Thank you for your interest in the Forest Disturbance Ecology Lab at Mississippi State University! If you are interested in joining the lab, collaborating, or if you have any questions, please email Dr. Ashley Schulz ([email protected]) with details about your relevant experiences (CV/résumé), career goals, and/or research interests. Below, you will find some more information for prospective students and postdocs:
Ph.D. Assistantship in Forest Ecology & Management
More positions will be posted here, when available. |
Undergraduate research provides a wonderful opportunity to learn how to think like a scientist, get experience in a field of interest, learn new skills (e.g., field and lab skills, basic analysis, writing, developing and delivering presentations), and prepare for a career or grad school. I welcome students from many different majors at MS State. Generally, I tend to provide more mentoring and oversight for undergraduate than graduate researchers, but also recognize that each researcher is different and needs their own customized mentoring plan. If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate thesis or just getting research experience, feel free to reach out and/or check out Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
|
Graduate research provides an an individual with the opportunity to become more specialized and skilled in their field of interest. I generally provide more mentoring and oversight for Master's level researchers than Ph.D. level researchers, but also recognize that each researcher is different and needs their own customized mentoring plan. I enjoy helping students develop and pursue the career of their dreams, whether that is in an industry job, federal or state government appointment, developing a consulting business, non-profit, or teaching, research, or academic position. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, please feel free to email to me. I'll post graduate student positions in the "Available Positions" section above. I believe that all graduate researchers should be paid a stipend and have health insurance, research support, and a tuition waiver. If I cannot provide that kind of support, I will not pretend to have support or mislead a potential student. If I do not have an funding, I'd be happy to work with you to write a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program or other grant proposal. For more information about graduate degree programs in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University, click here.
|
Postdoctoral fellowships provide an opportunity for new Ph.D.'s to get more experience conducting independent research, learning new research methodologies, and building skills that are not developed during a doctorate, but are necessary for a career in research or academia (e.g., grant writing, publishing, mentoring, teaching). The key difference between a graduate researcher and postdoctoral researcher is that postdocs are expected to be a bit more independent. If you are a doctoral candidate and are interested in working with me as a postdoc, please reach out. I'd be happy to help you write a NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology, Smith Fellows, or other proposal to get funding for a position.
|
General Advice for Graduate School*
*This advice is not comprehensive. Be sure to reach out to me and/or your academic advisor to establish a more comprehensive game plan.
So, you're thinking about going to graduate school...
So, you've decided to go to graduate school...
So, you've been accepted to graduate school...
- Although I work hard to support students and be their biggest advocate, graduate school is no walk in the park. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Potential students should have a good reason to pursue a M.S. and especially a doctorate (e.g., don't do it out of boredom). The field of forestry is one of the few where you can get a really good job with just a Bachelor's. Getting a graduate degree may close more doors than it opens...
- ...so, do your research about whether you should get into research/graduate school. Will a graduate degree open more doors for you and help you get the career of your dreams (i.e., is a graduate degree required for what you want to do)? Do you think you will enjoy graduate school and can give it your best effort? If you answer "Yes" to all of these, then maybe graduate school is for you.
- Don't rush into any decisions. It's absolutely okay to take some time off from school. Graduate, start a job, and take some time to determine what you ultimately want to do. If you ever want to talk about education and career options, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help in any way that I can.
So, you've decided to go to graduate school...
- Congratulations on taking this big step! Now, you get to do more research and have some more decisions to make.
- Decide what field you want to pursue. Graduate school is a time to specialize a bit more than you did in undergraduate, so be sure to do your research and determine what sub-field you are most interested in.
- After selecting your area of interest, start reaching out to potential advisors. Review websites of people in your field of interest. Talk to potential advisors at conferences. Determine if their interests closely align with yours. Email them to see if they have available positions/grant funding. Send them your CV and discuss your career and research interests.
- When interviewing for positions, be sure to think about questions to ask the potential advisor and their previous and/or current graduate students. Remember, you are searching for the best "fit" as much as they are. You are going to be spending the next 2+ years with this advisor and lab group, so make sure you are comfortable with them as best as you can before signing on.
- Do not settle for an unpaid position! Most graduate level programs (especially if you are completing a thesis or dissertation) in natural resources have paid positions (i.e., you receive a stipend for your work). Please don't accept a position unless you are able to get paid for the work.
So, you've been accepted to graduate school...
- Congratulations on this big achievement! 🎉🥳
- Be respectful. Treat EVERYONE in the lab, at the university, and in the Starkville community with respect and empathy.
- Discuss ideas and needs. Have a sit down meeting with your new advisor (me?) to establish a mentoring plan. I really, really want to support you, but do not want you to feel micromanaged. Establishing our expectations early and revisiting them often can keep everything flowing nicely.
- Communicate with your advisor, lab mates, peers, and others. Whether you're stressed and struggling or on a research high, I'm here to talk and want to help with the downs or celebrate the successes. It's also important to surround yourself with supportive peers, family, and friends who can listen and support you as you work your way through graduate school.
- Practice life-work balance and time management. Students are typically paid for ~20 hours per week and anything more than that is considered part of the "education." Outside of periodic field- or lab-intensive weeks for experiments, working 40+ hours per week is not advised and can very quickly wear a person down. So, love your research, but also visit family, maintain friendships, and keep your hobbies close. Try to exercise, eat well, and support your mental health as best as you can. Do not forget to live life.
Mississippi State University, Department of Forestry, Thompson Hall, Box 9681, Mississippi State, MS 39762
The views and opinions expressed on this website are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views of Mississippi State University. The contents of this website have not been reviewed or approved by Mississippi State University.
The views and opinions expressed on this website are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views of Mississippi State University. The contents of this website have not been reviewed or approved by Mississippi State University.