*MS Graduate Student Project Opportunities University of Kentucky, Department of Horticulture*
I am currently recruiting 2 MSc students for May or August 2012 to work on projects focused on soil quality and plant productivity in organic horticultural systems. One project will focus on developing diverse crop rotations in movable and non-movable high tunnels, and exploring the economic tradeoffs and environmental benefits of incorporating agroecological approaches into intensified organic vegetable production. The second project will focus on optimizing organic conservation tillage across a range of production scales. Both projects will involve field sampling of plants and soils, laboratory analysis of soil nutrients, and analysis of production economics. Students will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary, systems level approaches and exercise their creative intellect on both of these projects. Work will take place at the University of Kentucky Organic Farming Unit, in collaboration with a vibrant team of students, staff and faculty. The UK OFU is home to the UK Sustainable Agriculture Program Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, and is a highly visible venue for teaching, research and extension in sustainable horticultural systems only 5 miles from the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. Students will be expected to work extensively in the field with support staff to maintain their experimental systems, so experience or interest in organic horticultural production is desired. Students with educational background/training/experience in horticulture, ecology, plant and soil science, natural resource management or related areas are encouraged to apply. Strong verbal, written and analytical skills, as well as a strong academic drive are essential. Interested applicants should send their CV, statement of purpose/cover letter, GRE scores (unofficial is acceptable at this phase), and contact information for 3 references. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, a passion for sustainable agriculture and organic horticulture, reference letters and applicable previous research experience. Successful applicants will be asked to apply to UK’s Plant and Soil Science Graduate Program (http://www.ca.uky.edu/pss/index.php?p=584 ). Interested parties should submit their information by January 15th but earlier submission is highly encouraged. For more information contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at [email protected]. Krista L. Jacobsen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Horticulture University of Kentucky N-310C Agricultural Sciences North Lexington, KY 40546 phone: 859.257.3921 fax: 859.257.2859 email: [email protected] www2.ca.uky.edu/sustainableag/
