GRADUATE STUDY IN FOREST ECOLOGY AND ECOHYDROLOGY (M.S.) DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University is seeking qualified individuals to work on a research project looking at the effects of Juniperus virginiana encroachment on the ecology and ecohydrology of prairie and oak forest ecosystems of Oklahoma. The position will be filled at the M.S. level. RESEARCH AREA: The Cross Timbers ecoregion is the transition between the eastern forest and grasslands. The Cross Timbers is a fire-adapted ecosystem consisting of a mosaic of Quercus stellata/Quercus marilandica forest and tallgrass prairie. Recent fire exclusion has allowed Juniperus virginiana to invade prairies and forest which profoundly alters the ecology and hydrology. The successful candidate will work to determine how the encroachment is affecting net primary production, water yield, and water use efficiency. Study sites will be in central Oklahoma. STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship of $15,500 for M.S. annually for a half-time appointment. Benefits include resident and non-resident tuition waiver and student health insurance (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: January 2018 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in plant biology, ecology, hydrology, or related degree. If applicable, a minimum grade point average of 2.70 (A = 4.00) and acceptable GRE scores are required. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should contact: Dr. Rodney Will 008C Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 405-744-5444 rodney.w...@okstate.edu<mailto:rodney.w...@okstate.edu> Dr. Chris Zou 008C Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 405-744-9637 chris....@okstate.edu<mailto:chris....@okstate.edu> LOCATION AND FACILITIES: The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. The University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of about 25,000 students located midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the fishery, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources of Oklahoma and beyond. This department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.
