Graduate Assistantship Positions Available

Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in
Watershed Hydrology
Department of Renewable Resources
University of Wyoming

The Department of Renewable Resources at University of Wyoming (www.uwyo.edu/renewableresources) seeks a PhD student for a fully funded graduate research assistantship (GA) to commence as soon as January, 2010. The student will work on an interdisciplinary team investigating the fate and transport of water, sediment and salts in areas affected by oil and gas development. This is an exciting research program tasked with determining and modeling mechanisms by which salts and other water-borne constituents become mobile and transported within the Upper Colorado River basin. Our project areas are located in southern and western Wyoming where concerns have been raised over local and downstream hydrological and ecological effects of surface disturbance directly resulting from energy development. This GA will involve intensive field work and the development and use of computer-based simulation models. Field work will consist of soil and water quality sampling and monitoring in areas affected and unaffected by development; using high resolution ground-based LiDAR to measure and monitor channel and upland systems; and establish a long-term hydrologic and meteorological sampling program. The goal of the field research program is to collect the data necessary to provide a basis for construction of a spatially-explicit mechanistic salt transport model. The project is funded by the School of Energy Resources (http://uwyo.edu/ser/) and the Bureau of Land Management and will be housed in the SAWLS group (www.uwyo.edu/sawls) and Wyoming GIS Center (http://www.uwyo.edu/wygisc/). To apply, please send a statement of interest, resume, transcripts and contact information for a minimum of two references to Scott Miller (snmiller@uwyo.edu), Associate Professor; Spatial Processes Hydrologist, University of Wyoming.

Scott Miller, PhD
Associate Professor - Spatial Processes Hydrologist
Dept 3354; Renewable Resources
1000 E. University Ave.
University of Wyoming
Tele: +1 307 766 4274
Email: snmiller@uwyo.edu
SAWLS: www.uwyo.edu/sawls

Graduate Research Assistantships
In
Shrubland Ecology, Plant Invasions, or T&E Plant & Wildlife Habitat Management.

The University of Wyoming Department of Renewable Resources offers degrees in Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management, Soils, Entomology,(with options in Restoration or Watersheds) and a doctoral Program in Ecology. I continuously consider applicants who send their materials directly to me as projects become available.

Shrubland Ecology:  We are conducting a variety of projects in shubland ecosystems targeting habitat monitoring and manipulations to enhance revegetation, discourage invasive species encroachment and favor ecosystem function

Invasion Ecology:  Graduate research assistantship to investigate exotic species encroachment into native populations in the Northern Great Plains and the Intermountain West. Students with interest in plant evolution are preferred.

T&E Species: Graduate research assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) to investigate vegetation management to favor native populations of T&E species including Colorado Butterfly Plant, Prebles Jumping Mouse or Greater Sage Grouse. We are currently conducting a variety of habitat manipulation and revegetation projects in different areas for these targeted species.

In all cases, applicants are expected to: be energetic, highly motivated, capable of pursuing innovative research questions. Successful students must be physically able and willing to work for extended periods under extreme isolated, field and greenhouse conditions, take initiative, be meticulous in record-keeping, drive standard transmission 4-wheel vehicles, possess a valid driver’s license and demonstrate strong team spirit and excellent verbal and written communication skills. . Preferred skills: experience in identification of grassland and shrubland species of the Intermountain West, knowledge of vegetative monitoring techniques, familiarity with GPS, GIS, and ecological site descriptions.

To apply, SEND: 1) a resume, 2) GRE scores, 3) copies of transcripts and 4) answers to “Questions for prospective grad students” directly to:

Dr. Ann Hild
Department of Renewable Resources-
University of Wyoming,
Dept. 3354
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071 or via email at annhild@uwyo.edu.