Grad Assistant Announcement

Two Ph.D. graduate research assistantships are available at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University at Blacksburg. A first project goal is to assess the physiological changes within eastern hemlock trees as they decline from colonization and attack by the non-native invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). A second goal will be to determine how the physiological status of the trees change upon remediation treatments and subsequent recovery. A third goal is to assess how the declining health of the tree impacts the availability and quality of nutrients and water resources for HWA as reflected in the insect's fitness, fecundity, and physiology. One assistantship is available for work focused on the physiology of the eastern hemlock and will be directed by Dr. John Seiler (Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation). A second assistantship will focus on the pest insect's physiology in relation to changing host conditions and will be directed by Drs. Scott Salom and Don Mullins (Department of Entomology). Each will provide a unique opportunity to work with both forestry and entomology faculty. This project is supported by the USDA Forest Service.

Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis L. Carriere, are damaged by the feeding activities of the non-native HWA, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). HWA nymphs feed on the parenchyma cells in the xylem rays. Tree health deteriorates due the depletion of photosynthates, which then inhibits shoot growth and causes bud mortality, twig dieback, foliage discoloration and premature defoliation. The broad goal will be to characterize the physiological attributes of tree decline, so that managers may be able to consider site or stand amelioration actions that would prevent newly infested trees from declining so quickly. Findings could also contribute to a better understanding of factors critical in host resistance. For assistantship one, An M.S. degree in forestry, plant physiology, ecophysiology, or related field is required. Previous experience with whole-plant physiological measurements is desired. For Assistantship two, an M.S. degree in biology, plant sciences or related field is preferred.

The Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (FREC) (http://www.cnre.vt.edu/forestry) at Virginia Tech has excellent ecophysiology laboratories and strong programs in all aspects of forestry. Strong supporting programs in Entomology (http://web.ento.vt.edu/ento), Crop and Soil Environmental Science, Horticulture, Botany, and Chemistry exist at Virginia Tech (http://www.vt.edu). Ph.D. assistantships in the Departments of FREC and Entomology at Virginia Tech provide a very competitive stipend. Additionally, tuition is waived for students on assistantships. Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the departmental teaching program.