An assistantship (PhD) is available in the Department of Natural
Resource Management at South Dakota State University for the examination of
the distribution and impact of the invasive tree *Elaeagnus angustifolia *in
the northern Great Plains. Although understanding the distribution of this
invasive riparian tree is a project requirement, the focus of study on
ecological impacts has some flexibility- options include soil nutrients and
microbial community, pollinators, birds, and mammals. The student will have
the opportunity for spatial modeling, field observations/experiments, and
greenhouse/laboratory experiments. The student will be advised by Dr. Lora
Perkins with additional mentoring from Dr. Erin Espeland (USDA-ARS).
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD, a town of
approximately 20,000 that is about 45 minutes north of Sioux Falls, 4 hours
west of Minneapolis, 3 hours south of Fargo, and 3 hours north of Omaha.
Year-round outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant.
The successful applicant should have a BS or MS in a relevant field of
study, some GIS skills, and interest in biological invasions. To apply
please send a cover letter describing yourself and your interest in grad
school and this project, GRE scores, and transcripts (unofficial are fine)
to [email protected]. For full consideration, have your materials in
by *December 9, 2016*. Students that are non-traditional or are from groups
traditionally underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. If you
would like more information, please ask!
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Lora Perkins
Assistant Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Box 2140B
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
USA
605.688.6970
