Prof. Russo: Topographic effects on prescribed burn temperatures

The project would consist of downloading data from the FireLog units and organizing the data.  We would then work with the student to provide the topographic information for the locations where the units were placed during the fire.  The next step is analyzing the temperature data with respect to the topography.  To do this we will first derive a few thermal variables, such as residence time of the flame at that location, the maximum temperature reached, and others.  These thermal variables will then be analyzed with respect to topographic position using correlations or simple linear models.

The student will be mentored throughout this process at every step of the way.  They would be able to present a poster at the Spring Research Fair and also at the School of Biological Sciences Research Symposium (or their home department's research symposium, such as the School of Natural Resources or the Plant Biology major).  Trainees will have the chance to attend lab meetings and learn about the graduate students' research in our group.

Students do not need any particular qualifications, because we will train and mentor them.  However, since this project mostly involves working with data, they should enjoy doing that!  So, they will gain experience working with Excel, as well as some statistical software.

My lab group is a very open, collaborative group, where everyone supports everyone else's success and growth.  My graduate students are exceptional scientists and people, and we enjoy mentoring young scientists!  Undergraduates from my lab group are currently working in ecological conservation or in graduate schools doing research of their own now.  As a first generation college student myself, it is my goal to make everyone feel welcome - we work hard and are dedicated to our science, the environment, and to everyone's growth and development.