the research assistant’s choosing. Based on performance and availability, the undergraduate research assistant will also have opportunities to share the research at professional conferences.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with comprehensive literature reviews on tourism and climate change
    Assist in analyzing historical weather data and visitation statistics.
  • Help compile and analyze climate projections and their potential impacts on tourism.
  • Assist in scheduling & conducting semi-structured interviews with tourism providers in the Gulf Coast region.
  • Organize and manage data, including visualizations and summaries.
  • Collaborate with the team to document research findings.

Requirements:

  • Current Auburn University undergraduate student.
  • Interest in tourism resiliency and climate change.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing time effectively.
  • Ability to commit 15 to 20 hours per week to project tasks.
  • Interest in or prior experience with Alabama/Gulf Coast tourism is preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to travel to the Alabama coast if needed.

How to Apply: Email your resume and a statement of interest to Dr. Allie McCreary (allie.mccreary@auburn.edu) with the subject line: “Undergraduate Research Assistant Application.” Your statement of interest should be no more than one page and address your fit and interests with regard to the responsibilities and requirements listed here. Make sure your anticipated graduation date (Month & Year) is included on your resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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