Are you interested in studying how the widespread salinization of soils and freshwater impacts ecosystems? Two graduate student assistantships are available—one at Virginia Tech (VT) in Entomology and one at the University of Arkansas (UA) in Biology. This research project focuses on how salinization affects the interconnections between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on riparian-stream linkages.
Salinization, particularly from NaCl inputs, is increasingly threatening biota, ecosystem processes, and the delicate relationships between riparian and stream environments. The project aims to close the gap between disconnected studies of these intimately connected ecosystems by quantifying how salinization impacts decomposition and production.
Project Overview:
The research will involve:
- Field Studies: Measuring terrestrial-stream relationships through a decomposition study across a salinization gradient, alongside tracking soil and stream chemistry.
- Experimental Mesocosms: Using paired terrestrial riparian-stream mesocosms to experimentally determine the impacts of soil salinization on terrestrial-aquatic carbon exchange.
- Field-Mesocosm Analysis: Determining the congruence between experimental mesocosm results and real-world field data across different levels of salinity.
The project will benefit from a collaborative effort involving terrestrial and aquatic researchers, and will engage K-12 teachers in crowd-sourced data collection.
Graduate Assistantship Details:
- Salary: $32,000 USD/year for three years
- Funding Extensions: Additional funding beyond the initial three years may be available through student fellowships, teaching assistantships, or other lab-funded projects.
- Primary Advisors: Dr. Sally Entrekin (Virginia Tech) or Dr. Michelle Evans-White (University of Arkansas). Collaboration and mentorship will also be provided by the full team of PIs, including Natalie Clay (UA) and Tara Muenz (Stroud Water Center, Citizen Science Coordinator).
Project PI(s):
- Dr. Natalie Clay (University of Arkansas)
- Dr. Michelle Evans-White (University of Arkansas)
- Dr. Sally Entrekin (Virginia Tech)
- Tara Muenz (Citizen Science Coordinator, Stroud Water Center)
How to Apply:
To express your interest in the position, please send a statement of interest and your CV to:
- Dr. Sally Entrekin (VT): [email protected]
- Dr. Michelle Evans-White (UA)
Application Deadline: Mid-November 2024
Start Date: January 2025