Professor Janneke Hille Ris Lambers at UW is seeking some Environmental Studies students to work with her this fall. Details below!

The HilleRisLambers lab studies the impacts of climate change on plant communities in the Pacific Northwest. We are interested in understanding how warming temperatures and declining snow levels will affect the geographic distribution of tree species and the phenology (seasonal timing) of wildflower reproduction. We have two kinds of opportunities available for undergraduates interested in being involved in research in our lab (starting fall of 2016, ideally for the whole academic year). Please see http://faculty.washington.edu/jhrl/Index.html for more information on lab research and projects.

1. Research Experience / Research Credit. This is a volunteer position. We’re looking for 2-4 undergraduates to work on three projects addressing the following questions: A) How strongly is tree population growth limited by seed production and seedling germination? B) Is wildflower phenology (the timing of reproduction) determined by snow melt dynamics, and how does this differ among species? C) How will plant communities reshuffle with climate change? Tasks include sorting and identifying tree seeds from litter samples, identifying phenological stages of wildlfowers in herbarium specimens and in online photo databases, and entering data. We expect undergraduates to spend at least 8 hours a week on the project. Undergraduates may also participate in weekly lab meetings (if this works with their schedules) to present research updates and discuss relevant scientific literature. If mutually desired, positions can be extended beyond Winter quarter, and undergraduates can take ownership over a portion of data collection / processing and present a poster at the Mary Gates Symposium (in the Spring). Research credit (Bio399) can also be provided if desired. Applicants must be able to work for several 2-4 hour blocks of time between 8 AM and 6 PM on

2. Work Study Student Assistant. We’re looking for 1-2 undergraduate students with work study funds to assist with several ongoing research projects. Tasks include processing samples and data entry, and undergraduates will work with different members of the lab over the course of the quarter. Pay is $13 an hour (depending on experience – work study eligibility required), and we expect a minimum of 6 hours of work a week (up to 19 hours). Work study students are encouraged to attend weekly lab meetings, if desired, but on their own

Ideal applicants for both positions are interested in ecology, forestry or in the environmental impacts of climate change (e.g. majoring in or planning to major in Biology, Environmental Science and Resource Management, or Environmental Studies). Relevant coursework is desirable, but not required. All applicants should be enthusiastic, hard-working, organized and reliable.

To apply for either position:

Please send an email to Janneke Hille Ris Lambers (jhrl@uw.edu), with subject line “Work Study 2016 Application” or “Research Experience 2016 Application” (depending on which position you are interested in), and include the following:

1. One-two paragraphs on why you are interested in the
2. Attach a CV/resume including information on relevant classes, work and/or research experience, and the names and contact information of at least 2
3. Transcript(s) – informal is fine

The position will remain open until filled, but applications received before Monday, the 26th of September will be given priority (that is when we will start reviewing applications). Ideally, work will begin the 10th of October (the second full week of the quarter).