What’s it lichen the forest? – Forest microclimate effects on lichen success following the 2023 Lookout fire
Faculty mentor/Supervisor
Matt Betts
Email Address
Department Affiliation
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location
Remote, but could support an in person student. Also note that the Betts lab meetings have a remote attendance option.
Project Description
This research addresses how interactions between lichen species differ across a gradient in microclimates following the Lookout fire in 2023. To test this question, we use a reciprocal transplant field experiment at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. While this project is a collaboration between several labs, the position will be primarily hosted by the Landscape Ecology lab. This study was established in 2024 and encompasses plots across a range of microclimates from both a range in elevation and fire severity. At each plot we have implemented hoops hung on trees with two different species of lichen, Platismatia and Lobaria oregana, singly to test individual success, and with paired species to test inter species competition. We took photos after establishing the experiment in fall 2024 and after one year in September 2025. For this MEP project, our research has two main goals: 1. Optimize a method to extract data from photos of lichens on their hoops. 2. Estimate lichen success from changes in size (positive with growth and negative with dieback). This lichen data is in conjunction with transplanted mosses and seedlings at each plot. All of these transplanted species are collocated with data on temperature, relative humidity, and light availability.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform
This project is primarily remote data collection with the opportunity for data analyses and visualization. The student will work with the primary supervisor to establish and optimize a protocol to extract these lichen success data. A method for extracting moss growth data from photos already exists for this experiment, and we will use this to adapt to lichens. Following data collection, there is also the opportunity to learn R skills in data wrangling, graphical representation, and data analyses.
Hourly rate of pay
15.5
Certification
Yes
What is the expected timeline of this project?
The anticipated start date for this project is Nov 1 (or whenever the student applications are processed and students are notified). The anticipated end date is the end of spring term. The expected weekly work schedule is flexible as the data are already collected. There will also be a half hour check in weekly to address any questions that come up outside immediate lab work questions during training. Meetings with supervisor will be during normal work hours M-F, 9-5.
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?
No
Will training be provided?
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?
Around 6-8
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?
About one hour, but more on the front end as we develop and optimize the data collection method.
Overall expectations for the Mentor
- Provide methods instructions and time for questions as mentee learns the new data collection techniques.
- Provide opportunities to be involved with the research process after data collection, including data curation, figure prep, writing and editing.
- Provide opportunities to network with other researchers. Could include a field day at the Andrews, joining the Betts lab meetings in the winter and spring terms.
- Invite mentee to join for scientific talks in forestry and other departments
- Respond to questions in a timely manner and give mentee time to discuss any issues related to the projects
On a weekly basis, we will meet to discuss general questions about the research project or any questions the student has about being a researcher and the academic career path.
- Provide methods instructions and time for questions as mentee learns the new data collection techniques.
- Provide opportunities to be involved with the research process after data collection, including data curation, figure prep, writing and editing.
- Provide opportunities to network with other researchers. Could include a field day at the Andrews, joining the Betts lab meetings in the winter and spring terms.
- Invite mentee to join for scientific talks in forestry and other departments
- Respond to questions in a timely manner and give mentee time to discuss any issues related to the projects
On a weekly basis, we will meet to discuss general questions about the research project or any questions the student has about being a researcher and the academic career path.