🔬 Lab: Ross Lab for South Florida Terrestrial Ecosystems (SOFTEL) Phd in USA

📅 Start Date: Spring 2026
📍 Location: Florida International University (Miami, FL)

🌍 Research Focus

The selected Ph.D. (Graduate funded position) student will:

• Develop a model of forest successional dynamics to inform restoration of Everglades tree islands 25.
• Utilize data from the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), an experimental wetland landscape, combined with natural tree island datasets 2.
• Analyze long-term monitoring data (since 2006-07) on tree growth, mortality, recruitment, and environmental interactions (water levels, soil, microbial/fungal communities, fauna) 25.

🎯 Key Objectives:

• Quantify impacts of water levels and tree density on forest succession.
• Integrate field data with modeling approaches to predict restoration outcomes.
• Contribute to understanding ecosystem resilience in the Everglades 511.

✅ Preferred Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills (modeling, statistics, or data analysis).
• Fieldwork experience in wildland environments (e.g., wetlands, forests).
• Interest in forest ecology, restoration, or wetland ecosystems 25.
• Background in ecology, environmental science, or related fields.

📋 Expectations

• Conduct rigorous research leading to peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with LILA ecologists and interdisciplinary teams.
• Present findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings.

💰 Funding & Support

• Research Assistantship: $29,630 annual stipend + 🎓 full tuition waiver + health insurance 2.
• Funding through FIU’s Department of Earth and Environment 6.

📩 Application Process

Submit to Dr. Michael Ross (rossm@fiu.edu) with subject line:
“Ph.D. Application – Tree Island Modeling – [Your Name]”
Include:

• 📄 CV (highlighting quantitative/field experience).
• 📝 1-page letter (research interests, career goals, and fit for the project).

⏳ Priority deadline: Contact Dr. Ross immediately for Spring 2026 consideration.

📍 Lab & Location Highlights

• FIU’s Institute of Environment: Focus on Everglades restoration, climate change, and coastal ecology 25.
• Miami, FL: Proximity to unique ecosystems (Everglades, Biscayne Bay) and vibrant urban culture 13.
• SOFTEL Lab Culture: Field-driven, collaborative, and committed to applied conservation science 511.

Encouraged to Apply: Students from diverse backgrounds with a passion for ecology and modeling. Questions? Email Dr. Ross!

Check out other graduate funding in USA in our website.