 |
Faculty and Student
Teams Program
|
Project Descriptions
Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Environmental and Waste Management Services Division
Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions
serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and
technology, to work on the design an implementation of ecological studies to
investigate linkages between water quality, hydrology, and habitat components
on the distribution of animal assemblages utilizing vernal pools and other
water bodies on the Brookhaven National Laboratory site.
Project Description The proposed project would begin looking
at the ecological interactions of coastal plain ponds and other wetlands on
site at BNL. There are 26 wetlands consisting of coastal plain ponds (vernal
pools), recharge basins, streams and wetlands on the BNL site. The majority
of these wetlands are typical of Pine Barrens wetland habitats, but are poorly
known or understood. The proposed project would design and carry out survey
techniques to gather information that could be used to investigate interactions
between the abiotic and biotic portions of these ecosystems and/or interactions
between various biotic facets of the ecosystem.
The goal of this research is to gain an understanding of the ecological function
of these systems as well as an understanding of the diversity between and within
the various systems. Research findings would be expanded out to other wetland
areas within Pine Barrens habitats on Long Island and possibly throughout these
habitats in the Northeastern United States.
Applicants Responsibilities
and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the
Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively
with the project research team at BNL for up to 10 weeks during the year starting
in June of 2006, Summer and academic year visits to BNL will be scheduled by
mutual agreement between the Environmental and Waste Management Services Division
and the successful applicant. Ideally faculty will work at BNL on the project
for 10 weeks during the summer in the first year. Faculty will be expected
to identify students from their campus to participate in the Undergraduate
Research Participation programs offered by the Department of Energy at BNL.
Ideally Faculty will provide some mentorship and/or advising support to students
during the summer research activities. It is expected that the Faculty member
will become an integral part of the research team working on this project and
will support the project through the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: | Ph.D. in Ecology or related field. Proven
background in ecology, herpetology, aquatic entomology, or botany. Works
well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers.
Currently teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field. Willing
to work at BNL for an extended period during the summer in a field research
environment. |
| Student: | Working
towards a BS in the biological sciences with strong interests in ecological
research. Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and
researchers. Willing to work at BNL for an extended period in a field
research environment. |
Support
and Financial Commitments See Financial Information.
For More Information contact:
| 
