Position Announcement: Undergraduate/Graduate 2011 Summer Research Internship @ Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

Otter Point Creek Component

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - MD



Application Deadline: All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.



Background: The Otter Point Creek Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (Maryland Reserve) are co‑sponsoring two summer research internships for the summer of 2011. Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students to conduct a summer research project within the Otter Point Creek Component of the Maryland Reserve. The Maryland Reserve is one of 28 Reserves throughout the country that serve as field laboratories for the betterment of coastal zone management through research, education, and stewardship.

Site Description: The Otter Point Creek Component is one of three sites that comprise the Maryland Reserve. It contains 704 acres of upland and riparian forest, tidal freshwater marshes, streams, creeks, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water. Otter Point Creek is located in the tidal headwaters of the Bush River in Harford County, Maryland. Staff from the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center oversees all efforts and activities at Otter Point Creek. Students are encouraged to work with staff to coordinate the use of laboratories, field equipment, and other amenities (canoes, boats, storage space, etc.) in support of their research project. Students are also encouraged to incorporate education and volunteer opportunities, if applicable, in their research efforts.


Research Topics:

Otter Point Creek is an ideal site for a broad range of research topics with a diversity of habitats (tidal freshwater marshes, SAV beds, and riparian and upland forests). Students can work with the Reserve’s Research Coordinator, Park Naturalist and the Park Manager on one of the following topics:

* Beaver Habitat Sustainability Study
* Mapping of Phragmites patches and wild rice at Otter Point Creek
* Study the marsh colonization process at the HaHa branch mudbank
* Short-term sedimentation study at the HaHa branch marsh
* Physical characterization of the vernal pool including size, GPS location, vegetation, soil parameters, etc.

Qualifications:

Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Students should be self-motivated, have good communication and writing skills, and be comfortable working in physically challenging environments.



Application Requirements:

Qualified applicants should submit the following:

1) a short proposal (five or less single spaced pages that includes a title, hypotheses, methods/ procedures, objectives/goals of study, and references)

2) copies of unofficial transcripts

3) two letters of recommendation and

4) a one-page resume.

All applications must be received by April 15, 2011.

Internship Requirements

The successful applicant is expected to develop an expanded detailed proposal, conduct independent research, and provide a final report, public presentation and newsletter article for the Otter's Tale, about their project within one year of completing their project.



Financial Support:

The Otter Point Creek Alliance will provide a stipend totaling $2,000 in four equal installments of $500. Final payment is made upon the receipt of the final report. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Reserve will provide up to $500 for supplies and/or sample analysis. Interns should figure on working a minimum of 20 hours a week for a minimum of three months during the summer of 2011.



Send complete applications to:
Kriste Garman, Park Manager
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
700 Otter Point Road
Abingdon, MD 21009



For more information contact:
Kriste Garman at 410‑612‑1688 or ksgarman@harfordcountymd.gov