M.Sc. opportunity: Tree mortality across a moisture-limited forest landscape
I am seeking a motivated individual with interests in forest dynamics and forest-climate interactions for an M.Sc. project at the University of Regina investigating tree mortality in a semi-arid “island” forest landscape in the Canadian prairies. Tree mortality rates have a strong bearing on the structure, biomass, and carbon balance of forests. Potential increases in mortality from drought and insect pests may threaten the long-term persistence of forest cover near the prairie-forest ecotone in western Canada, leading to the loss of ecosystem services provided by forests in this region. The successful candidate will use an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system to carry out repeat 3D surveys of forest canopies across the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, and use the resulting data to derive predictive relationships between water availability and survival for several tree species. The position will be hosted at the Department of Biology at the University of Regina, working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Vanderwel (http://www.uregina.ca/science/biology/people/faculty-research/vanderwel-mark/). Applicants should have a B.Sc. and strong academic record in biology or a related field, with a keen interest in forest ecology and climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Experience with field work and good quantitative skills would be major assets. Preferred start is May 2015, but Sept 2015 is also a possibility. To apply, please send a cover letter describing research interests, a CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for 2 references by e-mail to mark.vander...@uregina.ca. Review of applications will begin on March 1 and will continue until the position is filled.
