Ph.D. student positions are available in the Ecosystem Physiology and Global Change lab headed by Dr. Steve Kannenberg, located in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University. Research in the lab is centered around understanding the health and functioning of plants in the face of global change, with a particular focus on western US drylands and eastern US temperate forests. To do so, we integrate physiological methods, tree rings, eddy covariance, and vegetation modeling. Details about current projects in the lab can be found at: stevekannenberg.weebly.com. Incoming students are expected to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, supportive, and enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of shared intellectual development.
These positions guarantee a $32k stipend for 5 years (contingent on satisfactory progress towards degree completion) through research assistantships, fellowships, or teaching assistantships. The preferred start date is August 2023 or January 2024. Interested applicants should contact Steve (steven.kannenberg@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application, and include a CV along with 2-3 paragraphs detailing: 1) their research experiences, and 2) why they are interested in the lab. Students are encouraged to apply for internal and external fellowships, and Steve would be happy to help develop proposals.
More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at: biology.wvu.edu/students/graduate-students. The GRE is not required to apply. Although we accept students on a rolling basis there is a January 31, 2023 deadline for university-wide fellowships (graduateeducation.wvu.edu/fellowships). The Department of Biology at WVU has a strong core of faculty members with expertise in forest ecology and biogeochemistry, and is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Morgantown, West Virginia is a medium-sized college town that offers a low cost of living and bountiful access to a variety of outdoor activities.
