Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships are available for Ph.D. and M.S. students to conduct innovative and high-impact research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University.
Research topics may include:  ecology and management of wildlife (e.g., giant pandas in China, tigers in Nepal), systems modeling and simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling), sustainability science, coupled human and natural systems, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, land change science, forest and landscape ecology, natural resources
and environment, systems integration (integration of ecology with demography, economics, sociology, and policy), telecoupling (socioeconomic and environmental interactions over distances through globalization, trade, species invasion, migration, and other means).

Examples of publications on these topics by CSIS faculty and students include Science (2012, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2001), Nature (2005, 2003) and PNAS (2012, 2009, 2008, 2007) (see http://csis.msu.edu/research/publications).
Successful candidates can build on these previous studies and explore new frontiers of research. They will also have opportunities to interact with leaders in these fields worldwide through various ways, such as the International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS-Net.org) and the NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards Program (http://csis.msu.edu/education/nasa_msu_award), which are organized by CSIS.

More information about CSIS is available at http://csis.msu.edu.

Application materials include: (1) letter of application, (2) statement of professional goals, (3) CV or resume, (4) transcripts, (5) GRE scores, (6) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), (7) list of 3-4 references (names and contact information), and (8) up to three representative publications if any. Unofficial copies of GRE, TOEFL and transcripts are OK initially.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.  Please email the application materials to Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu at liuji@msu.edu. Questions about these opportunities can also be emailed to Dr. Liu.

Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability
& University Distinguished Professor
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48823-5243, USA
http://csis.msu.edu/people/jianguo-liu