A Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is
available for a highly
motivated student to work on a large interdisciplinary project at Jones
Ecological Research Center.
This project focuses on developing an understanding of fires impact on
ecosystem carbon dynamic
along a natural moisture gradient in longleaf pine systems. The student will
have the opportunity to
interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Joseph W. Jones
Ecological Research Center,
USDA Forest Service, University of Edinburgh and University of New Hampshire. A
general knowledge
of photosynthetic equipment, eddy covariance techniques and data logger use is
advantageous.
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 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).
