4.0 KiB
4.0 KiB
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.