A Graduate Assistantship (Ph.D.) is available to study the effects of invasive species and prescribed fire on plant recruitment and carbon cycling in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Work will be conducted in southern Illinois, within the Central Hardwoods Region, and will focus on Microstegium vimineum, a C4 annual grass that is currently invading deciduous forests throughout the eastern U.S.
Research in the Fraterrigo lab addresses the consequences of spatial heterogeneity due to physical and biological processes for ecosystem processes, with the goals of advancing theory regarding the resilience of ecosystems subjected to environmental changes; and providing information that will enhance the management of ecosystems within a landscape context. For more information about the Fraterrigo research group, please visit: http://landscape.nres.uiuc.edu/ Qualifications: Applicants should have at least a 3.5 GPA and competitive GRE scores. Additionally, individuals should be highly motivated and have excellent writing and analytical skills. Candidates must be able to work independently. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience with GIS, ecosystem measurements, and statistical modeling. Interested candidates should e-mail Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo ([email protected]) a single PDF file containing the following information: - Cover letter outlining research interests and professional goals - Resume - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable) - GRE scores and percentiles (if not available, indicate when exam will be taken) - Names and contact information for three references Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and promising candidates will be invited to submit formal applications to a UIUC graduate program (PEEC or NRES). For further information, contact: Dr. Jennifer M. Fraterrigo [email protected] Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Turner Hall, MC-047 1102 South Goodwin Avenue Urbana, Illinois 61801 Phone: (217) 333-9428 Fax: (217) 244-3219
