FW: UNH Ph.D. Research Assistantship in environmental policy, planning and sustainability
VanDeveer, Stacy
Ph.D. Research Assistantship in environmental policy, planning and sustainability at the University of New Hampshire
Catherine M. Ashcraft, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH USA
I am accepting applications for a Ph.D. position focusing on the social dimensions of sustainability science with the Environmental Policy, Planning, and Sustainability Lab at the University of New Hampshire. The student will participate in a new, NSF funded, interdisciplinary research initiative examining the economic, technological, ecological, social, and political tradeoffs associated with different kinds of dam decisions. Focusing on collaborative knowledge production, stakeholder engagement, and the use of science in decision-making, the student will work closely with modelers and design experts to develop a role-play simulation using a participatory system dynamics model and design charrette. The student will be a part of UNH’s interdisciplinary Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Ph.D. Program (http://www.unh.edu/nressphd/).
The student should have a completed master’s degree in environmental studies, natural resource management, planning, political science or a related field, a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and applied research, an inquisitive nature, strong communication skills, demonstrated abilities to work well both as part of a group and independently, and fluency in English. Research will include interviews, surveys and stakeholder workshops and experience with qualitative research and experience working with stakeholders are highly desirable.
The position includes a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend (9-month academic year and 20 hr/wk over the summer), and health insurance for 3.5 years (with the possibility of an additional year of RA or TA support). To apply please send the following items to Dr. Catherine Ashcraft (catherine...@unh.edu): (1) letter describing your research interests and qualifications, including your academic preparation; (2) CV; (3) unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); (4) copy of GRE scores; and (5) the names and contact information for 3 references. Please put “NEST PhD” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning December 15, 2015. Candidates who are short-listed will need to submit full application materials by 1/15/16; see more information athttp://www.gradschool.unh.edu/php/posd.php?major=QN75. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
This research is part of the New England Sustainability Consortium (NEST) new stakeholder-engaged, solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research program focused on the future of dams (www.newenglandsustainabilityconsortium.org/dams). The project includes faculty from University of New Hampshire, Keene State University, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design with expertise that spans and integrates the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, and design. Our approach to problem solving is strongly dependent upon, and benefits from, the local knowledge and know-how of diverse stakeholders representing government, business and industry, and non-governmental organizations, which includes very strong partnerships with tribal communities.
The University of New Hampshire combines the living and learning environment of a New England liberal arts college with the breadth, spirit of discovery, and civic commitment of a land-grant research institution. UNH has 12,500 undergraduates and 2,200 graduate
students. Located in Durham, New Hampshire, UNH thrives in a diverse, dynamic, and beautiful part of New England. Durham, only an hour from Boston, is also conveniently close to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as New Hampshire’s
rugged White Mountains and pristine Lakes Region. With the University as its centerpiece, Durham provides a classic college town setting. Its downtown merges seamlessly with campus and offers plenty of student hangouts, restaurants, shops, and conveniences.
Yet, nearby are 2,600 acres of forests, fields, and farmland that UNH maintains for walking, biking, skiing, and exploring.