Undergraduate Research Assistants (through Oregon State University)

​Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) Wireless Network of Bots for Monitoring Ecosystem of Forest
 
We are seeking applicants for an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in summer 2017 to make a wireless network of bots for monitoring the ecosystem of forest at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. This research will contribute to the location based open source sensorsproject which is currently conducted by the Cartography and Geovisualization group at College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science at Oregon State University.
 
The position will be based at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (on the west slope of the Oregon Cascades near Blue River, Oregon); travel will be required for short trips to Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon). The Andrews Forest was established in 1948 as an US Forest Service Experimental Forest, and since 1980 is one of the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. The field station has modern apartments with full kitchens, a well-equipped computer lab, and wireless internet (seehttp://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/ for more information on the site, facilities and research programs at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest). The landscape is home to iconic Pacific Northwest old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, and moss-draped ancient Douglas firs; steep terrain; and fast, cold-running streams.
 
The 10-week program will fit student on either the quarter or semester systems. The REU student will conduct supervised and guided research and develop his/her own individual project related to the grant. Participants will closely work with the PIs of the project and a team of students working on the grant. Housing and a weekly stipend of $550 will be provided.
Position Requirements: Applicants should
 
•         Exhibit proficient skills to design Arduino or Raspberry sensors;
•         Understand the fundamental mechanism of wireless network;
•         Familiar with GPS/GNSS receivers and interested in location based services;
•         A general understanding of python, database and web mapping techniques is desirable.
 
The applicant is expected to mostly stay in Corvallis, and occasionally travel to H.J. Andrews Forest. To survive in the forest, applicants should have a valid driver’s license in order to commute between Corvallis and the study site at the Forest, prove her or his ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances over uneven terrain, and be comfortable spending several days at the base in the H.J. Andrews Forest to test and deploy the bots.
 
Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduate date no sooner than fall 2017. Further, all applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Applications from women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
 
To apply: Please send a brief cover letter indicating your interest, experience and professional goals after graduation, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts and the names, addresses, phone number, and email address of at least two references to: Bo Zhao ([email protected]). Review of applications will start March 13, 2017 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.