Students Needed to do Research in Northern Alaska
Get a Copy of the Official Flier
The project simulates climate change by warming small plots of tundra with chambers. This work is in association with a larger network known as the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) and is funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the International Polar Year (IPY) initiative. The work is highly collaborative and will expose participants to a wide array of research techniques and researchers from around the world.
Participants will collect data in the field (count and measure plants, etc), enter data into databases (Excel and Access), and do lab work (prepare materials for the field, sort plants, etc) daily for the duration of the summer. Participants will design, implement, analyze, and carryout their own independent research project (course credit is optional). Participants will also be expected to participate in laboratory activities on campus before and after the field season.
Barrow is the northernmost point in Alaska; it is also the location of an Inuit village of over three thousand people. The sun first sets on August 1, daily temperatures range between 36 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, the weather is cool (low 40s) with frequent low cloud cover and intermittent fog. Atqasuk is a community of 300 people. At Atqasuk living conditions are more rugged, but the climate is more favorable. The mosquitoes in the Arctic are legendarily numerous.
Field assistants will be expected to go north around the first week of June and return the last week in August. Assistants will be fully immersed in field research and will work long hours for 6 or 7 days of the week. Assistants will have all expenses paid including airfare, food, and lodging. Assistants must provide their own field clothing. A stipend of $1,000/month will be provided.
The ability to work independently under severe climatic conditions and have a good work ethic & attitude is mandatory; experience in plant taxonomy and computers is preferred.
If interested contact:
Dr. Robert Hollister via email hollistr@gvsu.edu
Applications will be reviewed beginning December 18, 2009. Decisions will be made shortly thereafter. Applications should include the following:
Personal Statement (1 page clearly stating your career goals, how working on this project will help meet these goals, and potential independent research ideas)
Resume (including references with contact information)
University Transcript (unofficial or official)
Letter(s) of reference (optional)