MS in Biology Opening in Ecophysiology of Sugar Maples and Forest Sustainability Minnesota State University, Mankato in United States

MS opening in Biology at Minnesota State University, Mankato for a Spring 2027 start. The Kaproth Lab is seeking an exceptional graduate student to join an ongoing USDA ACER project on sugar maples (Acer saccharum) and forest health.

The research focus is strongly aligned with plant ecology, ecophysiology, remote sensing, microbiology, statistics, analysis, and forest sustainability. The student will help build and assess a remote sensing model to predict maple syrup production and forest health, with work involving both field and lab components. Potential methods include LI-COR IRGAs and related plant physiology tools.

The academic portion of the degree will be completed at Minnesota State University, Mankato, while research may take place at local field sites in Minnesota and during summers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The post indicates strong funding support: a full tuition waiver, an annual $10,000 Graduate Teaching Assistantship stipend, and an additional $6,000 summer Graduate Research Assistantship.

Applicants should be highly motivated and have a strong interest in plant ecology and related quantitative/field methods. This is a good fit for students interested in plant health, ecophysiology, forest systems, and applied environmental research.