Graduate Research Assistantships in Forest Modeling and Biometrics   

     The University Of Maine School Of Forest Resources is seeking a highly qualified Ph.D. or M.S. student to develop a research project and expertise in the area of forest modeling and biometrics.                           Responsibilities: The student will be expected to work closely with the faculty to develop a research project directed at advancing the current state of forest growth and yield models in Maine. Potential projects include: (1) development of individual tree empirical growth and mortality equations; (2) modeling the influence of thinning on tree growth; (3) refinement of regional tree taper, volume, and product potential models; (4) assessing regional variation in stand maximum productivity; and (5) calibration of existing process-based models to mixed species stands.
Qualifications: A B.S. or M.S. degree in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, or closely related field. The ideal candidate will have a degree in one of the above fields, experience with forestry, a strong work ethic, a high level of intellectual curiosity, a record of leadership, and a proven ability to work independently.             Assistantship: The 20 hour/week research assistantship includes a stipend ($14,000 - 16,000/yr depending upon qualifications), a full tuition waiver (~$4,800/yr), and health insurance. Operating funds also are available to support this position.
 

For further information contact:
Aaron Weiskittel
Assistant Professor of Forest Biometrics and Modeling
5755 Nutting Hall
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5755
Phone: 207-581-2857
Fax: 207-581-2833
Email: aaron.weiskittel@umit.maine.edu
Web: http://www.forest.umaine.edu/

Graduate Research Assistantships (M.S. & Ph.D.) in Forest Operations and Harvesting

     The Clemson University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is offering graduate research assistantships for Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Forest Resource Management with an emphasis in Forest Operations and Harvesting beginning in the 2008 fall semester. These multi-disciplinary programs offer students an opportunity to develop practical skills and academic depth in a variety of areas of specialization including forest fuel reduction, wildfire hazard, biomass utilization, wood supply chain efficiency, harvesting productivity and costs, and wildland/urban interface issues. The research area will depend on the interests of the successful candidates and funding availability.

     Well-developed oral and written communication skills are desired and the ability to work cooperatively with others is required. Successful candidates will also be required to assist in teaching undergraduate forest operations courses. Tuition will be waived and competitive stipends along with a health insurance subsidy will be provided. M.S. stipends are expected to be $16,500 per year for 2 years and Ph.D. stipends are $25,000 per year for 3 years. Graduate assistant fees are currently $950 per semester. Applicants should possess a B.S. in Forestry, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5, and minimum GRE scores (Q+V) of 1000.

To apply or seek more information, please send a letter of interest, unofficial transcripts, resume, GRE score, and TOEFL score (if applicable) via email no later than April 1, 2008 to:
 

Dr. Chad Bolding
Assistant Professor, Forest Operations & Harvesting
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources
256 Lehotsky Hall
Clemson University; Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: (864) 656-4842
Fax: (864) 656-3304
Email: mboldin@clemson.edu
Web: www.clemson.edu/forestres/bolding.html
Visit the Clemson University (www.clemson.edu) and Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (www.clemson.edu/forestres) websites for additional information.

                                  Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.) in Silviculture

    Opening available within the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, beginning July 2007 for one MS student to study the relationship between ponderosa pine crown condition and architecture under various stand structures. Project is interdisciplinary, requiring close collaboration with researchers in forest entomology and tree physiology. Some flexibility is available in project focus depending upon students’ interests.

       An annual stipend of $15,000 will be provided, along with health insurance benefits, an out-of-state tuition waiver, and an in-state tuition reduction of $600 annually. Funding is available for 2 years beginning July 1, 2007 (start date may be negotiable). Candidates should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0+, GRE scores at or above the 40th percentile, strong writing and analytical skills, and a background in forestry or natural resources. The City of Flagstaff, Arizona is located in close proximity to the Grand Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks, ponderosa pine forests and a multitude of recreational opportunities.  

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Kristen Waring, by email Kristen.waring@nau.edu or phone (928) 523-4920 and visit www.for.nau.edu for more information about the School of Forestry. Please attach a short resume to your email.

                 Student Graduate Research Assistantship in Silviculture/Forest Management
                                                   Northern Arizona University
                                                          School of Forestry
                                                           Flagstaff, Arizona

The School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University has one research assistantship available to work on thinning and restoration treatments in ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona. the research project will determine differences in costs and revenues between a range of silvicultural prescriptions and restoration treatments. This study will 1) Examine which variables involved in thinning and/or restoration prescriptions most influence profit and loss; 2) Identify economic thresholds within prescriptions that remove variable volumes and diameter classes of timber; 3) Provide guidelines for merging economic considerations with ecological considerations in implementing forest restoration treatments.

This research assistantship for a Master of Science in Forestry comes with an annual stipend of $15,000, a waiver of out-of-state tuition costs, and health insurance benefits. The position requires 20 hours of work/week. The MS student also will receive a $600 reduction of in-state tuition. The two year assistantship will begin July 1,2007 although alternative dates are negotiable.

Ideal candidates will have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and strong analytical and writing skills. Candidates with a strong background and interest in silviculture, forest management, and  forest ecology are encouraged to apply and will be given preference for this assistantship. Individuals interested in the assistantship should send a letter of interest, a short resume, GRE scores and a copy of their college transcripts to:

Dr. Alex Finkral
Box 15018
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Or call/email 928-523-1378 / alex.finkral@nau.edu

or more information on the NAU School of Forestry or the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, please see the following websites:
http://www.for.nau.edu/
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/

                                             Masters Student Assistantship Available
                                                  Forest Sector Disaster Planning

    The Forest Products Marketing Program/Louisiana Forest Products Development Center in the School of Renewable Natural Resources at Louisiana State University is soliciting candidates to pursue a M.S.
degree in forestry with an emphasis in forest sector disaster planning. We are seeking to fill one available position for Summer Semester 2007. In addition to a 2-year graduate assistantship, financial assistance for
thesis research will be provided to the successful candidate. This two-year project will build on the mission of the Louisiana Forest Recovery Task Force which was to facilitate salvage efforts to maximize the recovery of timber damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and to begin the process of renewing the forest.

      This project will create a proactive hurricane disaster plan involving a partnership of public policy, industry, and academic participants in Louisiana and surrounding states. The plan can become a model for other
states along the Gulf Coast as well as for the timber industries in other areas that face natural disasters.  

      Interested parties should email a Letter of Interest, Resume, and 3 letters of reference to

Dr. Richard Vlosky,
Director and Professor of Forest Products Marketing,
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center,
email: Vlosky@lsu.edu;
phone: (225) 578-4527;
fax: (225) 578-4251,
227 School of Renewable Natural Resources,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge,
LA 70803
 

Each year, the School of Renewable Natural Resources offers 20-30 graduate research assistantships in forestry and forest product, wildlife, and natural fisheries and aquaculture.  Because these financial awards are offered by each professor in the School, I would encourage you to contact them for more information about their ongoing research programs or the availability of assistantships.  Below I have included research and contact information for each professor in the School.

Thank You,
Dr.Allen Rutherford
Graduate Advisor
E-Mail: druther@lsu.edu / Phone - (225) 578-418