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MONTANA - MS and PHD



*USDA National Needs Fellowships*

*College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana*

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*Full Fellowships available for two MS and two PhD Degrees in Multi-Scale Disturbance Ecology*

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*Graduate Study in Multi-Scale Forest Disturbance Ecology*

The College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT (http://www.cfc.umt.edu <http://www.cfc.umt.edu/>) seeks applications from highly-motivated, exceptional students interested in pursuing graduate study in multi-scale forest disturbance ecology within the USDA National Needs Fellowship Program. The cohort of selected fellows will work with a diverse group of faculty to investigate the causes and consequences of environmental change in whitebark pine dominated forests of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In addition, fellows will be expected to develop a research project in one of the three following core research areas:

*1) Bark Beetle-Fungal Symbioses *– Two students will work with Dr. Diana Six to investigate the effects of environmental change on mountain pine beetle and its fungal symbionts. Students with strong entomological and/or mycological backgrounds are encouraged to apply for these two positions. For more information on Dr. Six’s research and lab, please visit: http://www.cfc.umt.edu/PersonnelDetail.aspx?id=1140

*2) Soil Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Processes *– One student will work with Dr. Cory Cleveland to investigate the effects of whitebark pine decline on soil carbon and nutrient cycling, soil food web dynamics and other belowground ecosystem processes. Students with strong backgrounds in ecosystem science, soil science, or soil microbial ecology are encouraged to apply for this position. For more information on Dr. Cleveland’s research and lab, please visit:

http://www.cfc.umt.edu/Biogeochemistry/

*3) Landscape Constraints on Ecological Processes *– One student will work with Dr. Solomon Dobrowski to investigate the role of disturbance patterns and biophysical constraints (e.g. temp, water availability, evapotranspiration, etc.) on forest and ecosystem processes. Students with strong backgrounds in landscape or spatial ecology, with skills in GIS, environmental remote sensing, and computer programming are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit: http://www.cfc.umt.edu/PersonnelDetail.aspx?id=1110 **

*Fellowship Benefits*

NNF fellowships will provide students with:

1. A full tuition scholarship: 2 years each for MS students; 3 years each for PhD students

2. Health insurance: 2 years each for MS students; 3 years each for PhD students

3. Stipend: $18,500 per year for MS students (for 2 years); $24,500 for PhD students (for 3 years)

*Eligibility*

In accordance with federal law, applicants must be United States citizens or nationals of the US. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in scientific research and teaching related to disturbance ecology, entomology, ecosystem science or landscape ecology. In addition, to be eligible, students must _not_ have: a) completed two semesters or equivalent hours (one full year) of full time study as defined by the institution; or b) passed candidacy/qualifying exams, whichever is later; and c) been enrolled previously in the academic program at the same degree level.

*How to Apply for Fall 2009 Academic Year*

Recruitment for potential entry to the program fall 2009 will begin immediately and continue until all positions have been filled. *_To apply_, *send (as a single PDF document): 1) a CV (including GPA, GRE scores and complete contact information); 2) a letter of interest (stating clearly which of the 3 core research areas you are applying to, and if you are applying for an MS or PhD position); and 3) the names and contact information of 3 references to:* nnfellowship@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:nnfellowship@xxxxxxxxxxx>. *After an initial screening, selected finalists will be asked to submit a formal application to the College of Forestry and Conservation. Women and applicants from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.**