[ECOLOG-L] MS Position: Tree Rings, Climatic Resiliency and Forest Carbon Sequestration
Graduate Research Assistantship: Tree Rings, Climatic Resiliency and Forest Carbon Sequestration A graduate research assistantship (GRA) position at the MS level is available starting Fall 2010 semester (August 16, 2010) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU). This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend. The student has the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that examine the potential long-term effectiveness of forest management practices towards maximizing carbon sequestration rates and promoting climatic resiliency in MSU forest properties. Forest management practices on MSU forest properties have included harvesting, site preparation, weed control, thinnings, prescribed burning, and applied forest tree improvement. Managed species include red oak, hybrid poplar, and red pine. However, little is understood of the impact of these forest practices on annual-scale rates of carbon sequestration in above-ground biomass and whether these practices have the potential to lead to increased climatic resiliency in these managed forests. The main methodological approach is to use tree-ring analysis (dendrochronology) techniques to estimate annual changes in forest carbon sequestration rates and climatic resiliency. This research will contribute to adaptive and sustainable forest management options in the face of future climate change. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. 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. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework and a GRE score over 1100 are desirable. Undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the start date of the position. If you are interested, please contact: Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/ In your initial inquiry, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information of three references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by May 24, 2010. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Sophan Chhin (ch...@msu.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship (Dendroclimatology in western Kenya)
A graduate research assistantship (GRA) position at either the MS or Ph.D. level is available starting Summer 2010 (May 16, 2010) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU). The main objective of this project is to develop processed based models to link the impact of climate on carbon dynamics in western Kenyan trees and forests via dendroclimatology. Tree-ring parameters that will be examined include ring width, ring density, and other anatomical parameters (e.g., vessel diameters and implications for tree hydraulic efficiency). Dendroclimatic models will serve as the basis for future projections of carbon dynamics under different future climate change scenarios. This project and position is a part of a new dimension to a larger Carbon Benefits Project (CBP) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The general goal of CBP is to develop standardized protocols for measuring, monitoring and modeling carbon dynamics in terrestrial landscapes. The measurement and monitoring component of CBP is being conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in cooperation with Dr. David Skole (MSU) and other partners to integrate space-based remote sensing, ground-based measurements, and soils analysis. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend at the Master's (~$19,000/year) or Ph.D. level (~$21,000/year). The candidate selected for this position also has the opportunity to start before the Summer 2010 semester and be paid at an hourly rate until the GRA takes over. If you are interested, contact: Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/ In your initial inquiry, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information of three references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by February 19, 2010.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship (Tree Rings, Climate Change, and Forest Restoration)
A graduate research assistantship position at either the MS or Ph.D. level is available starting Fall 2009 (September 2009) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU). The position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend for 2 years at the MS level (~$19,000/year) or 3 years at the PhD level (~$21,000/year). MSU is a land grant institution and there are many opportunities to conduct research at the network of MSU experiment stations throughout Michigan (http://www.maes.msu.edu/stations.htm). Either of the following two major lines of research could be explored: 1) Impact of climatic change on the sustainable development of woody biomass through tree-ring analyses of hybrid poplars There is limited understanding of the climatic sensitivity (e.g., degree of drought tolerance) of short rotation woody crops such as hybrid poplars. The general objective of this project is to elucidate the key climatic controls (water stress and temperature stress) of hybrid poplar growth and physiology. Tree-ring analysis techniques (dendrochronology) will be used to retrospectively assess year-to-year (interannual) changes in stem wood properties of hybrid poplars. Mechanistically based models between past instrumental records of climate (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and physical (e.g., ring width and density) and chemical (e.g., cellulose and lignin content) wood parameters will provide the basis for projecting these wood parameters under different future scenarios of climate change in the 21st century. This research will have implications for optimizing forest management practices for improved wood quality, and contribute towards reducing uncertainty in the future supply of biomass feedstocks in the context of future climate change. 2) Restoration of oak savannah and regeneration of oak In the Midwest of the United States, the area previously covered by open canopy oak savannah communities (dominated by black oak and white oak) has shrunk considerably and this has been attributed primarily due to fire suppression. The objective of this project is to examine the impact of climate, vegetation competition (i.e., grass species), and prescribed fire on oak regeneration and growth dynamics of mature trees in oak savannah ecosystems. Oak savannah represents an ecotone between forest and prairie, and ecotones are expected to be very sensitive to climate change. In dry-mesic, closed-canopy forest communities, oak species such as white oak and red oak are difficult to regenerate both naturally and artificially. The objective of this project is to increase the reliability of oak regeneration. One of the challenges faced with regenerating oak is the lack of a mechanistic understanding of factors controlling acorn mast years. Climate data, and stand and tree parameters such as tree foliage and tree-ring data will be related to acorn production levels. In addition, it has been reported that the decline of oak forest cover in some areas is related to fire suppression. Consequently, the effect of prescribed burning in oak stands on subsequent rates of oak regeneration will be examined. If you are interested, contact: Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/ In your initial inquiry, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information of three references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by June 12, 2009. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship (MSU Forestry)
A graduate research assistant position at either the MS or Ph.D. level is available starting May 2009 with Dr. Sophan Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU). Research will involve examining the effect of silvicultural management practices (e.g., thinning) on interannual variation in physical (e.g., ring width, density) and chemical (e.g., cellulose and lignin content) wood properties. The project will incorporate many methodological techniques from the discipline of tree ring research (dendrochronology). The successful applicant is also expected to explore possible relationships between wood properties and past climate which may serve as the basis for future projections of wood parameters under different climate change scenarios. This research will have implications for optimizing silvicultural practices for improved wood quality, and contribute to the sustainable production of bioenergy and biofuels in the context of climate change. MSU is a land grant institution and there are many opportunities to conduct research at the network of MSU experiment stations throughout Michigan. Applicants interested in a MS level position should preferably have a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Applicants interested in a Ph.D. level position should preferably have a MS as well as some publishing experience. Experience conducting tree ring analyses is desirable. The position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (MS: ~$19,000/year; Ph.D.: ~$21,000/year) for 3 years that is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance. Please submit application package that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information of three references to (electronic applications are preferred): Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by February 20, 2009. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Assistantship (Forestry)
Ph.D. Assistantship (Forestry): A graduate research assistant position at the Ph.D. level is available starting January 2008 with Dr. Sophan Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The general objective of the project supporting this assistantship is to examine the effect of silvicultural management practices on interannual variation in physical (e.g., ring width, density) and chemical (e.g., cellulose and lignin content) wood properties. The project will incorporate many methodological techniques from the discipline of tree ring research (dendrochronology). The successful applicant is also expected to explore possible relationships between wood properties and past climate which may serve as the basis for future projections of wood parameters under different climate change scenarios. This research will have implications for optimizing silvicultural practices for improved wood quality, and contribute to the sustainable production of bioenergy and biofuels in the context of climate change. MSU is a land grant institution and there are many opportunities to conduct research at the network of MSU experiment stations throughout Michigan. Applicants should preferably have a BS and MS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. A past record of least one journal publication, and experience conducting tree ring analyses is desirable. The position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (~$21,000/year) for 3 years that is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance. Please submit application package that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information of three references to (electronic applications are preferred): Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by November 10, 2008. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Assistantship (Forestry) - Start Date Update
Ph.D. Assistantship (Forestry): A graduate research assistant position at the Ph.D. level is available starting January 2009 with Dr. Sophan Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The general objective of the project supporting this assistantship is to examine the effect of silvicultural management practices on interannual variation in physical (e.g., ring width, density) and chemical (e.g., cellulose and lignin content) wood properties. The project will incorporate many methodological techniques from the discipline of tree ring research (dendrochronology). The successful applicant is also expected to explore possible relationships between wood properties and past climate which may serve as the basis for future projections of wood parameters under different climate change scenarios. This research will have implications for optimizing silvicultural practices for improved wood quality, and contribute to the sustainable production of bioenergy and biofuels in the context of climate change. MSU is a land grant institution and there are many opportunities to conduct research at the network of MSU experiment stations throughout Michigan. Applicants should preferably have a BS and MS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. A past record of least one journal publication, and experience conducting tree ring analyses is desirable. The position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (~$21,000/year) for 3 years that is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance. Please submit application package that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information of three references to (electronic applications are preferred): Dr. Sophan Chhin Assistant Professor, Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem Productivity Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by November 10, 2008. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
