Pavao-Zuckerman’s lab at the University of Maryland
(http://pavaozuckerman.
projects are available:
(1) Using innovative practices to enhance soil quality for vacant lot
afforestation
This is a fellowship supported by the TREE Fund to conduct field trials
comparing biochar, compost, and cover crops (forage radish) to improve soil
quality and facilitate the establishment of trees in vacant lots in
Baltimore. Students will help conduct a literature review on urban soil
amendments, implement the field study, and examine soil properties
(physical, chemical, biological), plant performance, and ecosystem service
indices. Strong experience in soil science, soil ecology, or
biogeochemistry is expected. This would ideally be for a PhD applicant, but
MS students are welcome to apply as well – students would ideally start in
Summer 2017 (or January 2017 for motivated and qualified applicants).
(2) Exploring the ecosystem services of green infrastructure and urban
ecosystems.
In this project students can explore a variety of green infrastructure types
(rain gardens, bioretention cells, green roofs, etc.) and explore drivers of
ecosystem service provision. Students would develop field and lab research
projects focusing on abiotic and biotic drivers of ecosystem function in
urban environments, with a particular emphasis on linking soil quality,
urban hydrology, and ecosystem services. There is the potential to also
address social-ecological questions related to management and
decision-making for these systems as well. Students would start in Fall 2017
(potentially summer 2017).
Applicants should have a degree in ecology, environmental science, soil
science, or closely related field (an MS degree is required for the PhD
program). Lab and/or field experience in soils, biogeochemistry, and
ecosystem ecology is required. Experience with sensors and data loggers,
ecosystem service assessment, GIS, statistical analysis, or remote sensing
would be an advantage. Successful applicants will be self-motivated and able
to work well in teams.
The students would be enrolled in the Department of Environmental Science
and Technology at the University of Maryland. See program websites for more
information on application and program details (http://enst.umd.edu and
http://enst.umd.edu/graduate). Assistantships include a tuition waiver,
stipend, and health benefits.
To apply, please contact Dr. Pavao-Zuckerman (mpzucker@umd.edu), indicate
which project you are interested in, and include your CV, unofficial
transcript(s) & GRE scores, and a short statement (1-2 paragraphs)
describing research interests and career goals.