A Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project at Jones Ecological Research Center. The student's research interests should focus on one of the following plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, fire ecology, forest productivity, or plant ecology. The project will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of fire's impact on ecosystem carbon dynamic along a natural moisture gradient of long leaf pine systems. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Jones Ecological Research Center, USFS, University of Edinburgh and University of New Hampshire. A general knowledge of photosynthetic equipment, eddy covariance techniques and data logger use is a plus.
Rationale for this study: Fire regulates the dynamics of many forest ecosystems but in complex ways that remain poorly understood. Fires are a natural component of the ecology of forests in the southeastern United States. These forests are an important economic resource, and also govern critical ecosystem services such as carbon storage, sustaining biodiversity and watershed protection. The goal of this research studentship is to determine the interactions between fire behavior, forest dynamics, and energy balance and carbon sequestration. The student will also investigate the role of moisture gradients on fires and forest processes, to improve predictions of forest response to precipitation changes expected due to global change. This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, living quarters at the Jones Center, and a small research budget for the student. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details ([email protected] or 205-348-0556). The student selected for this assistantship will be co-advised by Dr. Gregory Starr (U of A).
