# Research Assistant

**Organization:** Institute for Applied Ecology  
**Location:** Corvallis, Oregon  
**Duration:** January 2015 - March 2017

## Position Overview
As Research Assistant at the Institute for Applied Ecology, I supported multiple research projects focused on native plant ecology and restoration techniques. This position provided foundational experience in applying scientific methods to practical conservation challenges.

## Key Responsibilities

### Field Surveys
- Conducted comprehensive botanical surveys in diverse ecosystems throughout western Oregon
- Documented population sizes, health metrics, and habitat conditions for threatened plant species
- Established long-term monitoring plots using standardized protocols
- Collected voucher specimens for herbarium collections following strict ethical guidelines
- Mapped plant populations using GPS and GIS technologies

### Greenhouse Operations
- Assisted with propagation of native plants for restoration experiments and projects
- Maintained detailed records of seed treatments, germination rates, and growth parameters
- Implemented and monitored experimental growing conditions for research projects
- Managed irrigation systems and pest control for approximately 10,000 plants
- Prepared plant materials for outplanting at restoration sites

### Data Collection & Analysis
- Collected vegetation data using quadrat, transect, and plot-based sampling methods
- Processed and organized large datasets for long-term monitoring studies
- Performed statistical analyses using R to assess restoration treatment effectiveness
- Created data visualization graphics for reports and publications
- Maintained research databases ensuring data quality and accessibility

### Research Projects
- **Prairie Restoration Techniques:**
  - Compared effectiveness of different site preparation methods on native plant establishment
  - Monitored post-treatment recovery of native species diversity
  - Documented invasive species response to various control techniques

- **Rare Plant Demography:**
  - Tracked population dynamics of three endangered Willamette Valley plant species
  - Monitored individual plant survival, growth, and reproductive output
  - Assessed impacts of management interventions on population trends

- **Seed Viability Studies:**
  - Tested germination requirements for 30+ native species
  - Evaluated effects of smoke, scarification, and stratification on dormancy
  - Documented optimal storage conditions for maintaining seed viability

### Publication Support
- Co-authored three peer-reviewed publications on prairie restoration techniques
- Prepared figures, tables, and data appendices for manuscripts
- Conducted literature reviews on specialized ecological topics
- Assisted with manuscript revisions based on peer review feedback

## Key Projects

1. **Willamette Valley Wet Prairie Restoration**
   - Implemented experimental plots testing 4 restoration techniques
   - Collected 3 years of post-treatment vegetation data
   - Documented successful establishment of 15 target native species

2. **Endangered Butterfly Habitat Enhancement**
   - Propagated host and nectar plants for Fender's blue butterfly habitat
   - Monitored plant-insect interactions in restoration sites
   - Assessed habitat quality improvements following restoration treatments

3. **Native Seed Production Research**
   - Tested cultivation methods for improving seed yields of 10 native species
   - Documented pollination requirements for optimal seed production
   - Developed harvest timing recommendations based on seed maturation patterns

## Publications
- Johnson, T., **Morgan, E.**, et al. (2016). "Comparative effectiveness of site preparation techniques for prairie restoration." *Restoration Ecology*, 24(4), 472-481.
- Williams, R., **Morgan, E.**, & Smith, B. (2016). "Germination requirements of Willamette Valley wet prairie species." *Native Plants Journal*, 17(2), 99-112.
- **Morgan, E.**, Johnson, T., & Davis, A. (2017). "Long-term vegetation response to restoration treatments in degraded oak savanna." *Northwest Science*, 91(1), 27-39.