PALMQUIST LAB
Plant Ecology at Marshall University
The Palmquist Lab at Marshall University is recruiting for two funded MS positions.
Position 1: MS in coastal vegetation sensitivity to sea-level rise
RESEARCH FOCUS: The successful candidate will broadly explore the interacting effects of sea-level rise and increased storm surge on coastal vegetation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), a sea-island in South Carolina. Coastal vegetation provides important ecosystem services, including storm protection, erosion control, and habitat for wildlife. These complex, highly zoned plant communities are structured by multiple environmental factors including salinity, elevation, soil texture, soil moisture, exposure, and light availability. Sea-level rise and intensification of the hydrologic cycle (i.e. more frequent and intense storms) is expected to affect the distribution and composition of coastal vegetation in the future, with important implications. The project will integrate remote sensing and plant community sampling to quantify how sea-level rise and associated factors have impacted coastal vegetation on MCRDPI up to present, including but not limited to: (1) changes in salt marsh condition and identification of die-off events, (2) forest mortality due to saltwater intrusion, and (3) the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms on the spatial distribution of vegetation types.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A background, including relevant course work, in botany or plant ecology, and GIS or remote sensing, strong communication skills, and strong quantitative skills. Experience in remote sensing and computer programming is highly desirable.
EXPECTATIONS: The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research, serve as a teaching assistant within the Department of Biological Sciences, present their research to the scientific community at regional and national meetings, and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
TIMELINE: The position is available starting January 2024.
FUNDING: Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships for two years. A 12-month competitive stipend ($19,000), and full tuition waiver will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested students should apply by submitting the following to Dr. Kyle Palmquist (palmquist@marshall.edu): 1) short statement of research interests and career goals (no longer than 1 page), 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores (if available), and 5) contact information for three professional references. Please include: “coastal vegetation sensitivity to sea-level rise” and your name in the email subject.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. I will contact you to discuss your research interests and goals for graduate school to determine if you would be a good fit for the lab. If selected, a full application must be submitted to the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences have expertise in a variety of biological fields, including but not limited to ecology, evolution, herpetology, and physiology. More information about the Department and its programs can be found here: https://www.marshall.edu/biology/. Application requirements for admission to the DBS graduate program can be found here: https://www.marshall.edu/biology/admission/.
Position 2: MS in quantitative dryland plant ecology
RESEARCH FOCUS: The successful candidate will broadly explore the interacting effects of climate change and livestock grazing intensity on big sagebrush plant communities throughout their spatial extent in the western US. These water-limited ecosystems are undergoing rapid environmental change and represent some of the most threatened systems in North America. This project will utilize an individual-based plant simulation model, coupled to a process-based soil water model, to understand the impacts of climate change and livestock grazing management on plant community composition. In particular, we are interested in assessing how livestock grazing can be used as a tool to prevent the spread of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and decrease wildfire risk. This is a collaborative project between ecologists at Marshall University, the US Geological Survey, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A background, including relevant course work, in ecology and statistics, knowledge of or an interest in studying ecosystems of the western US, strong communication and written skills, and quantitative skills or an interest in learning them. Experience in ecological modeling and computer programming is highly desirable, but not required.
EXPECTATIONS: The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research, serve as a teaching assistant within the Department of Biological Sciences, present their research to the scientific community at regional and national meetings, and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
TIMELINE: The position is available starting January 2024.
FUNDING: Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships for two years. A 12-month competitive stipend ($19,000), and full tuition waiver will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested students should apply by submitting the following to Dr. Kyle Palmquist (palmquist@marshall.edu): 1) short statement of research interests and career goals (no longer than 1 page), 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores (if available), and 5) contact information for three professional references. Please include: “quantitative dryland plant ecology” and your name in the email subject.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. I will contact you to discuss your research interests and goals for graduate school to determine if you would be a good fit for the lab. If selected, a full application must be submitted to the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences have expertise in a variety of biological fields, including but not limited to ecology, evolution, herpetology, and physiology. More information about the Department and its programs can be found here: https://www.marshall.edu/biology/. Application requirements for admission to the DBS graduate program can be found here: https://www.marshall.edu/biology/admission/.
Marshall University is located in Huntington, an affordable college town located on the Ohio River in the beautiful state of West Virginia. The town is small enough to get around on foot and bike, but large enough to support a variety of restaurants and other cultural activities. Huntington and the surrounding area offer ample recreational opportunities (hiking, skiing, rafting), along with proximity to larger cities, including Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Columbus, OH. In the Palmquist Lab, we highly value and encourage work-life balance.
I strongly encourage students from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Feel free to contact me with questions at any time.