<mailto:melissa.dunn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
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GRADUATE STUDY IN SILVICULTURE/APPLIED FOREST ECOLOGY
/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 in *Silviculture or Applied Forest Ecology*. Research
will focus on the biological mechanisms that drive the growth and
productivity of forest stands. The position will be filled at the
Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S. level.
*RESEARCH AREA:* Understanding the mechanisms related to the growth
and productivity of forest stands is important to efficiently manage
forests for traditional commodities, i.e., wood and fiber, but also
for nontraditional commodities and ecosystem services such as carbon
sequestration, water quality and yield, biofuel feedstocks, wildlife
habitat, and aesthetic quality. The successful candidate will
undertake studies at the tree or stand level. Flexibility exists in
developing specific projects, but potential research directions may
entail the effects of silvicultural treatments on stand biology,
canopy architecture, effects of fire on natural regeneration,
establishment and physiology of plants species important for wildlife
habitat, and invasive species. Given the rainfall gradient in
Oklahoma, from >50” in the southeastern corner to <20” in the
panhandle, Oklahoma comprises a wide range of forest and plant
communities that include commercial loblolly pine forests, shortleaf
pine savannas, oak-hickory forests, cross-timbers (post oak-blackjack
oak dominated forests), and prairie-shrub communities. The student(s)
will do coursework at the Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
*STIPEND: *A graduate research assistantship is available of $17,500
for Ph.D. or $15,500 for M.S. annually for a half-time appointment.
Benefits include tuition waiver and student health insurance (for
student only, family coverage available for an additional fee).
*TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: *July 1, 2008
*DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: *B.S. and/or M.S. in forestry, plant
biology, or related degree. If applicable, a minimum grade point
average of 3.00 (A = 4.00) and acceptable GRE scores are required.
*APPLICATION PROCEDURE: *Interested individuals should contact:
*Dr. Rodney Will
*008C Agriculture Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5444
rodney.will@xxxxxxxxxxx
*
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. Within the Department, research is currently being conducted
in silviculture, forest management, forest economics, forest
biometrics, forest genetics, tree physiology, and watershed
management. The Department works in conjunction with the Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station that maintains a research center in
southeastern Oklahoma that focuses on forestry research. In addition
the department has cooperative research relationships with several
forest industries, the Oklahoma Forestry Service, and the U.S. Forest
Service.