Graduate Opportunity for Research on Vegetation Dynamics and Geomorphology on Missouri River Sandbars
We are looking for a graduate student (PhD or MS) for a project evaluating vegetation/geomorphic dynamics of sandbar habitats - with possible implications for Piping Plover and early successional landbird habitat - formed after the Missouri River flood of 2011. ?The project is being conducted along the Missouri National Recreational River in southeastern South Dakota and is funded by a grant from the National Park Service. Up to two full academic years and three summers of RA support will be available, with additional support provided through Teaching Assistantships or graduate fellowships. Project PIs are Mark Dixon (landscape ecologist / riparian plant ecologist in Biology), Mark Sweeney (sedimentologist, geomorphologist in Earth Sciences/Sustainability), and David Swanson (avian ecologist, ecophysiologist in Biology). The student will enroll either in the graduate program in Biology (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology) or the new (pending approval) graduate program in Sustainability (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/sustainability) at the University of South Dakota (http://www.usd.edu/) and would likely be co-advised by Dixon and Sweeney. Preferred start date is May/June 2018 (for field work) or earlier, with enrollment in the graduate program by Fall 2018 (August). Interested applicants should email me (mark.di...@usd.edu<mailto:mark.di...@usd.edu>) with the following information: · A short letter of interest, describing your qualifications, research experiences, interests, and career goals. · CV or resume with GPA and GRE scores · A list of at least 3 professional references who we may contact Feel free to contact either of us (mark.di...@usd.edu<mailto:mark.di...@usd.edu>, mark.swee...@usd.edu<mailto:mark.swee...@usd.edu>) if you have questions about the position, the project, or the university. Both faculty are members of the Missouri River Institute (http://www.usd.edu/missouri-river-institute) at the University of South Dakota. Regards, Mark Dixon Associate Professor Department of Biology University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 http://www.usd.edu/faculty-and-staff/Mark-Dixon
