Graduate Student Opportunities

MS position in human dimensions and forestry

 We are recruiting an MS student to join a project studying the capacity of small private forests to produce multiple ecosystem services. The student will focus on conducting mixed methods research with forest landowners: focus groups and surveys to assess landowner interest and capacity to manage small forest areas for multiple ecosystem services. Additionally, they will be part of a larger research team in ecological and social sciences quantifying the ability of small forest areas to store carbon, create wildlife habitat, and host native food-producing plants. The research will take place adjacent to Penn State's Stone Valley Forest, located 15 miles from the University Park campus where the graduate program is located. We are looking for students with a background in forestry, natural, and/or environmental sciences with an interest in understanding and engaging the people who own the majority of forestland in the eastern United States. Additional interests for the student could include educational program development, working with forest stakeholders, and supporting co-occurring ecological research. The position is funded for two years, with an annual stipend of $30,000 per year as well as a tuition waiver. Students will enroll in the Forest Resources program for their graduate degree. We welcome students of all backgrounds, particularly those coming from backgrounds underrepresented in forestry and human dimensions research. If interested, please contact Allyson Muth (abm173@psu.edu) and include your CV and any other relevant material.