PhD Opportunity: Understory Light Variability in Temperate and Tropical Forests
University of Florida, Gainesville, Department of Biology
Advisor: Jeremy Lichstein
(<http://biology.ufl.edu/People/faculty/jlichstein.aspx>http://biology.ufl.edu/People/faculty/jlichstein.aspx)
Growth and mortality rates of juvenile trees are primary determinants
of forest successional dynamics, and these rates depend strongly on
understory light availability. Extensive networks of forest inventory
plots exist in many regions of the world that could be used to study
numerous aspects of forest community and ecosystem ecology, including
geographic variation in tree life-history tradeoffs (e.g., the
tradeoff between high-light growth rate and low-light survivorship)
and the impacts of disturbance on carbon storage and species
diversity. These networks include permanent sample plots monitored by
the U.S. Forest Service
(<http://www.fia.fs.fed.us/>http://www.fia.fs.fed.us/) and the Center
for Tropical Forest Science
(<http://www.ctfs.si.edu/>http://www.ctfs.si.edu/). Despite the vast
quantity of data, interpreting growth and mortality rates from
inventory plots is problematic without information on understory
light and other environmental factors, information which is typically
lacking. Lichstein et al. (2010, Ecological Applications, vol. 20,
pp. 684-699) developed field and statistical methods to estimate
understory light levels in forest inventory plots, thereby
"unlocking" these vast stores of data. There are exciting
opportunities to apply these data and methods to address a range of
questions in community and ecosystem ecology. The methods and data
used by Lichstein et al. have limitations, however, and part of this
project involves collecting additional field data and developing new
modeling approaches. In summer 2012, permanent sample plots in Oregon
and Wisconsin, USA will be remeasured to better quantify the
relationship between forest productivity and understory light and to
quantify temporal autocorrelation in sapling light environments. More
information on this project is available at
<http://people.biology.ufl.edu/jlichstein/downloads/understory_light.pdf>http://people.biology.ufl.edu/jlichstein/downloads/understory_light.pdf.
Through collaborations with colleagues at the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute in Panama, there are also opportunities to extend
this research program to tropical forests. Applications are being
accepted for candidates wishing to pursue a PhD at the University of
Florida. Prospective students who are interested in combining
intensive field work with quantitative modeling are especially
encouraged to apply. A strong background in mathematics and/or
computer programming is desired, but is not required. If you are
bright, creative, persistent, self-motivated, interested in forest
dynamics, and don't mind being attacked by biting arthropods, you are
encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biology, environmental
science, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field.
Funding: Research Assistantship (including living expenses, tuition,
fees, and benefits) is available for three semesters (fall 2012,
spring 2013, and fall 2013). Five years of summer support and funds
for independent field work are available. Additional funding is
available on a competitive basis through UF Department of Biology
Teaching Assistantships (including living expenses, tuition, etc.)
and external funding sources.
Start date: Fall semester (August) 2012.
Application instructions: Submit an application to the UF Department
of Biology graduate program (deadline December 15, 2011):
<http://www.biology.ufl.edu/Graduate/Application.aspx>http://www.biology.ufl.edu/Graduate/Application.aspx.
In addition, you should submit a five-part project application as
follows: Email a single pdf file to Jeremy Lichstein
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]) with subject
GRAD-LIGHT with the following contents (1) one to two page statement
of research interests and goals; (2) one-half to one full page
explanation of your academic preparation to undertake a PhD project
that involves field work and modeling; (3) GRE scores; (4) resume or
CV; and (5) contact information for three references familiar with
your academic work or research potential. Your research statement
should describe one or more projects that you would be interested to
develop independently as a PhD student. The project(s) you describe
could be related to the research described in this ad, but should
demonstrate your individual interests and capacity for independent
research. It is recommended that you submit your five-part project
application at least three weeks in advance of submitting your formal
application to the UF Biology graduate program.
Minorities, women and members of other underrepresented groups are
encouraged to apply. The University of Florida is an equal
opportunity institution.
