Applications are invited for two positions in the Master’s of Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (one with a social science emphasis and one with an ecological science emphasis). These two students will work on a project that examines the socioecological effects of non-agricultural tree planting by landowners in rural Costa Rica (Coto Brus canton). This interdisciplinary study is aimed at understanding:
(1) whether ongoing tree planting could provide resources for seed dispersers and seed sources for forest regeneration,
(2) the social drivers behind the practice, and
(3) benefits and barriers landowners may face (e.g., policy, economic).
Students will be involved in fieldwork in Costa Rica, where they will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between landowner practices and ecosystem functions. Although the student with an emphasis in ecological sciences will focus on objective 1 and the student with an emphasis in social sciences will focus on objective 2 and 3, the students will collaborate closely and be expected to embrace an interdisciplinary graduate research experience. Volunteers will be instrumental in data collection for this research effort, which is funded and supported by Earthwatch Institute. Students will therefore work with, train, and supervise volunteers throughout data collection.
Preferred qualifications:
* Comfortable working with people with diverse backgrounds and skill levels
* Conversational Spanish, or ability to learn
Interested applicants should send an email addressed to both Kerry Grimm (kerry.grimm@nau.edu<mailto:kerry.grimm@nau.edu>) AND Clare Aslan (clare.aslan@nau.edu<mailto:clare.aslan@nau.edu>). In addition to the preferred qualifications for these positions, potential candidates must meet the admission standards and be fully accepted into the ES&P MS program. Note that this research project is funded (e.g., travel, lodging, equipment, etc), but students will be funded through a TA position.
After talking with us, applicants must also submit: online application; transcripts; test scores; three letters of recommendation; and a statement of your interests in and goals for a M.S. program, and your reasons for pursuing an advanced degree. Application materials are due January 15, 2017 for Fall 2017 admission. You can access the application portal and view graduate school requirements here:http://nau.edu/GradCol/Admissions/Application/
Information M.S.Environmental Sciences and Policy and SESES
The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy degree program combines required interdisciplinary core courses with a breadth of specialized classes from across the University. The degree program is characterized by strong advising by accomplished faculty for individualized student programs of multidisciplinary study, as well as research and applied projects that often reach across campus and into the greater community. The diverse student population including international and minority students forms a strong peer cohort that provides support for study and extracurricular adventures. The two-year program’s rigorous training in the natural and political sciences prepares graduates for successful environmental careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector.
Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability draws upon faculty and professionals in the natural and social sciences to combine outreach and educational programs addressing the diverse needs of stakeholders with undergraduate degrees in environmental sciences, environmental studies, and geology.
For information please see, https://nau.edu/CEFNS/NatSci/SESES/Degrees-Programs/Graduate/MS-Environmental-Sciences-and-Policy/