I am seeking a MS student to begin June 2013 at Penn State. This project is examining the effects of different management actions, including thinning and burning, on carbon dynamics in fire-prone conifer forests. This is a simulation-based project using growth-and-yield and biogeochemical modeling and does not include field research. The student will have the opportunity to work with an extensive data set to develop their research questions.
Qualifications include a BS in ecology, environmental science, forestry, statistics or another quantitative discipline. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and excited about improving our understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation options in forest systems. Preferred qualifications include programming experience in R and/or C+. Students have the opportunity to choose between the graduate programs in forestry (http://ecosystems.psu.edu/graduateprograms) and ecology (http://www.huck.psu.edu/education/ecology/). Information about the diversity of research projects in the Earth Systems Ecology Lab can be found at http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/labs/hurteau If interested, please email a CV, unofficial transcripts, 1-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Matthew Hurteau ([email protected]) by November 16, 2012.
