Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Opportunity Argonne National Laboratory
Project Title: Biomass Production and Nitrogen Recovery Principle Investigators: M. Cristina Negri and John Quinn
Internship
Job Description and requirements:
We are looking for interested undergraduate students (sophomore to graduating seniors) to join our research team at Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) through the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program for the summer of 2018. SULI is a 10-week (June to August) paid internship funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Extension of work beyond this period for interested students may also be possible depending on funding availability. Our group looks for 4-6 student interns each year to help both in the field and lab to collect, process and analyze data. We look for students who have backgrounds in, but are not limited to, agriculture, environmental science, environmental engineering, and chemistry. Previous experience with lab and field work, statistical analysis, and use of software including Excel, R, Python, and ArcGIS Desktop are advantageous, but are not required. Qualified students must be comfortable to work both independently as well as in a team environment. Students are expected to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the 10-week program, with time split among the office (data processing and analysis), lab (sample processing and analysis), and the field (data and sample collection); with students expected to travel to the field approximately 2-3 times a week under varying weather conditions. On field days (which vary throughout the week), students must be able to work longer days and be able to meet at the lab by 6 a.m. Student housing at Argonne (Lemont, IL) is available.
Our project evaluates biomass production and ecosystem service provision of short-rotation shrub willow buffers in a 16-acre corn-soybean field in Fairbury, IL. Last year, perennial bioenergy grasses (Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass) were also planted to assess their establishment and productivity on marginal lands where willow establishment was less successful. Data collection in the field includes soil quality, water quality, crop water use, crop productivity, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity.
To apply: Go to https://science.energy.gov/wdts/suli/how-to-apply/ if you have any questions contact Colleen Zumpf at czumpf2@illinois.edu
