PhD Research Assistantships in Modeling Land-Use Change and Ecological Impacts of Urban-Exurban Growth, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences
Two Ph.D. research assistantships are available for highly motivated graduate students interested in land-use change modeling and ecological consequences of urban-exurban growth in the rapidly growing metropolitan region of Charlotte, NC. The assistantships are part of a new award from the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) to address recent trends in urban and rural dynamics and the impacts of land use changes on the environment and quality of life. Supported by the state of North Carolina, RENCI focuses on finding solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems through technological expertise and the worlds best computing, networking and data resources. RENCI strives to lead the effort to create a collaborative 21st-century problem solving environment that will spur sustainable economic growth, enhance quality of life, and lead to the next generation of transformative discoveries. A variety of research topics are appropriate to study, such as: 1) land-use change modeling with GIS and remote sensing technologies, 2) coupling land- use change and environmental impact models, and 3) predicting impacts of future urbanization on habitat fragmentation and function, biological invasions and declines in biodiversity, and changes to ecosystem services. The two assistantships will begin in fall 2008 in the PhD program in Geography. Working with Dr. Ross Meentemeyer (www.geoearth.uncc.edu/people/rmeentemeyer) students will join the research team and ongoing projects in the Center for Applied Geographic Information Science (www.gis.uncc.edu). As part of a rapidly growing research university, the Center is conducting several federally funded projects involving basic and applied research on spatial dimensions of human- environment interactions, landscape ecology, and biological invasions. For more information, contact R. Meentemeyer via email and see www.geoearth.uncc.edu. Candidate Qualifications: Background in ecology, biogeography, environmental science, conservation planning, or related. Interest in GIScience, landscape ecology, land-use/land-cover change, urban and regional planning, biological and environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Coursework in GIS and/or remote sensing analysis. GIS research and basic programming experience desired. Strong work ethic and motivation to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Students with Masters degrees preferred, but exceptional candidates without will be considered. Excellent skills in English writing and verbal communication are essential. Applicants should submit the following via email to Dr. Meentemeyer: cover letter summarizing background and research interests, resume or CV, copy of transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this point), GRE scores, 3 references (no letters needed at this point). Please include RENCI PhD student application in the subject line of your email. Ph.D. assistantships include an annual stipend of $19,000, health insurance and tuition waiver. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and should be submitted by February 15, 2008 to receive full consideration. The University of North Carolina-Charlotte is an AA/EOE. Ross Meentemeyer, Associate Professor Director, Center for Applied GIScience Department of Geography & Earth Sciences University of North Carolina at Charlotte 9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28223-0001 www.gis.uncc.edu [EMAIL PROTECTED]
