🔬 Lab: Palmquist Lab, Marshall University
📅 Start Date: January 2026 (flexible)

🌍 Research Focus

The selected student will study:

• The combined impacts of 🌊 sea-level rise and 🌀 storm surge on coastal vegetation.
• The effects of 🔥 prescribed fire on pine woodlands at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), South Carolina.

🎯 Key Objectives:

• Assess how environmental factors (salinity, elevation, soil moisture, etc.) shape coastal plant communities.
• Evaluate how climate change may alter vegetation distribution and 🛡️ ecosystem services (storm protection, wildlife habitat).
• Measure the influence of prescribed fire using 📊 field plots and 🛰️ remote sensing.
• Integrate field data, remote sensing, and modeling to predict future vegetation changes.

✅ Preferred Qualifications

• Background in 🌱 botany, plant ecology, 🗺️ GIS, or remote sensing.
• Strong 📈 quantitative and 💬 communication skills.
• Familiarity with southeastern U.S. flora is a plus.

📋 Expectations

• Conduct rigorous research and 📜 publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Serve as a 👨🏫 teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.
• Present findings at 🎤 scientific conferences.

💰 Funding & Support

• 2-year assistantship (research + teaching).
• $20,000 annual stipend + 🎓 full tuition waiver (student covers fees).

📩 Application Process

Submit to Dr. Kyle Palmquist (palmquist@marshall.edu) with subject line:
“MS position – coastal vegetation – [Your Name]”
Include:

1. 📝 1-page statement (research interests & career goals).
2. 📄 CV.
3. 📑 Unofficial transcripts.
4. 📌 Three professional references.

⏳ Review begins immediately. Selected candidates will discuss fit before formal application.

📍 Location & Lab Culture

• Marshall University (Huntington, WV): A small, affordable riverside town with ⛰️ outdoor recreation (hiking, rafting) and proximity to major cities.
• The Palmquist Lab values 🤝 diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance.

Encouraged to Apply: Students from all backgrounds. Questions? Contact Dr. Palmquist anytime.