Support is available for graduate students (MS or PhD) in the areas of ecosystem nutrient cycling and forest dynamics, to start in fall or (preferably) summer 2008.

1.  Nutrient concentration and content of litterfall:  Litterfall is a very important nutrient flux that is difficult to measure accurately, because the chemistry of leaves changes during senescence.  We started a few years ago collecting litter at frequent intervals at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, and analysis of these data awaits a good student.  Measuring N and P resorption would also allow tests of hypotheses regarding changes in nutrient limitation as stands age.  In addition to Hubbard Brook, we have sites in stands of different ages at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, also in New Hampshire.  We are planning to begin fertilization experiments, and following foliar nutrients will be an important part of this effort as well.

2.  We are involved in several projects involving health and regeneration dynamics of sugar maple.  We are studying factors that might explain why some stands suffer dieback and mortality following defoliation by forest tent caterpillar, while other stands recover.  We are also interested in the extent and causes of sugar maple regeneration failures.  Both studies will attempt to link soil factors to forest dynamics.

Please contact Heather Engelman <forestecology@esf.edu> for a copy of the relevant research proposal if you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities.

For other opportunities for research and teaching assistantships in the Faculty of Forest and Natural Resources Management or other departments at ESF, visit our web sites at http://www.esf.edu.  Instructions for applying and application forms are also available on line http://web.esf.edu/gweb/.  Fellowships are also available to support participation in the National Science Foundation's Graduates in K-12 Education program, linked with the ESF in the High School program (http://www.esf.edu/outreach/esfhs).

Ruth D. Yanai, http://www.esf.edu/for/faculty/yanai.htm

Professor, Forest and Natural Resources Management

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210
phone: 315 470-6955 fax: 315 470-6954 e-mail: rdyanai@syr.edu