The University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a world-renowned destination for long-term research and researchers. Science conducted onsite has shaped the way we think about ecosystems, biodiversity, land management, animal movement, global change, and many other topics. Our LTER research plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of how we are affecting the environment and how we might protect it. A summer at Cedar Creek positions you for an impactful career in ecology. Former interns have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and academic positions across the country, as well as jobs at private and public environmental agencies (including the Nature Conservancy, the United States Geological Survey, and the state Departments of Natural Resources). The experiences you gain as an intern will serve you regardless of where your path takes you. Application deadline: February 20.
Position Overview
The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as March, and some are needed through October. As a research intern, you will contribute to ongoing field experiments, have the opportunity to initiate individual research, attend scientific seminars, and interact with professors, post-docs, and graduate students. Pay is $15.00/hour. On-site dormitory housing is available to rent.
Research Overview
Cedar Creek LTER research examines ecological processes occurring from the individual physiological level to the ecosystem level in response to (1) a variety of climate change scenarios including elevated CO2, increased temperature, increased nitrogen deposition, biodiversity loss, and altered precipitation patterns; (2) land management practices including prescribed burning and agricultural production; and (3) varied land use histories. Some of these projects include the Big Biodiversity experiment, BioCON, and FAB. Research is headed by a number of faculty from research institutions across the United States. These LTER projects are funded by the National Science Foundation and other sources. Discover more information about LTER.
Independent Project Opportunities
As part of these positions, you will have the opportunity to conduct your own research project with the guidance of a graduate student mentor. You can go through the entire research experience from writing a proposal to data collection to presenting your results at a symposium at CCESR. There will be workshops on different aspects of research.
Research Site
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is an eight-square-mile tract of land 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. Cedar Creek is endowed with a diverse mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Its large size, great natural diversity, and uniform soil substrate make it ideal for ecosystem studies. To learn more detailed information about experiments, researchers, and the Cedar Creek area, please visit the Cedar Creek website.
Apply
Apply for the intern positions. The deadline for application submission is February 20. For those interested in a spring position, please apply by February 6.
For any questions regarding the internships or application please email ccintern@umn.edu or call 612-301-2616
