A Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences at the
University of
Alabama is available immediately 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, University of New Hampshire, and NEON Inc. 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).
