MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantships – Tropical Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (TropHTIRC), Purdue University
The Tropical Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (TropHTIRC) is a collaborative research and extension center for reforestation and restoration of Hawaiian native forest trees. TropHTIRC supports training of graduate research students through collaborations at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Purdue University, and TropHTIRC partners including the USDA Forest Service’s Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
We are recruiting for graduate student candidates at the MS or PhD level to begin in fall semester of 2026. Programs of study are flexible, but should involve research addressing the ecology, genetics, entomology, pathology, or silviculture of one or more native forest trees of Hawaii. Candidates will work with faculty in developing a specific research focus related to the TropHTIRC mission, which may emphasize ecophysiology, plant propagation, silvicultural systems, ecological restoration, tree improvement, molecular genetics, invasive species, pathogens or pests, and/or global change biology. Research topics of current priority include koa field establishment and silviculture, sandalwood propagation and host plant interactions, and ohia disease resistance.
We are committed to recruiting and training graduate student candidates with strong ties to Hawaii and career goals to contribute to the health of Hawaii forests and the communities that rely on these ecosystems. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition, most of a medical insurance premium, and a stipend ($28,000 MS and $30,000 PhD per year) for two years for MS students and four years for PhD students. Native Hawaiians and Native Pacific Islanders are eligible for Sloan Scholarships through the Sloan Foundation Indigenous Graduate Partnership, which provides additional funding support directly to the student. Candidates should submit their applications by December 1, 2025 for fall 2026 entry for full scholarship consideration, but please contact us in advance with your interests.
For more information, please visit www.trophtirc.org and contact:
Douglass F. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Professor and Fred M. van Eck Chair of Forest Biology
Director, Tropical Harwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University