Program DescriptionRecent research clearly demonstrates the broad environmental consequences of genetic variation. For example, genetic variation within plant or microbial taxa has been shown to alter the diversity of the associated community, influence rates of nutrient cycling in ecosystems, alter rates of greenhouse gas emissions and reveal cryptic invasions by exotic species. Embracing the explicit roles of genes in environmental processes acknowledges that genetically-based interactions have far-reaching consequences. Not only do solutions for many environmental problems hinge on understanding linkages between genetic information and environmental processes, but these types of data must be interpreted at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Making these linkages requires scientists whose training spans molecular genetics to ecosystem sciences to spatial and temporal modeling. The Northern Arizona University IGERT program provides students
with training in all three of these areas. The faculty who are
participating in this program have remarkable track records of
research and mentoring success, and share an excitement for providing
outstanding multidisciplinary graduate education in environmental
bioscience fields. Many participating faculty have externally-funded
research programs focusing on questions linking gene level research
with environmental processes. These programs provide numerous opportunities
for the development of IGERT dissertation projects. Students may
investigate how planting of various cottonwood genotypes affects
stream ecosystems, how the genetic makeup of subsurface bacteria
is related to degradation of toxic contaminants, or how drought
and drought responses may combine to affect the distribution of
key Southwestern plant species. 1) An interdisciplinary dissertation research project that incorporates aspects of molecular analysis, environmental phenomena and scaling issues using state-of-the-art research facilities. Students will be mentored by highly qualified faculty within the context of existing projects that integrate disciplines and use multiple technical approaches. IGERT advisory committees will consist of faculty from at least two participating units. Presentations of the PhD prospectus by students to a multidisciplinary IGERT oversight committee will further encourage integration. Please see the current research page for a list of collaborating faculty engaged in genes to ecosystems and temporal/spatial modeling research. 2) Specific training in molecular techniques, statistical analysis, and an IGERT-specific seminar series that includes instruction on scientific ethics and scientific responsibility. For details, see specific training page. 3) Internship projects focusing on science communication and outreach to the broader community. These experiences will cement skills critical for effective science communication and will facilitate the transfer of Traditional Ecological Knowledge to IGERT students. Many of these opportunities will involve outreach to, and interaction with, Native American populations. See internship projects for more information. 4) An annual IGERT Research Symposium, hosted by NAU. This festive event will highlight multi-disciplinary IGERT research projects. Presentation formats will include oral presentations and posters, and there will be roundtable discussions of topics such as cultural issues in the biosciences, overcoming cultural barriers to success, and acute needs for environmental research and education. NAU will provide the symposium venue and will provide food, audio-visual equipment, and advertising for the symposium. Awards will be given for the best research presentations at a special closing ceremony. Students and faculty across campus and from the broader community are encouraged to attend.
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