Sustainable socio-ecological systems (SES) in the American West: Rangelands and Resilience at Montana State
May 28, 2024 – Aug. 2, 2024 | Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA | Apply by: Feb. 23, 2024
The American rangeland is a complex socioecological system. To protect this unique and beautiful system, and make sure it provides in the future for the many animals, plants, and humans that depend upon it, we need to appreciate how social, economic, and ecological processes interact.
Students will work towards a holistic understanding of the interconnected social, economic, and ecological processes at work in Montana rangelands and learn how we can protect those systems for current and future generations.
In this 10-week experience you will: Assist Fort Peck Tribe with bison reintroduction & research | Tour Salish-Kootenai Bison Range | Tour a working cattle ranch | Conduct independent research | Explore Bozeman, a global outdoor capitol | Live in one of world’s most beautiful places | $7,000 stipend
Your independent research could include: Rangeland ecology | Forest Ecology | Ecosystems | Wildlife ecology | Animal production | Soil microbiology and ecology | Farming & ranching | Horse/livestock physiology | Health
Apply Now (due Feb. 23): https://montanastateuniversity.submittable.com
Needed: 2 Reference Letters | Answer a few questions | Describe your interest | Online application form
Questions: email Dr. Dan Atwater | daniel.atwater@montana.edu | animalrange.montana.edu/reu.html
MORE INFORMATION:
The NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program funds hundreds of Sites throughout the country. Its goal is to support active participation in science, engineering, and education research by undergraduate students. The most common REU program is a summer research program at an REU Site. REU Site programs integrate research and education experiences to attract a diverse pool of talented students into careers in science and engineering.
Each year from 2024 through 2026 the Montana State SES REU Program will host 10 students for 10 weeks. The focus is socioeconomic sustainability of rangeland ecosystems. The American rangeland is a complex socioecological system. To protect this unique and beautiful system, and make sure it provides in the future for the many animals, plants, and humans that depend upon it, we need to appreciate how social, economic, and ecological processes interact.
Students will have the opportunity to join diverse research labs including rangeland ecology, wildlife ecology, ecosystems, soil ecology & microbiology, remote sensing, ranching, animal production, and animal science. Educational workshops will guide students to formulate a cross-disciplinary understanding of the complex social, economic, and ecological processes affecting the American West. Host departments in the Montana State College of Agriculture include Animal & Range Sciences, Land Resources & Environmental Science, and Montana Research Stations.
We will have some exciting experiences:
1) A tour of a working ranch near White Sulfur Springs, MT
2) Service learning with the Fort Peck Reservation bison herd — students will do cleaning/maintenance of the quarantine pasture, will help with some sustainability research, and will learn about cultural and health impacts of herd reclamation
3) Tour of the Salish-Kootenai Bison Range
4) A guided independent research project
Most of the student time will be spent doing independent research in a lab at MSU in Bozeman, MT, and/or outdoors in the forests and prairies of Western Montana. There will be some programmed social and educational experiences. Students will receive free on-campus housing (single room), parking, and a free 100-meal plan in addition to a $7000 stipend for ten weeks from May 28 to Aug 2.
The SES REU site is located in beautiful Bozeman, MT, a world-renowned hub of outdoor activity and vibrant regional cultural center. It was recently recognized on Time Magazine’s list of the World’s 50 Best Places.
Applications are due Feb. 23 and include submission links for 2 letters of reference (due Feb. 23) and some long-answer questions. There is no need to prepare a cover letter or formal application.
Applications may be submitted at: https://montanastateuniversity.submittable.com/submit
For more information see: animalrange.montana.edu/reu.html
Direct questions to Dr. Dan Atwater, SES REU Program Director: daniel.atwater@montana.edu
Indigenous students and those belonging to minoritized groups are especially encouraged to apply.
