Project 2

This project is a spin off from a global networked project to understand how biocrust diversity and cover impacts ecosystem function and recovery from
disturbance. From this, we got very interested in the plant biocrust interactions, and particularly how biocrust affects the soil seed bank in terms of
germination potential and species composition. We know that biocrusts provide resources critically needed for plant establishment, but they can also
inhibit germination. For this study, we have collected soil from twelve field sites from biocrusted and uncrusted areas and will run a seedbank germination
study in the greenhouse. The student would help implement the study, document germination and identification of plant species, and work with us to
analyze the data and create a poster presentation.

The student would work with mentors to set up the greenhouse study, collect all data, learn plant identification and propagation as well as data collection
and analysis processes. We would involve the student in our lab group and other learning opportunities, and work with them to create a research
presentation for a regional conference.

The student will be the lead author on at least on research presentation, and a co-author on at least on peer reviewed article. The student will have the
opportunity to participate in writing, analysis and presentation.