REU Site for Ecosystems in Transition:

The Role of Research in Assessing Ecosystem Responses to a Changing Environment:

This program will not be held in 2008.

We hope to resume the program in 2009.

Overview:

In 2004 and 2005, ten undergraduate students will spent an exciting summer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan performing research related to current environmental issues in forest ecosystems at Michigan Technological University. Many of the students also spent periods of time off-campus at field research locations. During the ten-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program sponsored by the National Science Foundation, students:

Worked with faculty mentors on existing large-scale, long-term experiments studying ecosystem responses to climatic variations, anthropogenic pollutants, changing wildlife populations, exotic species invasions and ecosystem restoration efforts

Learned how to design experiments and communicate results

Developed and carry out an independent research project examining a specific aspect of an important environmental issue

Examined the role that basic research plays in the development of environmental policy through a series of Case Study discussions

Presented research findings at a symposium sponsored by MTU and publish their results

Explored career possibilities in ecology & environmental science

Attended a national scientific meeting

Utilized state-of-the-art methodologies and facilities

Explored the old-growth forests, Lake Superior shoreline, and historical communities of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The program was open to undergraduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Stipends ($3,000) plus room, board and travel are provided. Women and students from underrepresented groups were strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information or applications contact:

Dr. Andrew Burton, REU Director

School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

100B UJ Noblet Forestry Building

Michigan Technological University

1400 Townsend Drive

Houghton, MI 49931

ajburton@mtu.edu

Student projects for 2005 included:

Importance of Coarse Woody Debris in Ecosystem Carbon Storage

Using Stable Isotopes to Assess Ecosystem Change

Relationship Between Moose Herbivory and Forage Quality

Impacts of Exotic Species on Forest Communities

Restoring the Yellow Birch Component of Northern Forests

Genetic Diversity in Response to Environmental Pollution

Global Change Effects on Mycorrhizal Fungi

Distribution of Invasive Plant Species Along Multi-Use Recreational Trails

Soil Carbon Formation in a Changing Environment

Genetic and Environmental Regulation of Leaf Phenolics