THE EFFECTS OF FIRE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Science at Auburn University has two graduate (PhD and MS) assistantships starting from the fall of 2015 (or earlier) to study the effects of fire and climate change on coastal longleaf pine ecosystems and upland oak-hickory forest ecosystems at multiple scales/levels from individual tree, to forest community, to forested landscape and region. Spatial technology (GIS/RS/GPS) and quantitative tools (statistical models) will be used to integrate remotely sensed data, national database (e.g., FIA) and site specific data to be collected during the project period to quantify/model ecosystem (or component) responses to fire and climate change such as tree regeneration, growth, inter- and intra-specific interaction, fire and biological invasion, fire regime-vegetation relationship, and ecosystem resilience.

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will provide a graduate research assistantship of approximately US$ 16,540 (MS) or $19,180 (PhD) annually. Benefits include student health insurance (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee) and full tuition waiver. Individuals with degrees in forestry, natural resources, Geoscience and related areas with an experience in applying quantitative tools and spatial techniques to forestry and environmental problems are encouraged to apply.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until these positions are filled. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae and the names and contact information for three references by email to Dr. Joseph Z. Fan (zf0008@auburn.edu) or call 334-844-1014.