Do Douglas-fir forests buffer the impacts of climate warming and extreme heat events?
Faculty mentor/Supervisor
Christopher Still
Email Address
Department Affiliation
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location
Work is planned to be done on a computer so can be done anywhere the student prefers. Ideally the student can also join some field sampling trips.
Project Description
We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student who will help us to compile and clean microclimate data (air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed) collected along a transect of forest sites from the coast to the Cascade crest. At each of 4 sites, microclimate data are collected in the forest understory and at the top of the canopy, and the record spans 15 years. The principal activity will be to help compile and organize microclimate data into databases for use in statistical and machine learning analyses, along with opportunities to visit these sites and download data and eventually co-author resulting publication[s]. The student will gain exposure to data processing and various analysis methods. The student will be mentored by Prof. Still and FES affiliate researcher Dr. Peter Beedlow (recently retired from the EPA). The student will additionally benefit from interaction with other post-docs and graduate students within the Still lab through attendance of regular lab meetings.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform
The student will learn how to conduct basic data quality assessment (QAQC) and statistical analyses. In the process of doing this, the student will focus on these specific tasks (with the help and guidance of Drs. Still and Beedlow):
1. The student will conduct basic QAQC of microclimate data from the full period of record from each forest site to use in analysis and extract basic information on weather conditions
2. The student will connect the analysis of microclimate data to understand how tree growth is influenced by weather patterns and soil moisture.
1. The student will conduct basic QAQC of microclimate data from the full period of record from each forest site to use in analysis and extract basic information on weather conditions
2. The student will connect the analysis of microclimate data to understand how tree growth is influenced by weather patterns and soil moisture.
Hourly rate of pay
$16
Certification
Yes
What is the expected timeline of this project?
Fall and Winter quarters, but could extend into the Spring quarter
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?
5 hours a week, give or take an hour or two.
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?
1-2 hours/week
I plan to schedule weekly or biweekly in person or Zoom meetings between the mentee and myself and Dr. Beedlow, and also ask my graduate student (Anna Haigh) to help with mentoring of the undergraduate. These meetings will focus on the student’s research progress and try to alleviate any potential hurdles, as well as guiding the next stages of research activities.