The following PhD and MS Assistantships are available in the Forest Operations Research Lab at the University of Idaho:
1) PhD Assistantship in forest operations modeling This project involves developing a new geospatial forest operations and mobility model based on first principles of physical mechanics. The model will be linked with a forest growth and yield model (FVS) and hydrologic model (FASST), in order to simulate below-canopy terramechanic relationships among forest microclimate, equipment, and soil physical properties, and their coupled effects on the intra-annual timing and suitability of different operational systems used in forestry. The model will be validated in a designed experiment with operational data collected in 24 active logging operations in the northwestern U.S., across a range of slopes, stand characteristics, and seasons. Model predictions will be compared with those from a commonly used forest operations model developed under a narrower range of conditions. In the second phase of the research, we will deploy the new model, coupled with the FVS Fire and Fuels Extension, to simulate and evaluate long term interactions among silvicultural systems, forest operations, and below-canopy forest microclimate. Multi-objective forest management planning solutions based on the outcomes of spatial planning that optimizes sustainable forest management objectives and constraints related to silvicultural and operational systems, stand structural characteristics, spatiotemporal patterns among actively managed stands and natural areas, wildland fire, and hydrology will be evaluated under different climate scenarios. Within that framework, the student is encouraged to develop original research questions and hypotheses based on his or her interests. Contact Dr. Robert Keefe ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) if interested. 2) MS Assistantship: modeling effectiveness and longevity of fuel treatments in dry mixed conifer forests The Research Assistant will develop a new version of the Fuels Reduction Cost Simulator model in R. A supporting field study will be carried out to characterize emerging fuel treatment and biomass utilization systems for forestry, and the simulation model will be adapted to incorporate these systems. The model will be integrated into the BioSum suite of programs and used to evaluate the effectiveness and longevity of fuel reduction treatments in dry mixed conifer forests in the western United States at the landscape scale, using data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The Research Assistant will be advised by Dr. Robert Keefe at the University of Idaho, and will work with collaborators at the Pacific Northwest Research Station (Dr. Jeremy Fried) and Rocky Mountain Research Station Moscow Forest Sciences Lab (Dr. Terrie Jain). Prior experience with R or another programming language is helpful, but not required. Contact Dr. Robert Keefe ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) if interested. To apply: Please complete a graduate application to the University of Idaho, available here: http://www.uidaho.edu/graduateadmissions . Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and the names of three references. Rob _________________________________________ Robert F. Keefe Assistant Professor of Forest Operations Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1133 Moscow ID 83844-1133 [email protected] Office: (208) 885-7517 Cell (preferred): (208) 310-0269 http://www.uidahoforestoperations.com _________________________________________
