75 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
75 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
# Research Assistant
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**Organization:** Institute for Applied Ecology
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**Location:** Corvallis, Oregon
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**Duration:** January 2015 - March 2017
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## Position Overview
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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.
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## Key Responsibilities
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### Field Surveys
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- Conducted comprehensive botanical surveys in diverse ecosystems throughout western Oregon
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- Documented population sizes, health metrics, and habitat conditions for threatened plant species
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- Established long-term monitoring plots using standardized protocols
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- Collected voucher specimens for herbarium collections following strict ethical guidelines
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- Mapped plant populations using GPS and GIS technologies
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### Greenhouse Operations
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- Assisted with propagation of native plants for restoration experiments and projects
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- Maintained detailed records of seed treatments, germination rates, and growth parameters
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- Implemented and monitored experimental growing conditions for research projects
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- Managed irrigation systems and pest control for approximately 10,000 plants
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- Prepared plant materials for outplanting at restoration sites
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### Data Collection & Analysis
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- Collected vegetation data using quadrat, transect, and plot-based sampling methods
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- Processed and organized large datasets for long-term monitoring studies
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- Performed statistical analyses using R to assess restoration treatment effectiveness
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- Created data visualization graphics for reports and publications
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- Maintained research databases ensuring data quality and accessibility
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### Research Projects
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- **Prairie Restoration Techniques:**
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- Compared effectiveness of different site preparation methods on native plant establishment
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- Monitored post-treatment recovery of native species diversity
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- Documented invasive species response to various control techniques
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- **Rare Plant Demography:**
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- Tracked population dynamics of three endangered Willamette Valley plant species
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- Monitored individual plant survival, growth, and reproductive output
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- Assessed impacts of management interventions on population trends
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- **Seed Viability Studies:**
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- Tested germination requirements for 30+ native species
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- Evaluated effects of smoke, scarification, and stratification on dormancy
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- Documented optimal storage conditions for maintaining seed viability
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### Publication Support
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- Co-authored three peer-reviewed publications on prairie restoration techniques
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- Prepared figures, tables, and data appendices for manuscripts
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- Conducted literature reviews on specialized ecological topics
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- Assisted with manuscript revisions based on peer review feedback
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## Key Projects
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1. **Willamette Valley Wet Prairie Restoration**
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- Implemented experimental plots testing 4 restoration techniques
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- Collected 3 years of post-treatment vegetation data
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- Documented successful establishment of 15 target native species
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2. **Endangered Butterfly Habitat Enhancement**
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- Propagated host and nectar plants for Fender's blue butterfly habitat
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- Monitored plant-insect interactions in restoration sites
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- Assessed habitat quality improvements following restoration treatments
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3. **Native Seed Production Research**
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- Tested cultivation methods for improving seed yields of 10 native species
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- Documented pollination requirements for optimal seed production
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- Developed harvest timing recommendations based on seed maturation patterns
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## Publications
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- Johnson, T., **Morgan, E.**, et al. (2016). "Comparative effectiveness of site preparation techniques for prairie restoration." *Restoration Ecology*, 24(4), 472-481.
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- Williams, R., **Morgan, E.**, & Smith, B. (2016). "Germination requirements of Willamette Valley wet prairie species." *Native Plants Journal*, 17(2), 99-112.
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- **Morgan, E.**, Johnson, T., & Davis, A. (2017). "Long-term vegetation response to restoration treatments in degraded oak savanna." *Northwest Science*, 91(1), 27-39. |