نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Introduction to the Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates (RaMP) Program

The Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates (RaMP) program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is an intensive year-long research experience designed to train and connect recent college graduates with research careers supporting improved ecosystem health. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation's Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences.

Program Overview

RaMP scholars will work closely with mentors to design and implement research projects focused on helping to mitigate or prevent the damaging effects of drought and other ongoing challenges on southwestern landscapes. The long-term goal is to help participants be part of a skilled workforce capable of responding to unique regional challenges. Research projects will be co-produced by science faculty, community members, land managers, and fellows.

Benefits

The program offers each participant the following benefits:

• $42,500 one-year stipend to cover living expenses
• NAU group health insurance (single)
• A laptop budget
• Travel expenses for field research, conferences, and workshops

Program Elements

Three-Day Retreat

The RaMP program kicks off with a 3-day retreat and orientation program at the nearby Merriam Powell Research Station, located in the Coconino National Forest 5 miles from campus. At the retreat, participants will create an individual plan to develop their scientific identities over the course of the next year while getting to know other program participants, mentors, and staff.

Research Program

Following orientation, participants will finalize their roles in a research group through conversations with mentors and program staff. Participants will work full time on research projects with mentor and team input and weekly meetings. Support and training will be tailored to the background, needs, and goals of individual participants to ensure they are competitive for the next step in their career.

Science Training and Professional Development

RaMP participants will meet weekly with program staff to grow their skills through discussions, tutorials, guest lectures, and written and oral communication practice sessions. Topical areas will include:

• Ecological concepts
• Ecological history
• Conduct and design of research
• Field and lab safety
• Responsible conduct of research
• Formal and informal written and oral communication and interpretation of scientific literature
• Professional skills, career pathways, and identity
• Teamwork and leadership
• Quantitative skills, data collection, and data management

Research Groups

The program includes several research groups, each focusing on a specific area of ecosystem health:

Pinyon Research Group

Pinyon pine is one of two tree species defining the habitat of dry southwestern forests and is projected to disappear from broad swaths of its range. Research questions may include:

• How important is genetic diversity for maintaining populations through unprecedented disturbance?
• What are the patterns of current and predicted loss of pinyon pine?
• How can soil microorganisms and biocrusts enhance re-establishment after catastrophic fire?
• What are the impacts of pinyon decline on pinyon jays?

Oak Research Group

Drought, fire suppression, and introduction of domesticated livestock degraded Emory oak habitat, leading local community members to express concern over the future of southwestern Emory oak populations. The goal of this initiative is to ensure resilience of Emory oak stands and promote viable oak populations to sustain acorn harvest for future generations.

Dryland Research Group

Grazing, drought, and invasive plants are interacting threats to dryland ecosystems of the southwest. Using biocrusts and soil organisms to stabilize soils and return ecosystem functions and restore native plant communities and fire cycles are of key interest. Research questions may include:

• How do drought, fire and/or grazing pressures interact to affect plant and soil community stability and health?
• Does restoration of soil communities lead to development of soil stability and native plant communities?
• Can we restore dryland communities for land use sustainability?

Aquatic and Riparian Research Group

Springs, rivers, and ponds provide water for humans, livestock, and wildlife and also support aquatic species from vegetation to invertebrates and amphibians. Research questions may include:

• How are land management and drought affecting the quality and availability of aquatic habitats?
• Which riparian plants will continue to thrive and support their ecosystems in hotter and drier conditions?
• Can restoring riparian and aquatic vegetation help us conserve a diverse community of aquatic invertebrates and amphibians?

Herbarium-Based Research Group

Herbaria are collections of pressed plant specimens that act as biological libraries to catalog the morphological diversity of plant species. Scholars will address questions such as:

• How does plant biodiversity vary among the different biomes of Northern Arizona?
• Where is plant species diversity greatest in Northern Arizona?
• How has plant biodiversity changed over time?
• What are important indicator species for ecosystem health in different regions and in different biomes of Arizona?
• Are there any plant species that should have their threatened/endangered/rare status re-evaluated?

Application and Admission

Admission Criteria

RaMP scholars will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Interest in a career in biology or natural resource management
2. Limited opportunity for participation in research, post-degree technical training, or other educational opportunities
3. Alignment of participant interests with research themes and the expertise of mentors
4. Overall academic potential

Application Requirements

Documents required include:

• An unofficial transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• A short statement of interest

Application Deadline

The application deadline is March 4, 2025. The program will begin June 23, 2025, and run through June 9, 2026.