M.S. or Ph.D. Research Assistantships Available
The Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL) at Utah State University is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to research and extension programs supporting the quality of life enjoyed through urban landscaping while simultaneously promoting water use efficiency. To support its work, the Utah legislature recently funded several graduate research assistantships that we seek to fill at the master and doctoral levels. Recruited students will conduct research related to urban landscapes and urban water management. CWEL’s research program areas include: irrigation, water use and drought; water-wise and native plants; sustainable turfgrass management; and urban water conservation. We seek students interested in plant and soil science disciplines focusing on turfgrasses, herbaceous perennials, and/or woody ornamental plants in the areas of stress physiology, propagation, nursery production, landscape management, irrigation management, plant ecophysiology, climate impacts, or social sciences relating to water use. Applicants should have previous degrees in horticulture, urban forestry, soil science, plant ecology, plant biology or human aspects related to urban water use. A background in landscape horticulture is preferred, but not required. Assistantships include a 12-month stipend and health insurance and some tuition assistance. Graduate student applicants are accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis, with start dates generally coinciding with academic semesters.
CWEL is housed in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. The department features a dynamic mix of faculty specializing in the plant, soil, and climate sciences and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty across campus, including people in the departments of Environment and Society, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, and Wildland Resources, and as well as several USDA-ARS labs on campus. Utah State University is Utah’s land grant institution. Logan is also home to several companies that develop environmental sensors, providing excellent collaboration opportunities relying on the latest scientific instruments and technologies. USU’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is ranked number one in the nation by Campus Explorer for agriculture majors based on reasonable pricing and providing the resources needed for student success.
Logan is located in the beautiful Cache Valley, 90 miles northeast of Salt Lake City. The campus is minutes away from unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and more. It’s awesome!
UPDATED Nov. 2023: For current availability and for more information, contact CWEL’s current director, Dr. Kelly Kopp at kelly.kopp@usu.edu. Print out flyer here.