Graduate Research Assistantship in Ecology/Biogeochemistry Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences
Project Title: Legacies on the Landscape: Prehistoric human land use and long-term ecological change Project Description: How important are humans as drivers of persistent ecological patterns and processes on the landscape? In this NSF-funded project, we will examine the long-term ecological legacies of land use intensity in two different ecosystem types of the southwestern US which supported prehistoric agriculture from 1200-1400 AD. Using both ecological and archaeological evidence, we will focus our investigations across a gradient of known prehistoric human activity in arid and semi-arid ecosystems of central Arizona that represent two ends of a spectrum of human occupation in population and duration. Our work promotes an interdisciplinary approach to ecology and archaeology and will provide a framework to aid land managers in setting goals for maintaining and restoring archaeologically rich lands in the Southwest. Graduate RA Position: We are looking for a motivated and interested individual who is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Ecology/Biogeochemistry to join us in this exciting, interdisciplinary research endeavor. The selected student will have broad flexibility in developing his or her dissertation research within the overall goals of the project and will work closely with the principal investigators, including Drs. Sharon Hall and John Briggs. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to be co-advised by our collaborators in Archaeology (Dr. Katherine Spielmann and Keith Kintigh) who are located in the ASU School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Candidates will apply for admission into the School of Life Sciences graduate program at ASU. The starting date is Fall, 2007. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelors degree in biology, ecology, geology, chemistry, archaeology, or related discipline and a current, valid U.S. drivers license. Interested candidates with a strong background or interest in plant ecology, microbial ecology, soils, or biogeochemistry are encouraged to apply. Selection will be based on GPA, GREs (General and Biology subject), letters of recommendation, and enthusiasm for the work proposed. Send formal letters of interest to Dr. Sharon J. Hall through email at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or by mail at the School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Hall through email or by phone at 480-965-5650. Graduate RA Stipend: $23,143 for 12 months plus out-of-state tuition waiver. Stipends include health insurance. Relevant web sites: Dr. Sharon J. Hall: http://sols.asu.edu/faculty/shall.php Dr. John Briggs: http://www.public.asu.edu/~jmbriggs/ Article on the project: http://www.asu.edu/research/fall2005/Fal05_40agave.pdf ASU School of Life Sciences (SoLS): http://sols.asu.edu/ SoLS Graduate Program: http://sols.asu.edu/grad/gradresource.php Collaborators in Archaeology (ASU School of Human Evolution and Social Change): -- Dr. Kate Spielmann: http://www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/faculty/spielmannk.htm?Name and -- Dr. Keith Kintigh: http://www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/faculty/kintighk.htm?Name
