University of Idaho
NSF IGERT PhD Assistantship Announcements
Palouse Prairie Research Team

Interdisciplinary PhD Research Assistantships in Conservation Biology,
Sustainable Production and Resilience of the Palouse Prairie Ecosystem.
Up to five Ph.D. research assistantships will be available to join a
collaborative team working on aspects of conservation of the endangered
Palouse Prairie ecosystem in the context of bioregional planning in
southeastern Washington State and Northern Idaho. The linked dissertation
projects will work in the context of expected exurban development and
sustainable agricultural production in the region. With funding from the
National Science Foundation¹s Integrative Graduate Education and Research
Traineeship program (IGERT), the individual fellows will pursue disciplinary
research important for the overall theme, and work together to identify and
address interdisciplinary issues critical for development of effective
planning and policy. The team will interact with members of five other
IGERT-sponsored student/faculty teams pursuing similar objectives in other
ecosystems in which sustainability and conservation in the face of changing
conditions and pressures is desired.

PhD Assistantship in Entomology and Landscape Genetics. Seeking a highly
motivated and qualified student to pursue the study of populations of native
insects linked to the ecological communities specific to the Palouse
Prairie, now existing exclusively as widely distributed small remnants.
Target populations will be key pollinators, specialist herbivores affecting
predominant plant species and other indicator species. Research will focus
on: 1) determining the genetic diversity and structure of arthropod
populations, 2) examining how behavioral and ecological correlates of
genetic structure influence level of landscape connectivity, and 3)
assessing elements required to sustain connectivity as part of conservation
plans. In addition, the student will conduct collaborative research to
examine interdisciplinary aspects of conservation of Palouse Prairie within
a dynamic, human dominated landscape with team members in fields such as
soil science, conservation/restoration plant ecology, virus ecology, and
rural and community economics. Contact Sanford D. Eigenbrode
(sanforde@uidaho.edu < mailto:sanforde@uidaho.edu> ) and Lisette Waits
(lwaits@uidaho.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Soil Biogeochemistry. Seeking a highly motivated and
qualified student to pursue the study of soil-plant relations and feedbacks
in the endangered Palouse Prairie. The student will contribute to our
understanding of resiliency in this unique ecosystem that is increasingly
threatened by invasive weed species and urban sprawl. Research will focus
on: 1) the importance of soil and site properties in determining the
likelihood of invasion, and 2) the impact of invasive species on processes
that control carbon storage and nutrient availability. In addition, the
student will conduct collaborative research to examine interdisciplinary
aspects of conservation of Palouse Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated
landscape with team members in fields such as entomology,
conservation/restoration plant ecology, virus ecology, and rural and
community economics. Contact Jodi Johnson-Maynard (jmaynard@uidaho.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Conservation/Restoration Plant Ecology. Seeking a
highly motivated and qualified student to pursue restoration ecology
research within the Palouse Prairie and related canyon grassland systems of
Northern Idaho. The field research will develop restoration methods
appropriate for a range of plant communities at various stages of secondary
succession to enhance resilience of those plant communities. The outcome of
the research will include development of a decision tool to assist those
actively involved in restoration. Research may include: 1) sequence of
introduction of native species, 2) seeding techniques, 3) invasive plant
management, 3) species selection for seed mixes that may incorporate native
annuals, and 4) feasibility of establishment of biological soil crust. In
addition, the student will conduct collaborative research to examine
interdisciplinary aspects of conservation of Palouse Prairie within a
dynamic, human dominated landscape with team members in fields such as soil
science, entomology, virus ecology, and rural and community economics. The
student must have a strong desire for collaboration with other students
within or attached to the IGERT program. Contact Tim Prather
(tprather@uidaho.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Rural and Community Economics. Seeking a highly
motivated and qualified student to pursue the study of rural community
economics and social dynamics found in the Palouse Prairie region, including
both patterns of decline and revitalization. The student will contribute to
our understanding of patterns and perceptions affecting rural community
opportunities and constraints related to the surrounding environment.
Research will focus on: 1) determining the economic and social factors that
contribute to forming vibrant communities, 2) examining the economic
relationships embedded in community-based uses and values attached to
natural resources and natural amenities, and 3) assessing social networks
and forms of capitals needed to ensure community vitality and well-being.
Methods that may be employed include regional general equilibrium economic
modeling, social accounts modeling, capitals framework analysis, nonmarket
valuation, and behavioral modeling. In addition, the student will conduct
collaborative research to examine interdisciplinary aspects of conservation
of Palouse Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated landscape with team
members in fields such as soil science, entomology, virus ecology, and
conservation/restoration plant ecology. Contact Philip Watson
(pwatson@uidaho.edu < mailto:pwatson@uidaho.edu> ) and J.D. Wulfhorst
(jd@uidaho.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Virus Ecology and Virology. Seeking a highly motivated
and qualified student to pursue the study of plant viruses and virus ecology
in the endangered Palouse Prairie and surrounding agricultural landscape.
Research will focus on studies to: 1) reveal the breadth of viruses in
native plants and invasive species in the Palouse Prairie, 2) assess vector
transmission and virus spread and their role on dynamics of virus
populations in the landscape, and 3) examine the role of viruses on plant
and vector fitness. The student will use a variety of sequencing and
bioinformatics methods applied to field-collected material, and conduct
controlled field and greenhouse experiments. In addition, the student will
conduct collaborative research to examine interdisciplinary aspects of
conservation of Palouse Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated landscape
with team members in fields such as soil science, entomology,
conservation/restoration plant ecology, and rural and community economics.
Contact Nilsa Bosque-Pérez (nbosque@uidaho.edu < mailto:nbosque@uidaho.edu> )
and Alexander Karasev (akarasev@uidaho.edu).

This unique graduate education program will provide students:

· Team-based interdisciplinary education
· International perspective
· Broad geographic and ecological exposure

· Participation in integrated interdisciplinary teams

· Cross-cultural experience

Requirements: Applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents of
the USA. Successful applicants must have obtained an M.S. degree in a
discipline of relevance to the project and will join the program to begin
course work at the end of July 2010. Interviews of top applicants will be
conducted at the University of Idaho campus in Spring 2010.

For application information visit the web page:
http://www.students.uidaho.edu/gradadmissions/IGERT

For information on our previous IGERT project go to:
http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/igert/

For information on the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies see:
http://www.uidaho.edu/cogs/