Graduate student positions are available in the lab of Dr. Edward Brzostek (http://biology.wvu.edu/faculty/faculty-pages/edward-brzostek) in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University starting in the fall of 2015. Broadly, our lab studies how interactions between plants and soil microbes influence carbon and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, and how these interactions will impact ecosystem responses to global change. To do this, we couple empirical measurements with process and ecosystem model development to scale up mechanisms that operate at the level of individual roots and their associated mycorrhizae to larger scales. Incoming students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of collaboration and shared intellectual development. The Department of Biology at WVU has a core of faculty members that study a variety of topics in forest ecology and also is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (http://www.as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Financial support is available via research and teaching fellowships and there are additional opportunities for research and travel funds. More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at http://biology.wvu.edu/graduate. The deadline for applications is January 1st, 2015 (although late applications will be accepted if slots are still available). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Edward Brzostek (erbrzos...@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application to WVU.
