Animal Movement Ecology: Environmental Data Science & Web Design
The translational movement ecology research group studies social-ecological systems through the lens of animal movement, working across rangeland ecology, pastoralism, ungulate conservation, and human-wildlife coexistence. We are hiring two undergraduate research assistants, with potential for extension into future semesters for students who are a strong fit, each following a different track:
Track A — Environmental Data Science: Supports day-to-day organization and analysis of field and collaborator datasets related to animal movement and rangeland ecology. The student will work in R, help keep data clean and analysis-ready, and assist with documentation as we communicate with external collaborators.
Track B — Web Design & Science Communication: Builds a public-facing website or R Shiny app for our Open Fence Project, which shares fencing and landscape-connectivity data with collaborators and stakeholders. The student is encouraged to use modern development tools, including AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, VS Code with AI tooling), and work with lab members to translate project data into a functional, user-friendly site/app. The role also includes ongoing maintenance and updates to the lab website, with the option to help develop science communication materials.
Both roles work closely with graduate students and the faculty mentor.
Students gain hands-on experience with real research data and, for Track B, modern AI-assisted software development — both highly transferable skills. Both tracks come with the opportunity to be part of an active research lab: participating in lab meetings and activities, working directly alongside graduate students and the faculty mentor, and having a dedicated workspace in the lab. Students who perform well are invited to continue in future semesters with increasing responsibility, direct mentorship, and potential involvement in publications, conference presentations, or independent research questions.