Duties: The Department of Zoology and Physiology, and the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database at the University of Wyoming are hiring an MS student to review literature about the state of knowledge on wind energy and insects. Bats, raptors and songbirds respond to wind energy in various ways, including avoiding, colliding and attraction to turbines, but few studies directly investigated interactions of insects and wind energy. Insects collide with turbine blades reducing the power produced by up to 50% at wind speeds >12 m/s, so conserving insects should improve energy production. Insects are attracted to the white color of turbine bases and their vertical structure, and they may be attracted by the heat produced, lighting, and location (e.g. hilltops) of turbines. Additionally, vertebrates may be attracted to wind farms by the presence of increased insects (Foo et al. 2017; Rydell et al. 2011). Thus, if we understand the relationship between insects and wind development, we may conserve insects, reduce vertebrate wildlife mortalities in the vicinity of turbines and increase the power produced by wind turbines.

Qualifications:  Students with a strong research background in ecology, entomology, wildlife management or related field and excellent writing skills will be given first consideration. Superior applicants will have well-rounded backgrounds in entomology and renewable resources, and experience writing or publishing. Desirable qualifications include demonstrated comprehensive and research skills, self-motivation, organized and the ability to work independently and as a team. Applicant must have strong interests in conservation and working with natural resource agencies. Selection will be based on application, GPA, experiences, writing sample and letters of recommendation.