Title: Master of Forest Science (MFS) or Master of Environmental Science (MESc) Studying Western Forests or Piñon Invasion into Big Sagebrush Vegetation at the Yale School of the Environment

• Location: New Haven, CT (academic year) and southern Colorado (summers)
• Salary: Graduate stipend ($~2500/month and full tuition assistance)
• Start Date: May 2025
• Apply By: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until October 11, 2024
• Website: https://environment.yale.edu/admissions/masters
• Link to Full Descriptions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-nHDlY1DVbGXDUkwrsEAsvljtTiMzQzZ/view

Description:

Two graduate assistantships are available with the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). We are seeking two graduate students to join our Forestry and Rangeland Research team. One graduate student will study carbon storage and stand dynamics in aspen stands in southern Colorado. The successful candidate will quantify Populus tremuloides regeneration and associated species abundance inside and outside slash exclosures to determine the impact of browse protection on carbon dynamics and stand development. The other graduate student will study the history of piñon pine invasion into big sagebrush vegetation in southern Colorado over the past 50 years as well as the vegetation response to the invasion.

This research is part of a larger research collaboration between YSE and on-the-ground practitioners in Colorado to increase knowledge and understanding of western landscapes, ecological processes, and effective land management strategies for conservation in the West.

Fieldwork will take place during summer 2025 and 2026 in south central Colorado. Academic classes will begin fall 2025 in New Haven, CT at the Yale School of the Environment. This two-year master’s assistantship will provide a stipend, full tuition assistance, and health insurance.

Interested candidates should email a 1-page cover letter, CV, and the names of 3 references to William.Lauenroth@yale.edu  by 10/11/2024. Applications will be received on a rolling basis.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in forest ecology, biogeochemistry, ecology, biological sciences, environmental biology, or related field
• A valid U.S. driver’s license for duration of masters
• Fieldwork experience in remote settings (desired)
• Research and data analysis experience required. Experience with R important.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enthusiasm and interest for the research topic and a desire to work collaboratively