Soil Health in High-Value and Organic Diversified Horticulture Systems - Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Internship

APPLY NOW FOR INTERNSHIPS in Sustainable High-Value Horticultureand Processing Systems in Washington State.

This is a unique opportunity for undergraduates interested in careers in food systems. The Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Internship (REEU). Selected undergraduate fellows will be paired with a WSU Faculty mentor for a 10 week summer internship. Participants will learn valuable skills, through research and extension activities, and receive a generous stipend, travel support, and lodging. Interns will work independently throughout the summer on a research or extension project with the guidance of their mentor and, at the end of the internship period, present the results at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at the WSU main campus in Pullman, WA.

USDA NIFA AFRI REEU Soil Health in High-Value and Organic Diversified Horticulture Systems

Background

Surveys of high value vegetable producers in Washington State indicate that soil health and fertility management are research and education priorities. Certified organic producers must implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion (NOP Rule, §205.203). Methods to quantify and qualify soil quality are integral to assessing changes in management practices that purport to increase soil quality. Our research focuses on organic agriculture cropping systems and optimizing soil fertility. Experiments are conducted on 11 acres of certified organic land at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center as well as on farmers’ land in both western and central Washington State.

Description

The undergraduate research and extension fellow will work directly with Extension Specialist Doug Collins at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Research is underway to examine the effects of soil amendments, including biochar, on soil quality and production of strawberries and potatoes. Carbon and nitrogen cycling dynamics and other soil chemical and physical properties will be evaluated through laboratory and field research. The fellow will assist in a variety of tasks relating soil quality research in high-value horticulture systems as well as participate in an independent research project. Extension tasks may include assistance with workshop preparation and execution, development of extension fact sheets, and development of online training videos.

The WSU Puyallup REC provides an exceptional field and laboratory facility to mentor students in agricultural research and also provides a supportive community of faculty, staff, graduates, undergraduates, and visiting scientist. Facilities include a house on campus with independent rooms and a shared kitchen, a gym, and office and lab space. From the station there is easy access to the cities of Puyallup, Tacoma, and Seattle.

Fellowship Details

• Mentor: Doug Collins
• Location: WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA
• Dates: May 29 – August 3
• Stipend: $4,500. (Housing Provided. Costs of Travel Covered.)

Objective

To develop both hard and soft skills related to research and extension while addressing the needs of producers by providing educational resources. This may be achieved by:

• Conducting original research that adds to the current body of soil quality knowledge.
• Provide educational information in a variety of forms (extension publications, reports, videos, online course modules).

Responsibilities and Expectations

The fellow will meet regularly with mentor throughout the summer fellowship.

The fellow will be expected to complete an individual summer research project that will be presented at the WSU Undergraduate Research Symposium in Pullman, WA. This project will include a significant effort to be familiar with current literature related to soil quality. In addition, the fellow will assist with the creation of extension resources that may include newsletter content, instructional online videos, workshops, and fact sheets. Along with the rest of the summer fellowship cohort, the fellow is required to attend the 1-week on-farm experience at the Quillasacut Farm School in Rice, WA at the beginning of the fellowship period.

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a 4-year or 2-year postsecondary institution. Completed coursework in chemistry and biology. Basic computer software proficiency (ie. Microsoft Office). Self-motivated.

Desired Qualifications

Completed coursework in chemistry and biology. Familiarity with analyzing scientific literature.

Additional information and application: http://foodsystems.wsu.edu/reeu-application/