The intern would be aiding in measurements of greenhouse gas flux (carbon dioxide and methane) from various terrain features of the tundra near Barrow, Alaska. The purpose of this research is to gain understanding of how ecosystem change affects carbon storage and release in arctic coastal tundra.

The work will mainly involve movement of portable meteorological towers between sites using 4-wheelers and/or maintaining other meteorological towers in the area. We will also be taking measurements of soil properties at each site. The intern(s) would accompany a Ph.D. student or other researcher in their daily activities, including movement and maintenance of the towers, field sampling, and data processing and analysis if desired.

The intern will gain experience in scientific instrumentation and field data collection. Aside from the scientific work, this is also a great opportunity to see and explore a very interesting biome and experience some of the culture and knowledge of the Inupiat people who are native to the north of Alaska.

Ideally, we are looking for someone who is available from June 1 to August 31. However, we realize that school schedules may not allow for that time frame so we can certainly work with individual circumstances. The work is not particularly difficult but will require some long days requiring physical exertion in often cold and windy conditions. Temperatures can range from 20 to 70 F and winds can reach 25 mph at times.

Air travel, lodging, and food expenses are covered. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a salary. We will provide waterproof boots to wear on the tundra but the intern will need to bring their own cold weather clothing. We offer this internship for credit at SDSU; hopefully something similar could be set up at your institution.

For more information about the Global Change Research Group at San Diego State University, please visit: http://gcrg.sdsu.edu/