The Damschen Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking paid Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student(s) for summer 2023. The program covers all research and travel expenses and supports 6 to 12 weeks of full-time work from approximately May through August 2023 with a $3,600-7,200 stipend depending on the availability of the student(s) and the duration of work. The selected student(s) will participate in collaborative, hypothesis-driven research and engage in a range of plant ecology research topics. Outcomes include: (a) experience generating and testing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing findings, (b) training on field and lab safety and scientific ethics, (c) development of marketable skills such as plant identification, survey methods, and data collection protocols, and (d) networking with professors, post-doctoral researchers, and other students.
The REU student(s) will work under the supervision of graduate students Katherine Charton and Michelle Homann to design and implement an independent project that investigates the impact of climate and disturbance on plant productivity and biomass allocation. The student(s) will also assist in maintenance and data collection in two ongoing field experiments. The student(s) will be expected to secure housing in Madison, WI for the summer and will travel on day trips for supervised fieldwork. Eligible students must be a US citizen or permanent resident and enrolled as a continuing undergraduate in fall 2023. Ideal candidates will demonstrate: (a) an interest in ecology, botany, and field research, (b) the ability to take direction and learn from others, (c) strong work ethic, self-motivation, and critical thinking skills, and (d) a desire develop independent research questions.
We will begin scheduling interviews on March 6, 2023, and will take additional applications on a rolling basis until the position(s) has been filled. To apply, please fill out this Google Form. You will need to upload a resume and provide up to two references. The Damschen Lab aims to make science and ecology more inclusive of people of all identities, and we strongly encourage people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds to apply. Please see our full mission and values statement. Contact Katherine Charton at charton@wisc.edu with questions about the position or projects.
Position Description and Application Information
