Undergraduate & Graduate Training

• The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, with funding from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, has openings for students in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program during the summer of 2024. Applications are due March 15, 2024.

Students will work with research teams involving other undergraduate and graduate students. Students also develop and conduct an independent research project. Many REU students continue their work as an independent study or senior honors thesis at their home institution. Some have even published in major scientific journals. In addition, through weekly presentations given by the mentors and other scientists, students are also exposed to a full spectrum of ecosystem research at Hubbard Brook.

We are currently recruiting for students for the following topics:

• Survival and Movement of Salamanders - Stream salamanders play an important role in headwater stream ecosystems. They are also particularly sensitive to ongoing climate change, particularly changing stream hydrology. This project aims to quantify the survival and movement of the northern spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) throughout the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. By tagging and tracking individual salamanders, we will be able to determine the characteristics of high-quality habitat and assess how those areas may change in the future. This research is part of a long-term population study, and will include some sampling of co-occurring fish predators. Co-mentors: Winsor Lowe (University of Montana: winsor.lowe@mso.umt.edu) and Eric Lyons (UMT)

• Red Oak Regeneration - The vegetation team at Hubbard brook is seeking an REU to engage in a research project on potential for prescribed fire in promoting northern red oak regeneration in summer 2024. Forest regeneration is critical to the future forest composition, health, and productivity. The REU will be fully integrated into the vegetation crew and be expected to contribute to long-term measures as well as work for their own project focused on oak seedling measures. The student will collaborate closely with Cleavitt and colleagues from the University of NH. Interested students should contact Nat Cleavitt by email: nlc4@cornell.edu. Please send along a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, your resume and email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters).

The program runs from late May to mid-August. Students receive a $5000 stipend for the 10-week program, as well as free housing. Limited funding is available for research supplies and travel expenses. Food costs are paid by the participants and run approximately $42/week. Students live at Hubbard Brook Research Foundation’s researcher housing adjacent to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, among a community of summer field students and technicians. All residents are expected to share and cooperate with cleaning, cooking, and related chores.

Applicants should send the following to the mentor in the field they are interested in:

1.     A one-page resume (including relevant coursework).

2.     Contacts for two people who can provide a reference.

3.     Short answers (~1 paragraph each) to the following questions:

• There are many options for working in the environment, and research is one particular way. Why do you want to explore research?
• Why are you interested in the research project to which you are applying?
• How do you think that participating in the Hubbard Brook REU program could help you in your degree program and in your future pursuits?

Please submit your materials to the mentor’s email address by March 15, 2024.