Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Forest Recovery After Tornado Disturbance – USA
🏥 About University of Kentucky
Applications are open for a PhD Forest Recovery USA position at the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources. This fully funded PhD Assistantship is based in the Forest Dynamics and Management Lab under the supervision of Dr. Lance A. Vickers and includes collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and the Hoosier National Forest.
Start Date: Fall 2026 (preferred)
🎯 Scholarship Overview
🔗 Research Project
Are you interested in forest ecology, silviculture, and climate disturbance recovery? The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry & Natural Resources is offering a fully funded PhD Assistantship focused on tornado recovery strategies in mature oak forests.
This PhD Forest Recovery USA project investigates how forest management decisions influence recovery in mature oak forests following tornado disturbance. The study represents a large-scale field experiment examining how silvicultural practices impact forest regeneration success, stand composition and species diversity, long-term forest productivity, and ecosystem resilience.
📋 Research Focus Areas
1. Silvicultural Treatments and Forest Recovery
Evaluate the effects of salvage logging, timber stand improvement, and planting strategies on post-tornado forest regeneration and structure.
2. Regeneration Strategies
Compare regeneration approaches including natural regeneration, locally sourced seedlings, assisted migration, and assisted range expansion. The project will assess how these strategies shape forest composition under changing climate conditions.
3. Wildlife Impacts on Forest Recovery
Examine how white-tailed deer browsing affects seedling survival, planting density success, and spatial configuration of regeneration.
✅ Qualifications
Required
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | MS degree in Forestry, Ecology, or closely related field |
| Interest | Strong interest in forest ecology and applied management |
| Skills | Excellent communication and teamwork skills |
| Fieldwork | Willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork under variable conditions |
Preferred
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Software | Experience with R statistical software |
| GIS | Geographic Information Systems experience |
| Background | Silviculture or forest measurements |
💼 What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | Fully funded PhD assistantship |
| Stipend | Competitive annual stipend |
| Tuition | Full tuition coverage |
| Benefits | Benefits options included |
| Travel | Additional funding for research travel |
| Development | Support for professional development |
| Collaboration | Access to federal research partners |
🔬 Research Environment
Collaborating Institutions:
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
- Hoosier National Forest
Key strengths:
- Large-scale experimental research on forest disturbance recovery
- Applied silvicultural focus
- Strong federal partnerships
- Extensive field sites
🌟 Career Opportunities After Graduation
This PhD prepares graduates for careers in:
- University faculty positions
- USDA Forest Service research
- Forest management consulting
- State forestry agencies
- Environmental policy and conservation planning
📝 How to Apply
📧 Email: lance.vickers@uky.edu
Required Documents:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and relevant experience
- Current CV
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
📅 Application Deadline: Rolling – review begins immediately until position filled
⚠️ Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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