Por cortesía del doctor José Luis Pantoja PhD, Investigador Prometeo del programa que impulsa la Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT ), les ofrecemos estas oportunidades de becas para estudiar posgrados en Agricultura Sostenible en Pen State University.
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
M.S. and Ph.D. Assistantships in Sustainable Agriculture
Project Description:
We are seeking four (4) M.S. or Ph.D. students to participate in a multi-disciplinary, sustainable cropping systems project focused on developing alternative approaches for integrating cover crops and reduced tillage practices in an organic feed and forage system. The assistantships starting date are Spring or Fall 2015. Our overall goal is to develop pest (weed and insect) and soil management practices that overcome current reduced-tillage production constraints in organic grain systems in the Mid-Atlantic region. Project activities will include on-station and on-farm research and extension. In addition to field-based research, there will be opportunities to: 1) develop and deliver extension programs on organic agriculture, and 2) participate in the development of a web-based decision support tool for organic growers.
Assistantship focus areas:
1. Entomology (Ph.D) – Evaluate effects of cover crop and reduced-tillage strategies on early season insect pests, key beneficial organisms, and soil-borne insect pathogens.
2. Agronomy (Ph.D/M.S.) – Evaluate effects of cover crop and reduced-tillage strategies on cover crop and cash crop performance, and weed management.
3. Nutrient Cycling (Ph.D/M.S.) – Evaluate effects of cover crop and reduced-tillage strategies on nutrient supply and retention dynamics.
4. Cropping Systems Modeling (Ph.D) – Utilize research to apply and improve a cropping system model focused on nutrient cycling and management in cover crop based, reduced-tillage organic grain systems.
Integration among student projects is encouraged for selected candidates.
Benefits:
. Monthly stipend (salary).
. Health care benefits.
. Tuition waiver.
. Research expenses.
Qualifications for application:
. B.S. or M.S. degree in plant or soil science, entomology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, or other agriculture-related discipline.
. Resume or C.V.
. Letter of intent with research goals.
. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary. TOEFL test scores required for international students.
. Transcripts of grades with a minimum 3.0 GPA (8.3/10.0 or 16.6/20.0).
. GRE test scores are required.
. Three letters of recommendation with contact information.
Location:
The Penn State University Campus is located in State College in Central Pennsylvania. State College is a community of approximately 40000 year round residents along with 40000 university students in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. The geographic setting is one of fertile agricultural valleys situated between tree-covered ridges. Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry.
For additional information contact (by focus area):
. Project Manager: Dr. John Wallace, email: jmw309@psu.edu and phone: (814) 863-4309
. Entomology: Dr. Mary Barbercheck, email: meb34@psu.edu and phone: (814) 863-2982.
. Agronomy: Dr. Bill Curran, email: wcurran@psu.edu and phone: (814) 863-1014.
. Nutrient Cycling: Dr. Jason Kaye, email: jpk12@psu.edu and phone: (814) 863-1614.
. Cropping Systems Modeling: Dr. Armen R. Kemanian, email: akemanian@psu.edu and phone: (814) 963-9852
© 2014 EcuadorUniversitario.Com
