M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in savanna restoration ecology
available January 2008.
Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated M.Sc. graduate student to work
with a large-scale oak savanna restoration experiment in central Iowa.
The student will participate in three areas of research: 1) analysis of
existing data sets related to successional dynamics following woody
encroachment removal from savannas, 2) initiation of a prescribed
fire/seeding experiment within the savanna restoration experimental sites,
and 3) assessing relationships between fire, soil nutrient and moisture
patterns, and vegetation response to restoration. The student will work
closely with Drs. Heidi Asbjornsen (Iowa State University) and Lars
Brudvig (Washington University in St. Louis), as well as with researchers
from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northern Research Station and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers staff. The student will also have substantial
intellectual freedom to develop and pursue her/his research interests
within the overall context of the project.
Timeline: This position has two years of funding available for a Graduate
Research Assistantship at a competitive rate (including in-state tuition
status and a partial tuition waver), with possibilities to fund
exceptional candidates for additional year(s) of study. A start date of
January 2008 is preferred, although there is some flexibility.
Qualifications: The M.S. candidate should have a background in plant
ecology, forestry, or a related discipline, field/research experience, and
the capability to work in challenging field conditions. Prior employment
experience with land management agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, etc.) and
skills in plant species identification and ecological data analysis are
preferred.
Degree options: Degrees can be pursued through Iowa State University's
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
(http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/students/prospecgrad.htm) or Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program (http://www.grad-
college.iastate.edu/EEB/). In both programs, opportunities exist for
basic and applied ecological coursework.
To apply: Interested applicants should send a CV with cover letter,
undergraduate transcript details, GRE scores, and names and contact
information (including email addresses) for three references by email to:
Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
Closing date: Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the
position will remain open until filled.
Heidi Asbjornsen
Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration
Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Iowa State University
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
