The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic students for a M.S. Assistantship starting in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.  The student’s project will assist with assessing the effects of regenerative forestry practices including biochar application on soil health and soil arthropods in loblolly pine stands.  Results from this project will be used to refine management practices to enhance ecosystem services in managed pine stands while retaining economic values in the region.  The project is a highly collaborative effort between Dr. Rebecca Abney (Warnell School, University of Georgia), a private forest company, and the forest entomology lab.  The ideal candidate would possess both field and laboratory experience related to ecology, strong statistical background with an interest in entomology and soil sciences, and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research.  A B.S. degree in a related field, especially in biology, ecology, entomology, or forestry is a prerequisite for the position.

The Forest Entomology Laboratory (https://kjgandhi.wixsite.com/gandhi-lab) at the University of Georgia is a dynamic group that works on a broad range of ecological issues, forest insect species, and ecosystems across the country.  Further training in forest ecology, entomology, and statistics will be provided.  A competitive M.S. assistantship along with full tuition waiver is available.  Interested students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal Gandhi (kjgandhi@uga.edu; 706-247-4025).

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the South, has >70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology.  The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities.  The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state’s oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: “to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”.  The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.