MS Assistantship Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Agroforest Bioenergy Plantations School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello
The successful candidate will work on a SARE, SUNGRANT, and AFRI funded project developing cottonwood/switchgrass agroforest systems for supplying cellulosic bioenergy feedstock in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV). The project is a coordinated effort between scientists in Arkansas and Louisiana. The MS assistantship will focus on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in bioenergy agroforests (cottonwood, switchgrass, and combined cottonwood/switchgrass cropping systems) compared to that in traditional agriculture ecosystems that are commonly grown on marginal soils in the LMAV. The student will investigate these dynamics in relation to the carbon sequestration and nitrogen retention. Nitrogen mineralization, nitrogen loss, and CO2 gas flux are will be monitored within this the study area to support the project. A more detailed description of the assistantship and project can be found at http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/liechtyh/Misc%20PDF/MS%20Assistantship%20Agoforest%20UAM%202011.pdf . A 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores (verbal+quantitative ~1000). A B.S. degree in environmental science, biology, soils, agriculture, forestry or a related field is also required. Be able to drive an automobile in the U.S. The assistantship is half-time, includes a stipend of $15,000/year, a tuition waiver, and support for research and travel to conferences. The School of Forest Resources and Arkansas Forest Resources Center are regionally and nationally recognized for their Natural Resource Research and Education activities. The SFR and the AFRC performs research on a variety of topics and issues and is currently undergoing a $6 million dollar building expansion Send a brief statement of interest and resume to Dr. Hal O. Liechty School of Forest Resources http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/liechtyh/ , UAM, P.O. Box 3468, Monticello AR 71656. Phone:870-460-1452, E-Mail: [email protected]. Graduate materials and information can be found at the following websites: http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/sfr/graduate_education.htm. Deadline: 5/15/2011 Dr. Hal O. Liechty School of Forest Resources University of Arkansas at Monticello PO Box 3468 Monticello, AR 71656 Phone: 870-460-1452 Cell:870-460-5747 [email protected]
