Dr. Carolyn Lowry is currently seeking a motivated student with interest in weed ecology for a graduate assistantship in the newly established lab within the Plant Sciences Department at Penn State. Research projects could include, but are not limited to: 1) examining the role of root functional traits in weed-crop competition; as well as examining the significance of varying mechanisms of below-ground competition; 2) examining how weed-cover crop competition influences cover crop provisioning of ecosystem services; and 3) examining how variation in the quantity and timing of precipitation may affect weed community composition. Students will have the opportunity to conduct field and/or greenhouse experiments, as well as receive training in weed science, agroecology, and statistics. Opportunities are also available for the student to participate in extension events, as well as to present findings at academic meetings.
The position includes ~$28,500/year, tuition, and health insurance.
Applicants must have: 1) bachelor’s degree with strong academic record in agronomy, horticulture, ecology, plant sciences or a related field; 2) strong written and oral communication skills; and 3) previous field/ greenhouse research experience.
Interested students should first send a cover letter stating research interests and experience, as well as a curriculum vitae including references to Dr. Carolyn Lowry: cvl5836@psu.edu.
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