GRADUATE STUDY IN FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (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 individuals to work on a research project looking at the effects of drought, nutrient availability, and stand density on growth, development, and economics of loblolly pine stands. The position will be filled at the M.S. level. RESEARCH AREA: Loblolly pine is the most important economic species in the southeastern US. A future drier climate may reduce its productivity, especially along the western margin of its range. Understanding how reduced soil moisture interacts with nutrient availability (fertilization) and stand density (thinning) and the associated economic ramifications is critical to optimize management. The successful candidate will leverage an existing research site that has included a 30% reduction in precipitation since 2012 to examine the growth, canopy development, and wood quality of these stands and determine how the treatments affect economic return. STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship of $16,000 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: Summer or Fall 2018 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in forestry, forest management, plant biology, ecology, or related degree. If applicable, a competitive GPA 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 Dr. Omkar Joshi 008C Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 405-744-5614 omkar.jo...@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.