The Plant Ecology Lab in the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana, Monroe is seeking a motivated M.S. student to develop a thesis project on the ecology of forest stand and canopy using multispectral and hyperspectral cameras on UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Systems) coupled with data collected on ground. We anticipate collecting and using LiDAR data from the forest stand as well. The student will have access to a fleet of drones and high-ended data processing facility. The student may be required to work with faculties from the Geosciences and Aviation departments at times. The plant ecology lab has been collecting carbon flux data along with a suite of meteorological variables from a 120-foot tower in the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. The student will integrate these data to understand how trees respond to variation in abiotic factors and what drives the variation in the spectral properties of the canopy and the implications thereof, in light of the changing climate.
I am looking for someone who has prior experience working on aspects of forest ecology, good quantitative skills, and interest in learning new techniques. Preference will be given to candidates who have passed the Part 107 of FAA to fly drones or have flown them as a hobby. Others, if selected, will have to obtain the Part 107 during the first semester of being admitted to the program. The graduate student will be supported through teaching assistantship of $10,000/9 mo (+ summer stipend) and tuition waiver. Preferred starting date would be Spring 2018 but not later than Fall 2018. To apply, please email Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee (joyd...@ulm.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references by December 15, 2017.
