Graduate Student Opportunity in Forest Ecosystems and Insect Outbreaks at the University of Idaho

Funding is available for an M.S. or Ph.D. student in the area of forest ecosystems, climate change, carbon budgets, and disturbances in the western United States.

Possible research topics include determining the effects of climate change on recent bark beetle outbreaks and assessing the effects of fire and insect outbreaks on carbon cycling. The student will participate in the Western Mountain Initiative (www.cfr.washington.edu/research.fme/wmi), a USGS-funded project that seeks to quantify climate change impacts on mountain ecosystems.  Candidates will have a background in geography, ecology, entomology, biogeosciences, or a related field.  Additional desirable qualifications include a quantitative background, knowledge of statistical or process modeling, and/or computer programming experience.  Students have the opportunity to receive a degree in either Geography (www.scihome.uidaho.edu/geography) or the Environmental Science Program (www.uidaho.edu/envs).  The position provides salary support of $23,000 annually for 3-5 years plus health insurance, tuition, and fees.  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, GPA, GRE scores, and a personal statement that describes the candidate's interest in the position and relevant education and experience to Dr. Jeffrey Hicke (jhicke@uidaho.edu).  Inquiries via e-mail or phone (208-885-6240) are welcome.