Graduate positions with Clare Aslan

Both positions are funded by the Olajos-Goslow MS Fellowship, run two years, and start in Fall 2027.

Sustainable rangeland management

Across the American West, rangelands and other rural, working landscapes face a convergence of economic and ecological pressures. On the Colorado Plateau, plant communities exhibit the stressors of changes in fire regime, broad-scale tree die-off events, historical overgrazing, and shrub encroachment. At the same time, rangelands provide essential habitat for wildlife while sustaining rural livelihoods. In light of the current multidecadal drought, ongoing and long-term research into sustainable land management practices is increasingly important.

You will help lead a new phase of data collection and analysis aimed at:

• Quantifying the effects of long-term experimental grazing practices on biodiversity at multiple taxonomic levels
• Examining sources and patterns of disturbance resilience on rangelands
• Assessing the effectiveness of restoration practices aimed at bolstering ecological function across heterogeneous landscapes

Biodiversity and resilience in the borderlands

The US Southwest currently exhibits extreme warming and drying. Widespread invasion of non-native plants transforms fire regimes, and historical overgrazing has led to widespread riparian erosion and loss of surface waters. Conservation of the region’s remarkable diversity requires evidence-based data on species requirements and emerging global change, as well as an understanding of ecosystem resilience in the face of interacting stress and disturbance.

You will contribute to ongoing research examining the response of endangered and culturally important plant species to drought and fire in southeastern Arizona. Your research may include:

• Examining the effectiveness of fuels treatments and restoration efforts across a range of jurisdictions
• Collecting demographic and survival data on focal plant species of concern, including culturally important plants
• Assessing biodiversity at multiple taxonomic levels within areas spanning gradients of recent disturbance severity

The ideal candidate

Both positions look for the same qualities:

• Interest in applied ecology aimed at generating data-driven management guidance
• Demonstrated experience in fieldwork
• Commitment to working with diverse populations and community partners
• Interest in developing skills in data analysis and interpretation
• Self-reliance and independence
• Excellent writing and communication skills

How to apply

Formal applications to the MS in Environmental Science & Policy program are due January 1. To apply to either opportunity, email Dr. Aslan (clare.aslan@nau.edu) by November 1 with your CV, a writing sample, and a brief statement of why the project appeals to you. She will interview strong, qualified applicants and encourage the top candidates to submit a formal program application.