The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Kentucky is offering a Master of Science (MS) assistantship in Ecological Forestry, with a focus on the growth and mechanistic drivers of white oak. The position is available starting July 2026. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Sybil Gotsch, Associate Professor of Forest Ecophysiology, whose research group investigates the interface between ecohydrology, plant physiology, and ecosystem ecology. The Gotsch lab is particularly interested in understanding how climate change and water availability impact plant community structure and ecosystem function, with ongoing research in both tropical and Appalachian forests.

Research in this assistantship will involve exploring the physiological mechanisms that influence white oak growth, with potential for fieldwork in Central and Southern Appalachia. The lab's broader interests include drought response, hydrologic cycles, and the adaptation of plant communities to environmental stressors. Students will gain experience in advanced ecological and physiological research methods, and may participate in both laboratory and outdoor fieldwork settings.

Applicants should have a background in forestry, biology, environmental science, or a related discipline. Experience or coursework in plant physiology, ecology, or natural resources is preferred. The assistantship typically provides a stipend and tuition coverage, though specific funding details are not listed. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Sybil Gotsch for more information and to review the department and lab websites for application procedures and further details.

This opportunity is ideal for students interested in ecological forestry, plant physiology, climate change impacts, and sustainable management of forest resources. The University of Kentucky offers a collaborative research environment and access to diverse forest ecosystems for study.