Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University Student wanted for a MS research assistantship that will conduct research examining the interaction between disturbance history and elevation on carbon sequestration in two old-growth mixed-mesophytic forests in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park [http://people.eku.edu/pedersonn/research/smokycarb/]. This project will combine classical forest ecology and tree-ring analysis methods to investigate how differences in climate at low and high elevation influence total carbon accumulation as well as trends in carbon uptake over recent decades. There is room in the University Research Committee of Eastern Kentucky University funded project for the successful applicant to direct research meeting his or her specific interests.
Applicants should have demonstrated interest in carbon sequestration, forest ecology, global change, ecosystem dynamics, and tree rings. Preference for this position will be given to those with experience in field research and knowledge of and/or research interest in southern Appalachian forests. In addition to one year of salary support, this position includes funds budgeted for fieldwork and conference travel costs. To supplement the assistantship's salary [in total amount and for additional years], the successful applicant can apply for a teaching assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences. Contact Dr. Neil Pederson ([EMAIL PROTECTED]; 858.622.6258) by January 15th, 2007 The Department of Biological Sciences has 22 faculty members covering a broad range of disciplines [http://www.biology.eku.edu/]. Strengths of the department related to this research assistantship position are botany, applied ecology and natural history; EKU has the largest herbarium in the commonwealth of Kentucky [http://www.biology.eku.edu/herb.htm]. Eastern Kentucky University owns two natural areas including Lilley Cornett Woods, an old-growth mixed-mesophytic forest [http://www.naturalareas.eku.edu/]. Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond (non-student population of ~ 30,000), is a comprehensive, regional institution. The cost of living in Richmond is relatively low. EKU's main campus is located on the ecotone of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region and Appalachian Mountains. There are varied cultural, historical, and outdoor recreational opportunities, with several state parks, Daniel Boone National Forest (including Red River Gorge), and national parks (Great Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave) within a few hours drive. Lexington, 25 miles to the north, offers urban amenities in a metropolitan setting that is ranked as the tenth most educated American city [http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/29/real_estate/brainiest_cities/index.htm]. -- Neil Pederson, Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences Moore 235 Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475 Phone: 859.622.6258 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.biology.eku.edu/ http://people.eku.edu/pedersonn/ Office: Beckham 227
