Graduate Training Fellowships Available

Ecosystem Services and Irrigated Agriculture

Graduate Training Fellowship

Oregon State University’s Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) seeks applicants for up to 5 M.S. or Ph.D. fellows to join an interdisciplinary graduate training program working on complex, emerging issues related to the provisioning of ecosystem services in irrigated agricultural landscapes. The graduate training program is funded by the USDA National Needs Fellowship Program and is designed to train future leaders in agroecosystem research and extension.  Fellows will spend the majority of their training in eastern Oregon at HAREC working closely with each other, with an interdisciplinary mentoring committee of OSU faculty, and with local stakeholders (e.g., growers, agricultural industry representatives, and natural resource managers).

The USDA National Needs Fellowship Program is designed to train graduate students in specific “Targeted Expertise Shortage Areas (TESA).”  The program at HAREC addresses the TESA “Integrative Biosciences for Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems.”  This TESA focuses on multidisciplinary training of graduate students in sustainable ecosystems and agriculture and in the integrative management of agricultural systems and natural resources.

Fellowships in the following research disciplines, and associated faculty mentors, are available:

We seek students who have an interest in working collaboratively in a team of fellows and faculty with shared interests, but who have distinct backgrounds.  In addition, students should have a strong interest in agroecosystems and in the study of sustainable agriculture and best management practices.  Fellows will gain a broad perspective on issues in agriculture and natural resource management, will work in close proximity with local stakeholders, and will engage in extension-type activities as well as research.

Students from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications must be U.S. citizens.

Interested students should send application materials either by e-mail or regular mail to the faculty advisors associated with the specific research discipline they are interested in.  Application materials include 1) a CV or resume, 2) a copy of GRE scores, 3) unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, 4) three letters of reference, and 5) a statement of interest.  The applicant’s statement of interest should outline their research interests and future goals.  In addition, the statement must address how the applicant’s research interests and goals fit into the program’s TESA of “Integrative biosciences for sustainable food and agricultural systems.”

General questions about the program and any difficulties with the application process can be directed to Dr. David Wooster, HAREC, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife by e-mail or by phone 541-567-6337 x114.  

Applications will be considered starting 2/15/2013 and continue until all positions are filled. 

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