Belowground Carbon Inventory of the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Jeff Hatten
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Forest Engineering Resources & Management
Project Location:
Corvallis and McDonald-Dunn
Project Description:
Soil carbon makes up over half of a forest's carbon pool. The school forest has good inventory data on aboveground carbon sources (i.e., trees), but less data on soil carbon. We are digging pits and collecting cores to determine the soil carbon stores of the school forest. we are looking for students interested in assisting us with field work (digging pits, collecting cores and samples, and aboveground forest inventory) and lab work (sample preparation and simple chemical analyses). This selected student will get experience with field and laboratory analysis of vegetation and soils, analysis of a selection of data generated, and presentations in lab group and public settings. This student will be primarily mentored by myself (Hatten), Jess Blunn (graduate student), and Tom DeLuca
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
Dig soil pits
Collect soil cores
Tree inventory plots
Soil sample preparation (drying, sieving, grinding, etc.)
Soil sample analysis (pH, prep of carbon and nitrogen analysis, etc.)
Simple data analysis in Excel or possibly R
Presentation of findings in a report and/or oral presentation during a lab meeting
Hourly rate of pay:
$18
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
We expect the student to help collect data in the field and lab over the academic year with analysis and presentation of results occurring in the spring of 2025
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
No
Will training be provided?:
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
10-20 (40 during breaks if student is available)
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
30-60 minutes from me (Hatten). Jess will provide more frequent mentorship, especially on developing field and lab work skill sets (Jess has worked in my lab for 4 years as an undergraduate). Tom will be available as needed and during lab group meetings.
Detail your mentorship plan:
Orientation and Integration - we will cover safety protocols, research goals, and lab expectations. The student will be assigned to a peer mentor (Jess Blunn) for the first month to help with daily tasks and integration into the lab.
Research Skills Development - we will focus on hands-on training in field and lab techniques, data collection, and analysis, with a focus on soil sampling, carbon measurement, and lab equipment operation. We will gradually increase the complexity of tasks as competence grows, allowing the student to take on independent projects.
Regular Check-ins and Feedback - I like to schedule weekly meetings with my students, given I am, likely to cancel a couple due to my busy schedule. I find that 30-60 minute meetings are sufficient for undergraduate students. These meetings will be used to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks as well as provide constructive feedback on to help the student improve their research skills.
Professional Development - We will encourage attendance at lab meetings, seminars, and any local conferences to expose them to effective methods of scientific communication. The student will have access to a department head and dean who can help guide them on many aspects related to academia etc.
Goal Setting - We will work with the student to set specific learning and research goals.
Presentation - The student will develop a report and presentation to the lab group and possibly a small local confernece.