Field of Study:
Ecology, Environmental Science, Entomology, Soil Science
Department:
Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
Rank of Student:
all
Desired Majors:
Environmental Science, Entomology, Soil Science, Ecology and Evolution, Zoology, SENR, Biology. Others will be considered.
Hours per Week:
20
Compensation Type:
Salary / Stipend
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Frances Sivakoff, sivakoff.3@osu.edu
Private
Public
Project Description
Land mined for coal is commonly reclaimed as grasslands following mining and represents over 60,000 ha of potential habitat for insect conservation. The quality of this habitat is largely dependent upon a site’s reclamation history. While reclamation with topsoil is the gold standard, mine practitioners can petition to use alternative resoil material (ARM). The objective of this project is to determine the effect of reclamation history on modern-day soil properties and plant and insect communities. Our results will increase understanding about how reclamation standards and technologies affect ensuing biotic communities and the potential for that land to be transformed for productive use.
Research assistant will be based at The Wilds (Cumberland OH) and housing will be provided. Work will involve frequent day trips around Eastern OH, often on dirt roads. Responsibilities include: soil sampling, measurement, and observation; vegetation surveys; and insect sampling, collection, and identification, driving a 4WD vehicle on dirt roads. Anticipated 30 hours/week.
Research assistant will be based at The Wilds (Cumberland OH) and housing will be provided. Work will involve frequent day trips around Eastern OH, often on dirt roads. Responsibilities include: soil sampling, measurement, and observation; vegetation surveys; and insect sampling, collection, and identification, driving a 4WD vehicle on dirt roads. Anticipated 30 hours/week.
Additional Information
Estimated hours per week will be variable (between 20-38 hours per week). Paid work will be available for Summer 2025, with a possibility to extend for research credit. There is a possibility for a student to develop their own research project towards an undergraduate thesis.
Required Applicant Information
(i) CV/resume, (ii) unofficial undergraduate transcripts, (iii) names of two academic/professional references, (iv) short statement (<500 words) of interest in the position
Required or Desired Skills
1. Willingness to stay overnight at the Wilds on weekdays (housing provided)
2. Driver’s license and willingness to drive a truck on rough dirt roads. A personal vehicle is required (not to be used for field work).
3. A love of outdoor work and willingness to collect insects
4. Ability to dig small pits to observe soil structure, rooting depth, and soil horizons
5. Ability to, or potential to, learn to identify insect and plant species.
6. Ability to work in hot, humid conditions for extended periods of time.
2. Driver’s license and willingness to drive a truck on rough dirt roads. A personal vehicle is required (not to be used for field work).
3. A love of outdoor work and willingness to collect insects
4. Ability to dig small pits to observe soil structure, rooting depth, and soil horizons
5. Ability to, or potential to, learn to identify insect and plant species.
6. Ability to work in hot, humid conditions for extended periods of time.
Faculty Member Lead:
Frances Sivakoff
Starting Semester:
Summer
Length of Project (in semesters):
1