Graduate Research Assistantship in Microbial Ecology / Biogeochemistry at Environmental Sciences Institute (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=environmentalscience), Florida A&M University. Project Title and Description: Tracing Carbon Flow in Apalachicola Bay, Florida (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=hbcurise&p=drchauhan). Carbon plays a fundamental role in regulating Earth’s climate and it is generally accepted that accelerated human-induced CO2 emissions over the last century have significantly contributed to recent documented warming trends. Our predictive understanding of the extent to which the resultant increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations will impact climate change is dependent on the accuracy of global carbon flux models. However, to date there remains a paucity of information with respect to how carbon cycles in the environment- particularly in coastal subtropical systems. Studies are therefore needed to understand basic biogeochemical cycling as applicable to these and all coastal ecosystems. The overall goal of this research is to evaluate carbon cycling in Apalachicola Bay, a shallow bar-built sub-tropical estuary located in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. This work is a collaborative effort being carried out by an interdisciplinary team of biogeochemists, ecologists, molecular biologists, and modelers. This team will integrate their skills and areas of expertise to characterize the sources, transformations and fate of carbon within the Apalachicola Bay estuary. Laboratories of Drs. Chauhan and Williams utilize a biphasic approach; using culture based tools such as most probable number estimates (MPNs) and community level physiological profiling (CLPP) coupled to molecular tools based on the SSU rDNA analyses such as molecular cloning, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and stable isotope probing (SIP) tools to link the structure to function of carbon cycling autochthonous and allochthonous bacterial guilds in Apalachicola Bay. Another important emphasis of this proposal is the training of graduate students and postdoctoral associates in multidisciplinary research on carbon cycling, and in communicating the knowledge gained from this and other research to students in the classroom making them better teachers and mentors.
We have an immediate need to hire motivated individuals interested in pursuing M.S. /Ph.D. in Microbial Ecology/Microbiology/Biogeochemistry to join us in this exciting research proposal. Students will be given a broad flexibility to develop their thesis/ dissertation research within the overall goals of the project and will work closely with the project investigators, including Drs. Ashvini Chauhan and Henry Williams. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to interact broadly with our collaborators (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=hbcurise&p=ProjectLeaders), including faculty affiliated with the ECSC, NOAA program at ESI (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=environmentalscience&p=ESICenters). Candidates are encouraged to submit a brief statement of research interest to Dr. Ashvini Chauhan; selected students will have an expected start date in summer 2008. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in microbiology, biology, ecology, geology, chemistry, or a related discipline. Interested candidates with a strong background and continued interest in microbial ecology, microbiology or biogeochemistry are encouraged to apply. Selection will be based on GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and the applicant’s enthusiasm to pursue this work. Send formal letters of interest to Dr. Ashvini Chauhan through email at ashvini.chauhan@famu.edu or by mail to Environmental Sciences Institute, 1515, South MLK Blvd., 305 FSHSRC, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL-32307. A stipend ranging from $18,000-20,000 for 12 months plus tuition waiver is available for students. Members of underrepresented groups and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University All qualified applicants, including the disabled, will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, or age except as provided by law. FAMU will employ only United States citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Reference checks and background screenings are conditions of employment.
January 29th, 2008 
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