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M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship (Fall 2026)

Effects of Soil Contamination on Vegetation Dynamics in the Indiana Dunes

We invite applications for a motivated M.S. student to join the Jo Lab at Purdue University beginning Fall 2026. The student will contribute to a research project investigating how legacy heavy metal contamination influences vegetation dynamics in the Indiana Dunes, one of North America’s most ecologically diverse and environmentally significant coastal landscapes.

This interdisciplinary project integrates field ecology, soil chemistry, and remote sensing to understand how persistent pollutants affect both aboveground and belowground vegetation structure, ecosystem resilience, and soil function along the Indiana Dunes chronosequence. The student will gain hands-on experience in field sampling, LiDAR data analysis, soil analysis, and ecological modeling, working closely with Dr. Lori Hoagland (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture), the Institute for Digital Forestry, and state and federal partners, including Indiana Dunes National Park and the Indiana DNR.

Funding

The successful applicant will likely be supported by a two-year Research Assistantship (RA). If RA support is not available, funding will be provided through a Teaching Assistantship (TA) from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Both positions include a competitive stipend, full tuition waiver, and health insurance.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, ecology, environmental science, soil science, or a related discipline
Strong interest in plant–soil interactions, ecological data analysis, and restoration ecology
Hands-on experience conducting forest vegetation surveys and proficiency in identifying woody plant species
Experience with R, Python, or GIS tools preferred but not required
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment

If you are interested in the position, please email the following materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Insu Jo at insujo@purdue.edu:

Cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Unofficial transcripts
Contact information for three references

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship (Spring 2026) (FILLED)

Modeling tree neighborhood interactions and their effects on hardwood growth and regeneration in Indiana forests

We invite applications for a highly motivated M.S. student to join the Jo Lab at Purdue University beginning Spring 2026. The student will work on a project modeling how spatial relationships among trees influence forest growth, regeneration, and understory plant communities in Indiana’s mixed hardwood forests. Findings will help develop forest management strategies that promote valuable hardwood species and address challenges from competing vegetation.

The position offers hands-on experience in spatial data analysis, ecological modeling, and applied forestry research, with opportunities to collaborate with university researchers, state agencies, and forest managers.

Opportunities for Undergraduates and Prospective Graduate Students