The University of Arkansas at Monticello, School of Forest Resources has 2 open M.S. research assistantships available starting in August 2014. See below for more details:
1. Genetic and Environmental Effects on Production Ecology of Southern Pine Trees The student will be expected to work closely with the faculty to develop a research project directed at advancing our understanding of individual tree and stand‐level responses of pine‐ dominated Western Gulf Coastal Plain forests. The project will use one of the oldest pine progeny experiments remaining in the southern US to study: (1) genetic effects on crown characteristics, including leaf area and growth efficiency, or (2) long‐term differences in growth and productivity among progeny, or (3) interactions between microsite conditions and genetics on resource capture and resource‐use efficiency. 2. Response of Mature Naturally-Regenerated Coastal Plain Forests to Extensive Forest Management The student will be expected to work closely with the faculty to develop a research project directed at advancing our understanding of individual tree and stand‐level responses of mature naturally‐regenerated Western Gulf Coastal Plain forests to extensive forest management practices. Potential projects include: (1) studying overstory‐understory interactions and natural regeneration responses to partial canopy disturbance, (2) examining carbon sequestration potential of mature natural stands, and (3) examining the influence of neighborhood competition on resource capture and resource-use efficiency. Requirements: Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources‐related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Location and Facilities: The School of Forest Resources is located in Monticello, Arkansas in the southeastern portion of the state. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is also headquartered here, and is administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is the research and extension arm for forest‐based programs within the State. Additionally, the USFS Arkansas Forestry Sciences Lab is located at the School. The School and Center maintain several state‐of‐the‐art laboratories (hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, wildlife ecology & management) available for graduate research and education. Application & Additional Information: Graduate program and application information can be found at http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/sfr/. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the School of Forest Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. Applicants must submit all GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of interests, and three letters of recommendation. Additional link to the full advertisements can be found at: http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/sfr/assistantships.htm For additional information, please contact: Dr. Andrew Nelson Phone: (870) 460‐1790 Email: nels...@uamont.edu Andrew Nelson Assistant Professor of Silviculture School of Forest Resources Arkansas Forest Resources Center P.O. Box 3468 University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR 71656 Office: (870) 460-1790 Email: nels...@uamont.edu
