The Program
The University of Alabama is recruiting 10 recent graduates for an NSF-sponsored training program in field ecology. The Woods to Water (W2W) project is an experience-based learning program aimed at helping early career scientists understand critical linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The W2W program will provide a year-long immersive, cohort- and field-based program in standardized methods and data science, with the first cohort starting May 2024.
W2W will provide training opportunities in terrestrial and aquatic settings, partnering with NSF’s National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Jones Center at Ichauway (JCI; a non-profit research station) to train post-baccalaureates in key field techniques that link water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes among ecosystems —a key signature of ecological connectivity. W2W RaMP mentees will receive training in two SEUS NEON Domains: the Ozarks complex, with three pairs of terrestrial and aquatic NEON field sites, including the northwesternmost range of the threatened longleaf pine ecosystem; and the Southeast, with two sites in JCI’s expansive longleaf pine ecosystem. W2W participants will gain immersive experience through on-site training modules and hands-on experience with NEON (Tuscaloosa, AL) and the JCI (Newton, GA). Participants will interact with scientists, technicians, and researchers working in and around these sites. The program will dovetail classroom, field, laboratory, and independent research approaches to provide comprehensive ecological field experiences, building skills and self-confidence in field research. W2W cohorts will have opportunities to present and publish their research and obtain professional credentials as certified ecologists. For participants, this program will facilitate transition into the ecological workforce.
W2W will provide training opportunities in terrestrial and aquatic settings, partnering with NSF’s National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Jones Center at Ichauway (JCI; a non-profit research station) to train post-baccalaureates in key field techniques that link water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes among ecosystems —a key signature of ecological connectivity. W2W RaMP mentees will receive training in two SEUS NEON Domains: the Ozarks complex, with three pairs of terrestrial and aquatic NEON field sites, including the northwesternmost range of the threatened longleaf pine ecosystem; and the Southeast, with two sites in JCI’s expansive longleaf pine ecosystem. W2W participants will gain immersive experience through on-site training modules and hands-on experience with NEON (Tuscaloosa, AL) and the JCI (Newton, GA). Participants will interact with scientists, technicians, and researchers working in and around these sites. The program will dovetail classroom, field, laboratory, and independent research approaches to provide comprehensive ecological field experiences, building skills and self-confidence in field research. W2W cohorts will have opportunities to present and publish their research and obtain professional credentials as certified ecologists. For participants, this program will facilitate transition into the ecological workforce.
Participants
W2W aims to increase the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in ecological disciplines by providing opportunities to postbaccalaureate participants with limited prior training and research experience. As such, priority will be given to individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, first generation students, and college graduates of lower-resourced institutions. Participants will receive $32,500 per year in stipend support and health insurance coverage, as well reduced-cost housing. Participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S., and must be appointed for one full year. Participants must have a baccalaureate college degree in a relevant field before the start of the fellowship (applicants must apply to the program before or within four years of graduation, with extensions allowed for family, medical or military leave). Individuals accepted into or already participating in graduate programs are not eligible. Key selection criteria include:
- Enthusiasm about studying and pursuing a career in ecology and/or conservation.
- Interest in engagement in rigorous research experiences in ecological science.
- Likelihood to succeed in science fields, whether or not presently majoring or minoring in a STEM discipline. Factors considered will include college GPA and curriculum, work experience, leadership in clubs, athletics, community organizations, and self-study.
- Demonstrated community service orientation and personal qualities to succeed in ecological science (e.g., perseverance, resilience, ability to scale barriers, communication skills, etc.)
- Are the first in their family to attend college (socio-economic factors and first-generation status not required for selection to the program, but they increase chances of selection).
- Regardless of each applicant’s race or ethnicity, demonstrated commitment to creating a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive society.
Program mentors
Program mentors include research professionals from the University of Alabama, University of Florida, the JCI, NEON, Alabama A & M University, Geological Survey of Alabama, and other state and federal natural resources agencies
Aquatic Ecology - our mentors include researchers involved in stream and watershed ecology, freshwater ecology and conservation, fisheries, and environmental health and toxicology. Our team includes:
Carla Atkinson, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Arial Shogren, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
William Pine, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
Elica Moss, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A & M University
Stephen Golladay, Aquatic Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
Rebecca Bearden, Ecosystems Investigations Program, Geological Survey of Alabama
Plant Ecology- our mentors include researchers involved in forest landscape ecology, plant ecology and physiology, earth systems science and quantitative methods. Our team includes:
Christina Staudhammer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Jeffery Cannon, Forest Landscape Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
Gregory Starr, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
NEON Science- our mentors have key roles in NEON protocol training, as Training Liaisons for the NEON program in the Southeast and Ozarks domains. Our team includes:
Jordan Ehmke, NEON - Domain 03 (Southeast), Battelle (NEON)
Laura Nagel, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON)
Matthew Koerner, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON)
Aquatic Ecology - our mentors include researchers involved in stream and watershed ecology, freshwater ecology and conservation, fisheries, and environmental health and toxicology. Our team includes:
Carla Atkinson, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Arial Shogren, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
William Pine, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
Elica Moss, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A & M University
Stephen Golladay, Aquatic Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
Rebecca Bearden, Ecosystems Investigations Program, Geological Survey of Alabama
Plant Ecology- our mentors include researchers involved in forest landscape ecology, plant ecology and physiology, earth systems science and quantitative methods. Our team includes:
Christina Staudhammer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Jeffery Cannon, Forest Landscape Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
Gregory Starr, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology, Jones Center at Ichauway
NEON Science- our mentors have key roles in NEON protocol training, as Training Liaisons for the NEON program in the Southeast and Ozarks domains. Our team includes:
Jordan Ehmke, NEON - Domain 03 (Southeast), Battelle (NEON)
Laura Nagel, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON)
Matthew Koerner, NEON - Domain 08 (Ozarks Complex), Battelle (NEON)
For more information and how to apply
Contact the W2W Project investigators:
Christie Staudhammer - [email protected]
Carla Atkinson - [email protected]
Arial Shogren - [email protected]
New application portal here
Christie Staudhammer - [email protected]
Carla Atkinson - [email protected]
Arial Shogren - [email protected]
New application portal here