PH.D. RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP, FIRE ECOLOGY/MODELING The Silviculture and Ecology Lab (Website: http://silvicultureandecology.weebly.com/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilivicultureAndEcologyLab) is seeking applicants for a Ph.D. Research Assistantship position in fire ecology and tree mortality modeling. The position is located in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University in Clemson, SC. Clemson is a land-grant university situated in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina, USA. In addition to the 1,400-acre campus the school has access to 18,000 acres on the University Forests and Farms near Clemson and 16,000 acres of land on the coast on Hobcaw Barony, both devoted to teaching, research, and outreach. Clemson University is recognized as a top 20 public university by U.S. News and World Report.
A collaborative research project will be initiated to improve our understanding of tree mortality in response to fire in eastern hardwood forests. The project brings together 12 scientists from the USDA Forest Service, Clemson University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Kentucky and will utilize datasets from studies conducted in six states (AL, KY, MO, NC, OH, and WV). This project will compile one of the largest comprehensive datasets to explore tree mortality in response to fire, using data associated with both experimental and operational burning. More importantly, the project will critically examine the role of bark allometry in fire adaptation for hardwood species. Bark thickness will be collected across size classes for common species throughout the eastern US to understand differences in bark growth pattern among species and their implication to forest composition under the historical, surface fire regime. These data will be used to test the hypothesis that historical forest distribution in eastern US can be largely explained by the frequency of surface fire. Additionally, bark thickness and tree mortality models resulting from this project will be implemented into the First Order Fire Effects Model (FOFEM) for application in eastern hardwood forests. The main duties of this position will include compiling, organizing, and analyzing data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, data from several experimental studies using prescribed burning in eastern hardwood forests, and data on bark thickness and tree growth collected in the field and from literature during this project. Expected deliverables include at least three peer-reviewed publications and an acceptable dissertation, as well as the successful completion of the requirements of the degree. We expect the dissertation research will make a significant contribution in understanding forest species composition under surface fire regimes in eastern hardwood forests, in addition to help improve FOFEM – an important decision support tool for forest resource managers. QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking an outstanding candidate with BS and/or MS in Forestry, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Environmental Sciences, and other closely related field. A past record of referred publication, field research experience, and strong quantitative skill are desirable. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The student will be offered a full assistantship ($20,000/year) plus a tuition waiver. The assistantship is for three years, which is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance. Competitive university/college/department scholarships are available for outstanding candidates, and students working in our lab have had a great track record to obtain these scholarships. Supplementary teaching assistantship may also be available. APPLICATION DEADLINE: The position remains open until filled. However, we are targeting a starting date in August 2016 or January 2017. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please email a single PDF file (lastname_fire mortality.pdf) including (1) a letter of interest with applicant’s contact information; (2) names, titles, and contact information for 3 references; (3) GRE and TOFEL (if applicable) scores; (4) an unofficial transcripts for previous BS and MS degrees; and (5) a Curriculum Vitae to: Dr. Geoff Wang Clemson University Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation 226 Lehotsky Hall Clemson, SC 29634-0310 gw...@clemson.edu 864-656-4864 Faculty Profile: http://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/gwang Google Scholar Citation: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MTYrvB4AAAAJ&hl=en Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/G_Wang
