Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2014-2015
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Field assessment of forest insect pests to support market access for export logs
Project Leader(s):
Dr Stephen Pawson (Scion)
Host Department/Organization:
Scion & School of Forestry
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Dr Tara Murray
Co-supervisor of student
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
Understanding the pre-harvest insect pest loading of Pinus radiata logs is an integral part of finding a solution
to the need for current phytosanitary treatments. The options available for reducing the need for pre-export
treatment, e.g., methyl bromide fumigation, relies on knowledge of what pests may be present at the time of
harvest. This scholarship will work with a nationwide research team to survey the insect pest loading of
mature trees at the time of harvest. This largely field based position will provide the applicant with practical
experience in forest entomology/ecology, including skills/training relevant to working in an operational forest
environment. The student will have time to develop their insect identification skills as part of the project.
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
The project will involve extensive fieldwork with week-long field trips (all expenses paid) to Nelson and
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Southland/Otago.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
Most work should be within standard working hours, however the successful applicant maybe requested to
accompany others on a small number of night collecting trips. There will be periods of extensive fieldwork,
most likely to Nelson and Southland for periods of 1 week. There are likely to be no more than 4 such trips
during the summer. There will be the need to assist with a rostered check of field equipment on weekends a
maximum of 2 weekends out of 10. This will allow some flexibility with working hours.
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will work within a large research team to undertake fieldwork as part of a nationwide study of the
pest load of Pinus radiata logs. Applicants will develop an understanding of forest entomology, and the
collection and identification of specimens (good to develop knowledge of forest health), meteorological
recording (good for environmental science graduates), data handling, preparation and subsequent analysis,
and operational work within a forest.
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
Driver license and ability to drive a manual 4wd (Toyota Hilux)
Interest in biological sciences, preferable to have interest in entomology
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