McDonald-Dunn Soil Carbon Project
McDonald-Dunn Soil Carbon Project
Graduate Student Name:
Jessica Blunn
Email Address:
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Tom DeLuca
Email Address (Faculty mentor/Supervisor):
Department Affiliation:
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Job Location:
Corvallis, Peavy Forest Science Center, McDonald-Dunn Research Forest
Description of project or research opportunity:
The McDonald-Dunn Soil Carbon Project utilizes soil carbon-informed methods for historical landscape ecology throughout the forest. Combining pedology, soil charcoal analysis, and soil lignin analysis, we aim to increase understandings of the interplay between historical fire regimes, vegetation type conversion, land use change, and soil distribution throughout the landscape.
Tasks student will perform:
Helping to dig soil pits down to one meter in multiple vegetation types and landscape positions
Collecting soil samples at depth
Carrying tools and soil samples
Labeling and organizing soil samples in the field
Collecting field data
Collecting vegetation and canopy cover data
Special skills required:
Experience with forest soils, including field texturing, coloring, and horizon designation preferred
Experience with field work in western Oregon forests
Ability to carry up to 50-60 pounds of tools and soil samples
Experience interpreting maps and reading compasses
Attention to detail while organizing and keeping track of field samples
Comfort with digging, kneeling, climbing hills, and traversing slash
Proposed dates of employment (must be between June 19 and September 4):
Monday, July 14, 2025 to Friday, August 29, 2025
Anticipated hours worked per week:
15-20