SMM:MHS Sediment Research Assistant

at  St Olaf College

Job Title: MHS Sediment Research
Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)
Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

This position will teach students how to analyze and collect sediment data and present their findings and results.

QUALIFICATIONS: (EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS)

The employee must be able to pay careful attention to detail, keep organized records, think
critically about patterns in data, and work independently while also proactively seeking help and
asking questions when necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION: (PURPOSE OF THE POSITION):

This position is designed to support the analysis of sediment collected from sites in western Minnesota. Students will extract and analyze charcoal found in the sediment as a way of reconstructing fire history. They will also analyze X-ray data of the sediment to look changes in dust inputs to the lakes as a proxy for climate. The student will collect and analyze data relevant to research questions focused on links between climate and fire and present their results in written or spoken formats.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The employee will analyze the sediment dataset and prepare publications and/or presentations of results.