I am currently looking for a student interested in pursuing a Masters of Science degree to join my lab in Fall 2018. The student’s thesis will focus on the relationship of public perceptions of technology and environmental forecasting used in drinking water management to community trust and well-being. The research assistantship is available through the Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech.
The M.S. student will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, geoscientists, engineers, modelers, and computer scientists investigating how environmental forecasting affects the resilience of drinking water quality in supply reservoirs. The successful candidate will focus on the question of community resilience with a focus on the public’s trust in their water systems. *Qualifications* -B.S. in one of the following areas: environmental science/biology, natural resources management, water resources policy/management, or human dimensions of natural resources. -Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders and/or managers -Has a specific and committed interest in conducting social science research for their M.S. -Able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team *Funding* The student will enroll in the master’s degree program in Virginia Tech’s Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation. Funding is for two years; a full graduate research assistantship (with stipend) and tuition waiver will be provided. *Applying* Interested students are encouraged to email the following as a single pdf document: 1) a brief cover letter describing their professional background, relevant research experience and interests, career goals, and reasons for seeking an M.S. degree, 2) a current curriculum vitae/resume, 3) names and contact information for three references, and 4) an unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores directly to me at msor...@vt.edu. Do not submit materials to the Virginia Tech Graduate School at this time. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, but materials must be received before December 1, 2017. *Contact information* Michael G. Sorice Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation 310 W. Campus Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-8303 | m-sor...@vt.edu http://sorice.frec.vt.edu msor...@vt.edu
