RaMP Program
The University of Alabama will be recruiting 10 recent graduates for an NSF-sponsored training program in field ecology to start in May 2023. The Woods to Water (W2W) project is an experience-based learning program aimed at helping early career scientists understand critical linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The W2W program will provide a year-long immersive, cohort- and field-based program in standardized methods and data science, with the first cohort starting May 2024. W2W will provide training opportunities in terrestrial and aquatic settings, partnering with NSF’s National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Jones Center at Ichauway (JCI; a non-profit research center) to train post-baccalaureates in key field techniques that link water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes among ecosystems —a key signature of ecological connectivity. W2W RaMP mentees will receive training in two SEUS NEON Domains: the Ozarks complex, with three pairs of terrestrial and aquatic NEON field sites, including the northwesternmost range of the threatened longleaf pine ecosystem; and the Southeast, with two sites in JCI’s expansive longleaf pine/ wiregrass ecosystem. W2W participants will gain immersive experience through on-site training modules and hands-on experience with NEON (Tuscaloosa, AL) and the JCI (Newton, GA). Participants will interact with scientists, technicians, and researchers working in and around these sites. The program will dovetail classroom, field, laboratory, and independent research approaches to provide comprehensive ecological field experiences, building skills and self-confidence in field research. W2W cohorts will have opportunities to present and publish their research and obtain professional credentials as certified ecologists. For participants, this program will facilitate transition into the ecological workforce. Participants W2W aims to increase the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in ecological disciplines by providing opportunities to postbaccalaureate participants with limited prior training and research experience. As such, priority will be given to individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, first generation students, and college graduates of lower-resourced institutions. Participants will receive $32,500 per year in stipend support and health insurance coverage, as well as reduced-cost housing. Participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S., and must be appointed for one full year. Participants must have a baccalaureate college degree in a relevant field before the start of the fellowship (applicants must apply to the program before or within four years of graduation, with extensions allowed for family, medical or military leave). Individuals accepted into or already participating in graduate programs are not eligible. Key selection criteria include:
Program mentors include research professionals from the University of Alabama, University of Florida, the JCI, NEON, Alabama A & M University, Geological Survey of Alabama, and other state and federal natural resources agencies Aquatic Ecology - our mentors include researchers involved in stream and watershed ecology, freshwater ecology and conservation, fisheries, and environmental health and toxicology. Our team includes: Carla Atkinson, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama Arial Shogren, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama William Pine, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida Elica Moss, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A & M University Stephen Golladay, Aquatic Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway Rebecca Bearden, Ecosystems Investigations Program, Geological Survey of Alabama Plant Ecology- our mentors include researchers involved in forest landscape ecology, plant ecology and physiology, earth systems science and quantitative methods. Our team includes: Christina Staudhammer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama Jeffery Cannon, Forest Landscape Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway Gregory Starr, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway NEON Science- our mentors have key roles in NEON protocol training, as Training Liaisons for the NEON program in the Southeast and Ozarks domains. Our team includes: Jordan Ehmke, NEON - Domain 03 (Southeast), Battelle (NEON) Laura Nagel, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON) Matthew Koerner, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON) How to apply COMING SOON! We will have an online application, followed by Zoom interviews. For more information Contact the W2W Project investigators: Christie Staudhammer - cstaudhammer@ua.edu Carla Atkinson - carla.l.atkinson@ua.edu Arial Shogren - ashogren@ua.edu See MORE information and APPLY here! |