Forestry PhD Graduate Research Assistantship – Chihuahua Pine Northern Arizona University School of Forestry seeks to fill one PhD position funded through a Graduate Research Assistantship for the project Species Range Transitions Under Future Climate: Chihuahua Pine in the American Southwest. Chihuahua pine (Pinus leiophylla) ranges across most of Mexico into central Arizona; the species has several traits that suggest it may become increasingly important in the southwestern US under global change. The research focuses on Chihuahua pine´s range in Arizona and New Mexico, including developing tree-ring chronologies, measuring forest characteristics, modeling future changes under climate scenarios, and providing recommendations for adaptive management.

The PhD student will carry out fieldwork and laboratory analysis, meet with managers and stakeholders, and lead the development of professional products such as peer-reviewed articles, written and video outreach materials, and management recommendations. It is helpful for applicants to have strong analytical skills, applied knowledge of tree-ring analysis, working knowledge of statistical and ecosystem models, and the ability to work with and manage large spatial databases. Potential applicants are welcome to communicate with us by email to discuss their background and interest.

School of Forestry faculty members Dr. Pete Fulé and Dr. Alicia Azpeleta Tarancón will supervise the position. The start date is July or August (to be determined) of 2022. The student will work 20 hours a week as a graduate research assistant and will receive an annual stipend plus tuition and graduate health insurance. Funding is available for 4 years.

Required qualifications 

• All of the requirements for admission to the NAU School of Forestry PhD program 
• A research-based MS degree in forestry, ecology, natural resources, biology, or a related field

Preferred qualifications

• A genuine interest in and experience relevant to forest ecology 
• Experience with field sampling, including logistics and off-trail navigation 
• Good analytical and quantitative skills in R
• Experience with GIS and geospatial software, data, and analytical methods 
• Ability to work independently and to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication, ability to prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and share results through webinars, conference talks, and fact sheets 
• Strong self-motivation, determination, and ability to work in unstructured environments 
• Spanish-language skills and interest/experience in Mexican forests would be helpful

How to apply
Please send the following documents to Dr. Pete Fulé (pete.fule@nau.edu) and Dr. Alicia Azpeleta Tarancón (Alicia.Azpeleta-Tarancon@nau.edu) by January 31, 2022 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis following that date):

• A one-page cover letter clearly stating experience, qualifications, and research interests
• A current CV describing your education and experience relevant to the position
• A recent writing sample (e.g., peer-reviewed publication, thesis, etc.)
• Contact details for three references (including at least one academic reference)

Additional materials may be requested later in the process. Please note that the successful applicant must be based on the Flagstaff campus for the duration of the degree. Requests to study remotely will not be considered (excepting COVID issues).

About Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a 29,000 student-institution with its main campus in Flagstaff, a city of about 80,000 at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. Flagstaff is known for its year-round recreation opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and rock climbing, as well as its proximity to the Grand Canyon, four National Forests, and numerous other parks and wilderness areas. More information about NAU’s graduate programs in Forestry, including eligibility requirements, can be found at https://nau.edu/forestry/degrees-and-programs/phd-forest-science/. Our graduate student handbook can be found at: https://nau.edu/forestry/internal-resources/graduate-student-handbook/.
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NAU is located amongst numerous tribal nations with one of the highest population densities of Native Americans in the U.S. NAU´s Mission Statement includes strong support for diversity and inclusiveness, specifically including partnering with Native American communities, tribal colleges, and universities; currently, 24 Tribal Colleges and Universities are partners with NAU. NAU is a Hispanic-serving institution. We encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.

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The intent of HURA is to encourage greater participation of undergraduate students in various disciplines in research, scholarly, and creative activities supervised by a faculty member. In Emma's case, Dr Fule is supervising her important research.

Below is a brief description of the project provided by Emma. Congratulations on this achievement, the team is proud of you and all your hard work, Emma! 

"In order to see the effect of climatic shifts in tree species, annual rings collected from tree cores will be measured and analyzed. Because Engelmann spruce’s (Picea engelmannii) range extends from northern British Columbia to its southern range in northern Mexico, two sites were selected to sample tree cores from in different locations of the species range in the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming and the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. In order to understand how climate shifts are affecting these sites, tree ring widths will be compared with local climatic data to observe the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and annual growth over time.  The similarities and differences in how this species is being affected in different areas of its range will allow managers to prepare for future changes that they may have to facilitate for Engelmann spruce. ​"