Description
Tennessee State University (TSU), through its Department of Environmental Sciences, is currently offering two Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions for students passionate about forest ecology. These positions are open to candidates seeking either an M.S. or Ph.D. degree and offer a unique opportunity to engage in impactful environmental research.
Selected students will work under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah McCarthy-Neumann, investigating the complex interactions involved in plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) and their role in forest community dynamics. The research group is focused on understanding how forests regenerate and change over time, specifically looking at the relationships between vegetation and soil health. This opportunity allows students to join a lab that values independent inquiry and scientific publication.
The positions are scheduled to begin with Fall 2026 enrollment, though there is an exciting option for successful candidates to start early as research technicians between April 1 and May 2026.
Research Focus
Students will participate in a mix of field-based and greenhouse-based experiments. The research leverages field sites located in the oak–hickory forests of the Cumberland Plateau, involving large-scale thinning and prescribed fire treatments.
Key research areas include:
- PSF Legacies: Investigating how long plant-soil feedbacks persist in the soil following events like tree mortality or harvesting.
- Fire Dynamics: Examining how fire influences the dynamics of plant-soil feedbacks.
- Project Development: Students are encouraged to develop their own independent research questions within these themes and publish their findings.
Assistantship Value and Benefits
This program offers substantial financial support to ensure students can focus on their research and academic growth. The funding is provided as a 12-month Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA).
- M.S. Students: Funding for 2 years at $28,800 per year.
- Ph.D. Students: Funding for 3 years at $33,000 per year.
- Early Start Option: Opportunity to begin as a paid research technician in Spring 2026 (April–May start).
Qualification
- Eligibility Criteria To be considered for these assistantships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background: A B.S. degree in plant/forest ecology, forestry, environmental science, botany, or a closely related field.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential.
- Scientific Writing: Demonstrated experience in report writing or drafting scientific work.
- Work Style: Must be self-motivated, organized, and capable of working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Fieldwork Readiness: Willingness to conduct research in remote forest environments as well as greenhouse settings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience running ecological experiments or conducting statistical analyses.
- Availability to start the position early as a technician in Spring 2026.
Application Procedure
The application process involves an initial submission to the lead researcher followed by a formal university application.
Step 1: Submit Application Materials via Email Interested candidates should compile the following documents into a single PDF file:
- Letter of Interest: Maximum of 2 pages outlining your motivation and fit for the role.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): detailed academic and professional history.
- Unofficial Transcripts: From previous degrees.
- Unofficial GRE Scores.
References: Contact information (name, affiliation, email, phone) for three professional references.
Email this single PDF to Dr. Sarah McCarthy-Neumann at sneumann@tnstate.edu.
Step 2: Formal Graduate School Application To be officially accepted, applicants must also apply through the TSU Graduate School.
- Visit the application portal here: TSU Graduate School Link
- Important: In the "Statement of Interests" section of the application, explicitly indicate your interest in the Forest Ecology Graduate Assistantship.
Review Timeline Applications are reviewed immediately and will continue on a rolling basis until both positions are filled.
