Urbanization is transforming landscapes at a global scale, but patches of forest and other habitats persist and regenerate in cities. Despite their small size, these habitat patches are disproportionately important to both local biodiversity and human well-being. Their managers are faced with a uniquely urban set of problems to solve. Support is available in the Johnson lab for a Doctoral (preferred) or Master of Science student interested in addressing these challenges. Post-doctoral research is also a possibility via joint development of a proposal led by the potential postdoc to a National Center for Socio-Environmental Synthesis post-doctoral fellowship program (http://www.sesync.org; pre-screening application deadline October 24).
The successful applicant will join a project that aids urban forest management decision-making by 1) synthesis of multiple long-term data sets describing biophysical and social variables; 2) increasing information connectivity networks; and 3) testing science-based management approaches. The successful applicant will assist in these efforts and develop a thesis using project-generated data. Experience with collaborative groups will be helpful. A master’s degree or experience demonstrating management, analysis, and synthesis of large data sets is preferred. The University of Maryland faculty includes experts in a broad range of related fields, including urban forestry, landscape architecture, landscape management, ecology, soil science, environmental science and policy, and many specialties in biology. Competitive support, including health benefits for students and their dependents, is available. Send a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a personal statement describing your research interests, motivation, and relevant experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful applicants is identified. All students must apply to the University of Maryland (http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/ <http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/welcome/welcome.html>); the deadline for applications to the Graduate School for Spring 2017 is October 1. Additional details about the Plant Science Graduate Program of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture can be found at http://psla.umd.edu/. For more information, contact: Lea R. Johnson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture College of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Maryland 2134 Plant Sciences Building College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-1602 Office l...@umd.edu
