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Hiram College seeks a researcher in Forest Ecosystems Studies to serve as the first Dennis J. Taylor visiting assistant professor. This three-year visiting professorship honors Dennis J. Taylor, Ph.D. Hiram College`73, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of International Grants, to recognize his work in science education, ecology, and international programs, locally at the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station, and globally in the United States and throughout the world.
About Hiram College
Hiram College, established in 1850 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, is a nationally recognized, private, residential liberal arts college located 30 miles southeast from Cleveland in Ohio’s historic Western Reserve region. At Hiram, close student-faculty interactions and educational innovation are routine. The College’s distinctive academic calendar, the Hiram Plan, offers students the opportunity each semester to learn in both a 12-week format (usually taking 3 courses) and a 3-week intensive format (1 course). All students participate in experiential learning through study abroad/study away trips, internships, and/or research experiences as part of the Hiram Connect initiative.
The student population at Hiram College is diverse in many ways – economic backgrounds, ethnic heritage, and academic interests. Hiram strongly encourages applications from members of all underrepresented groups in higher education.
Background
In the 1950s, biology professors James H. Barrow and Dwight H. Berg instituted undergraduate research as an integral component of classes and independent studies. Their pioneering models using student-directed inquiry in diverse local and global environments made learning more effective, memorable, and fun. Decades ahead of other undergraduate programs in making these a regular part of the curriculum, Hiram College became a leader in establishing internships, improving learning outcomes, and motivating undergraduates to pursue advanced degrees in biology. These early examples of improving learning wove peer and near-peer mentoring into the fabric of K-12 outreach programs while simultaneously developing leadership skills in students. Berg and Barrow’s innovations became the model for dozens of Hiram College undergraduate research efforts, field programs, and international collaborations using science investigations to engage students.
Through a gift from Paul and Maxine Frohring, in 1967 Hiram College established its Biological Field Station just three miles from campus, providing facilities for animal behavior studies, genetics, and ecological research. The purchase included a large tract of un-timbered beech-maple forest, one of the largest remaining uncut stands in North America. The forest includes within it, pristine wetlands, and a cold-water stream, one of only four in the State of Ohio. For more than five decades, these unique natural habitats, amplified by old field successional habitats and grassland establishment, have provided a main staple for research by undergraduates and established scientists.
This endowment will fund both a visiting professorship in forest ecosystem studies and undergraduate student internships that will further Hiram’s scientific understanding of the natural systems of the James H. Barrow Field Station in an age of unprecedented global warming. Just as the Field Station became a magnet at its inception, attracting students and funding to Hiram College, this endowment is designed to do the same, positioning Hiram to continue to attract excellent students and retain the prominence of Hiram College as a leader in enhancing learning through undergraduate research and mentoring in science. The endowment will provide up to 10 internships per year to Hiram undergraduates and stipends for high school students who participate in this near-peer mentoring program.
Search for a visiting assistant professor.
The endowment will provide a salary and research stipend for a three-year visiting assistant professor in forest ecosystem studies. The successful candidate will further field ecological investigations using the un-timbered forest habitats with undergraduate students as assistants. The position will have a reduced teaching load that allows for the candidate to supervise the near-peer mentoring/research program.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. is required
• Evidence of research in forest ecosystems
• Record of teaching and interest in teaching undergraduates
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate students
Duties & Responsibilities*
• Assumes a leadership role in developing research projects in forest ecosystems.
• Develops research projects for undergraduate students at Hiram College
• Serves as the leader for the near-peer mentoring program
• Works closely with the staff of the field station
• Explores possibilities for collaboration across academic programs
• Works with colleagues in grant writing and prepares requests for external funding as needed
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Develops research projects for undergraduate students at Hiram College
• Serves as the leader for the near-peer mentoring program
• Works closely with the staff of the field station
• Explores possibilities for collaboration across academic programs
• Works with colleagues in grant writing and prepares requests for external funding as needed
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. is required
• Evidence of research in forest ecosystems
• Record of teaching and interest in teaching undergraduates
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate students
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply directly through the College website at http://hiram.edu/careers-at-hiram/
Please submit the following required documents:
1) Cover letter addressing research interests and interests in working with undergraduate students
2) Curriculum vitae
3) The names and contact information for at least three professional references including email addresses and phone numbers.
The search committee will begin consideration of applications in early February and will continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is August 1, 2022. Questions may be addressed to Professor Michael Benedict, [email protected].