We are seeking to fill five independent student research positions from May 14 to July 30, 2020, starting in Costa Rica and ending in Panama. Participants will conduct research projects focused onthe broad theme of evaluating the extent to which differing economic and participatory incentivesand agricultural practices influence tropical forest conservation outcomes. Potential methods include censusing primate populations, quantifying differences in primate behavior, measuring primate fecal hormone levels with immunoassays, conducting interviews and surveys of local landowners,
government officials, and other stakeholders, measuring water and air quality, and quantifying forest characteristics using GIS and field methods. However, it is expected that each project will be designed by the student participant.
Students will be advised by Dr. Michael Wasserman (Indiana University, Department of Anthropology & Human Biology Program) and Dr. Peter Beck (St. Edward’s University, Environmental Science & Policy) and work in collaboration with the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. We are targeting highly motivated and independent upper level undergraduate and graduate students with limited previous independent international research experience. Students that have recently graduated with their bachelor’s or master’s degree and have little prior international research experience are also eligible. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM fields and those that are fluent in Spanish are especially encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be self-motivated, able to deal with uncertainties of field conditions, and comfortable living in remote settings with basic living conditions, including shared rooms or dorms. All research, living, and travel expenses will be covered and a small stipend will be provided. Please contact Dr. Wasserman (mdwasser@indiana.edu) for ecological/biological research questions and Dr. Peter Beck (peterab@stedwards.edu) for social research questions.
To apply, please contact Dr. Wasserman and Dr. Beck by email to express interest in the position and include your CV and unofficial transcript. After an initial discussion, each participant will submit a two-page (single-spaced, not including works cited) proposal including a brief literature review, research hypotheses/objectives/questions, and study design with intended methodology by Oct. 15, 2019. As students will be required to register for either a class or independent study credits with either Dr. Wasserman or Dr. Beck during the Spring 2020 semester, decisions will be made by Nov. 1, 2019.
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