CHICAGO URBAN POLLINATION STUDY
This NSF-supported project will (a) evaluate changes in pollinators and their response to floral resources across a gradient of urban development, and (b) determine how these biotic changes affect the consistency and magnitude of pollination services.
In the summer of 2011, we are conducting a preliminary study to determine what bees and other pollinators are present in different neighborhoods of Chicago. Click here to see the brochure we are handing out to interested onlookers during our fieldwork.
In the summer of 2012, we will roll out the full-blown mobile garden, which will be on the back of a pickup truck. This truck will travel across Chicago to determine how pollination services are distributed across the urban landscape.
(top picture) preliminary mobile garden experiments in NYC
(bottom left picture) Bumble Bee on Echinacea flower
(bottom right picture) Small sweat bee (genus Lasioglossum) visiting a cucumber flower
We will be looking for a graduate student to join the research project starting in summer 2012. For the first two years, the student will be supported partially on a research assistantship and partially on a teaching assistantship. The student will have the ability to influence the future direction of this research and help develop proposals for additional funding. Applicants should be available to start in June or July of 2012 and have the following qualifications:
- a B.S. degree completed by spring 2012. A master's degree is preferred but not necessary. Previous course work in ecology and some undergraduate (or graduate) research experience is mandatory.
- a strong interest in urban ecology
- comfort working in heavily populated neighborhoods and interacting with neighborhood residents
- previous experience is prefered, but not required, in the following areas
- working with bees and other insects
- plant identification
- digital photography (ideally of insects or plants)
- using GIS and statistical analysis
- greenhouse work
- driving or biking around a large city
Interested students should apply to UIC (Department of Biological Sciences) for fall 2012 admission. Prior to submitting an application, please email a letter of intent and your CV to Emily Minor.
We will also have one or more opportunities for undergraduate students in spring, summer, and fall 2012. These opportunities will include paid positions or the option to enroll for BioS 399 (independent research) credit. Interested undergraduates should submit (by email) a cover letter and resume to Emily Minor in late winter/early spring of 2012.