Graduate Student Position (PhD or MS): Restoration of mixed-conifer forest in the Sierra Nevada of California
A Ph.D. or Master’s level graduate student position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The graduate student will help complete field and laboratory work for a forest restoration project conducted in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of California. Prior to the policy of fire suppression in this region, forests were more open and contained lower stand density. Fires historically burned more frequently than today and were predominantly understory fires. Today, forests in this region have increased in the density of shade tolerant tree species. The high density stands are considered a risk for large-scale, high intensity, stand replacement fires, especially in the context of future climate warming. Thinning treatments are needed to help restore these forests to their pre- fire suppression state, and help reduce fire risk. The general objective of the project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity and health of the remaining trees. Prior to treatment application, dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics which will also be related to the impact of past climate and disturbances. Post-treatment responses in physiological variables (e.g., photosynthesis, stable carbon isotopes), micro-environmental variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation, snowfall), and growth and stand development will also be examined. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work and course work will be completed at MSU. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (PhD stipend is currently ~ $24,500 and MS is ~ $22,000). Qualifications: Applicants for the PhD position should have completed a MS. Applicants for the MS position should have completed a BS. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. Short-listed candidates eventually will be asked to submit a writing sample. The start date for this position is May 2013 (summer semester) but preference will be given to applicants who can start 1-2 months earlier to assist with the field work planning. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration for departmental and university fellowships, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu) and also apply to the MSU Graduate School (http://grad.msu.edu/apply/) by December 1, 2013; preference will be given to applicants who can meet this deadline. Otherwise, please submit your application by January 13, 2014. For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor, Applied Forest Ecology Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
