Grad students

1-2 Ph.D. student positions are available! Research in the lab is centered around understanding the health and functioning of plants in the face of global change, with a particular focus on western US drylands and eastern US temperate forests. To do so, we integrate physiological methods, tree rings, eddy covariance, and vegetation modeling. Incoming students are expected to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, supportive, and enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of shared intellectual development.

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One of these positions is funded by NSF to investigate how various management strategies across Appalachia have impacted forest carbon storage and resilience to climate change. The overarching aim of this project is to enhance the efficacy and equity of the burgeoning Appalachian Forest-based Climate Solutions markets. This work will be deeply interdisciplinary and involved collaborations across forest ecologists, soil scientists, forest economists, and human geographers.

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These positions guarantee a $32k stipend for 5 years (contingent on satisfactory progress towards degree completion) through research assistantships, fellowships, or teaching assistantships. Interested applicants should contact Steve (steven.kannenberg@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application, and include a CV along with 2-3 paragraphs detailing: 1) their research experiences, and 2) why they are interested in the lab. Students are encouraged to apply for internal and external fellowships, and Steve would be happy to help develop proposals.

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More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at: biology.wvu.edu/students/graduate-students. The GRE is not required to apply. Although we accept students on a rolling basis there is a January 31, 2023 deadline for university-wide fellowships (graduateeducation.wvu.edu/fellowships). The Department of Biology at WVU has a strong core of faculty members with expertise in forest ecology and biogeochemistry, and is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Morgantown, West Virginia is a medium-sized college town that offers a low cost of living and bountiful access to a variety of outdoor activities.

 

Financial support for graduate students is typically available for 5 years through teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Students should also consider applying for various WVU fellowships, the NSF GRFP, or the Fulbright Foreign Students program. Please note the admission requirements.