Ecosystem services: Two research assistantships are available at
Purdue University to work on a new, interdisciplinary project that
will quantify ecosystem services provided by tallgrass prairie.
· The Department of Entomology seeks a PhD research assistant to
work on the spatial modeling of soybean aphid predators. Experience
with spatially explicit modeling, a valid driver's license, and
ability to do field work are essential. Experience with entomological
surveys and GIS are advantageous. Please contact Dr. Jeff Holland
([email protected]) for more information.
· The Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Department seeks a
M.S. research assistant to study carbon fluxes in soils under
different plant communities and land management practices in a
tallgrass prairie agroecosystem. The ideal candidate should have
good written and quantitative skills with a background in ecology,
biology, or a related field. A valid driver's license, and ability to
do field work are essential. Please contact Dr. Helen Rowe
([email protected]) for more information.
This new project, entitled “Enhancing Ecosystem Services From
Agricultural Lands: Management, Quantification, and Developing
Decision Support Tools” will explore how ecosystem services of carbon
storage and crop protection by beneficial insects are affected by
land use decisions. As natural areas within agroecosystems are
developed or converted to cropland, ecosystem services such as
biocontrol and carbon storage may be compromised. We hypothesize that
ecosystem services and landowners’ net profits can be increased by
optimizing the spatial distribution and management practices of
grasslands that are interspersed in agricultural landscapes. We will
test this hypothesis in a representative Midwestern landscape by
developing and parameterizing a spatially explicit model of crop
production, soybean pest control practices, carbon storage, and
grassland natural enemy abundance and dispersal.
The assistantships will start in late May or early June 2010 and
coursework will commence Fall semester 2010. Interested students
should send cover letter, resume, GRE (and TOEFL, if applicable) and
transcripts to Dr. Jeff Holland ([email protected]) for the spatial
modeling position or Dr. Helen Rowe ([email protected]) for the soil
carbon position. The application review will begin January 15, 2010
and remain open until filled.
Purdue is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and
encourages applications from women and members of minority groups.
Please distribute this announcement widely.
