GRADUATE STUDY IN FOREST AND FIRE ECOLOGY (M.S.) DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University is seeking qualified applicants for a graduate research assistantship to work on a project in Juniperus virginiana encroachment into oak forests of central Oklahoma. The position will be filled at the M.S. level. RESEARCH AREA: The Cross Timbers ecoregion is the transition between eastern deciduous forests and the southern Great Plains. The Cross Timbers is a fire-adapted ecosystem consisting of a mosaic of Quercus stellata/Quercus marilandica forest and tallgrass prairie. Recent fire exclusion has allowed Juniperus virginiana to invade the oak-dominated forest which profoundly alters the ecology and fuel available for wildfires. The successful candidate will work to determine the rate of Juniperus invasion, changes in forest structure, and changes in fuel load. The study will include use of satellite imagery and aerial photos, dendrochronology, biomass measurement and modelling fuel accumulation. Research is being conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs at study sites in central Oklahoma. Information regarding Oklahoma State and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management can be found on our web site at nrem.okstate.edu STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship of $15,500 for M.S. annually for a half-time appointment. Benefits include resident and non-resident tuition waiver and student health insurance (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: January 2016 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in forestry, plant biology, or related degree. If applicable, a minimum grade point average of 2.70 (A = 4.00) and acceptable GRE scores are required. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should contact: Dr. Rodney Will 008C Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 405-744-5444 rodney.w...@okstate.edu LOCATION AND FACILITIES: The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. The University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of about 25,000 students located midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the fishery, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources of Oklahoma and beyond. This department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.
