The School of Natural Resources and the Environment at West Virginia University is inviting applications for a graduate research assistant to join a multidisciplinary team on an NSF-funded project, “Enhancing Ecological and Community Resiliency through Forest-based Climate Solutions (FbCS).” Forests in the eastern United States (EUS) have high potential for FbCS due to their carbon sequestration capacity and low climate risk, but large-scale implementation faces both efficacy and equity challenges. Currently, carbon credit benefits primarily favor large corporations, often excluding smaller family forest owners who hold the majority of forested land in the EUS. Expanding FbCS participation among these small landowners is essential for effective climate change mitigation.
The graduate student will conduct research that examines private forest landowner’s perception about the co-benefits of sustainable management and their willingness to participate in FbCs programs. Responsibilities include collaborating with the project team, presenting findings at professional conferences, and publishing results in peer- reviewed journals. The start date is in Spring 2025 or Fall 2025.
Benefits
- 3 years of support with an annual stipend of $28,500
- University tuition waiver
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance for professional meetings
Eligibility
- An MS degree in natural resources, forestry, economics, statistics or related field
- Strong communication and quantitative skills
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple deadlines and responsibilities
- Experience in conducting survey research and strong background in statistics
To apply for this position, contact Dr. Kathryn Gazal at Ka***********@ma**.edu .
