MS Fellowship in in the Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management

Master of Science (MS) Fellowship in Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management, Utah State University, starting Fall 2012

This fellowship will support a MS student to pursue a degree in the Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management (HDESM) program in the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University (USU) starting August 2012. This fellowship is funded by USDA National Needs Graduate Fellowship Competitive Grant No. 2011-38420-20087 from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The full proposal is available at http://www.cnr.usu.edu/wild/htm/available-ms-fellowships. Our goal is to create a small cohort of graduate students whose research will be linked under the theme "Managing for Resilience in Forested Ecosystems of the Intermountain West." Current topics related to management, adaptation, resilience and human dimensions of forest ecosystems in a changing climate will be emphasized. Student fellows will participate in several outreach projects in cooperation with USU Extension Forestry including the planning of a Restoring the West regional conference and publication of at least one article each in the Utah Forest News. The student fellows will also benefit from coordinated mentoring by an Advisory Board of faculty members from the Wildland Resources and Environment and Society departments in the College of Natural Resources - Dr. Karen Mock, Dr. Jim Long, Dr. Mike Kuhns, and Dr. Zhao Ma; and Dr. Barbara Bentz with the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, and Dr. Paul Rogers with the USU-affiliated Western Aspen Alliance.

Research topics for the HDESM MS student will be developed through discussions among current student fellows, their supervisory committees, and faculty Advisory Board members, and may include:

* Assessing "tipping points" in human systems that are linked to forest ecosystem thresholds,

* Assessing forest landowner perceptions of and responses to increasing drought, insect outbreak and fire under changing climatic conditions,

* Determining the ecological and non-ecological factors affecting the decision-making process of forestry institutions,

* Assessing how forestry institutions prioritize aspen regeneration, bark beetle control, and other aspects of forest management and conservation,

* Identifying opportunities for promoting the adaptive capacity of forest landowners, managers, and institutions to cope with a changing climate.

The fellowship support includes a stipend of $17,000 per year for 2 years (Fall 2012 through Spring 2014), an out-of-state tuition waiver, and subsidy for student health insurance. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented in natural resources professions. Fellowship candidates are required to be a citizen or national of the United States of America.

Additional Information: For general information about the HDESM graduate program, please visit http://www.cnr.usu.edu/envs/files/uploads/ENVS%20Stuff/Human_Dimensions_grad_info.pdf

Logan is a valley community of about 125,000 people, 90 miles north of Salt Lake City, and a great place to live with respect to low cost of living and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities (more information at http://www.tourcachevalley.com/).

Qualifications and Application:
* A bachelor's degree
* Good GPA and GRE scores
* Good communication and writing skills
* A strong interest in collaborative, multi-disciplinary approaches to problem solving
* Ability to work both independently and in a team

To apply, please submit the following materials to Dr. Karen Mock via email (karen.mock@usu.edu):
* A resume describing your education, employment, and publication/presentation history
* A list of three references (and their contact information)
* A copy of your academic transcripts (unofficial) and GRE scores
* A cover letter describing your research interests, why you would be a good candidate for this fellowship, and how you found the fellowship advertisement

We will begin screening candidates on March 5, 2012, and will continue until suitable candidates are found. Formal application to the USU graduate school will ultimately be required for selected candidates.

Zhao Ma, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Environment and Society
College of Natural Resources
Utah State University
5215 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5215

Phone: 435-797-9180
Fax: 435-797-4048
Email: zhao.ma@usu.edu<mailto:zhao.ma@usu.edu>