The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.

Team Mission: The Aquatic Plant Ecology Team supports the concept that an ecosystem approach is necessary for sustainable management of aquatic and riparian nuisance plant species. This approach goes beyond stand-alone efforts to remove targeted species, incorporating additional methodologies aimed at developing a sustainable plant community dominated by beneficial, native species. Study of the biology and ecology of nuisance and native plant species provides a foundation of knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each species and is critical to development of sustainable management strategies.

Team research includes laboratory, greenhouse, mesocosm, pond, and field studies on non-native and native aquatic, wetland, and riparian plant species. Research examines factors limiting establishment and persistence of invasive and native plants, including competitive interactions between native and introduced plants and the effects of disturbance and nutrient loading on plant communities. Additional applied research investigates adaptive restoration/ecosystem management techniques. As an offshoot to this approach, the team is developing, refining, and applying technologies for establishing native plants as the basis for ecosystem restoration and nuisance plant management. This includes ongoing study and development of methods of propagation and production of aquatic and riparian plants for use in ecosystem restoration projects, field-testing of methods to establish plants, assessment of plant community development, and analyses of the ecological role of the aquatic plant community.

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, your research will include aquatic and riparian habitat restoration and applied/foundational ecological research. You will be involved in the set-up, maintenance, and break down of studies and plant propagation cultures, large-scale restoration plantings, plant community surveys and mapping, and assessment of plant community development. Field work takes place year-round in natural riparian and aquatic environments in varied weather conditions and typically involves physical exertion (plant restoration and survey efforts). 

Where will I be located? Lewisville, Texas

Why should I apply?

This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.

What is the anticipated start date?

ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a part-time, six-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.

• Relocation Allowance

• Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.