M.S. Environment and Society
Utah State University
Department of Environment and Society
Start Date: August 26, 2019
The Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University is seeking a highly qualified candidate committed to pursuing graduate research that:
1) quantifies the carbon emissions generated by visitors to both Grand Teton and Arches National Parks; and
2) identifies socially acceptable policy solutions to reduce or offset emissions
The successful applicant will be involved in a collaborative project intended to expand our understanding of the emissions generated by outdoor recreationists' transportation, accommodation, and activity choices.
Depending upon the student's background, interests, and future career goals, he/she will have the opportunity to pursue a MS degree in Environment and Society, Geography, or Recreation Resource Management. The successful candidate will work under the advisement of Dr. Jordan W. Smith. The successful candidate should have a strong desire to endage in rigorous social and geospatial sicience research using a diverse set of methodologies (e.g., social media analytics, econometric modeling, etc.).
Responsibilities:
- Actively engage with an interdisciplinary research team that includes natural, social, and geospatial scientists.
- Conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and disseminate results through academic (peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations) and non-academic (websites, workshops, etc.) outlets.
- Maintain good graduate standing and make satifactory progress toward completion of the MS degree.
Support:
The research assistantship is funded for 12-months at 20-hours per week. The position includes a competitive stipend, tuition, health insurance benefits, and funding for conference travel. The research assistantship is funded annually and is renewable each year based on satisfactory progress.
The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism:
The successful candidate will work out of the Institute of OUtdoor Recreation and Tourism. The mission of the Institute is to provide resource management personnel, elected officials, private industry, and the general public with a better understanding of the soical and economic trade-offs faced by communities who manage outdoor recreation resources and tourism destinations. Since the Institute was founded in 1998, it has been awarded several million dollars in externally funded research grants, maintained an active extension program with communities and outdoor recreation managers throughout the Intermountain West, and trained some of the nation's leading outdoor recreation resource managers.
Qualifications:
Potential candidates must meet admission standards and be fully accepted into one of the Department of Environment and Society's MS programs. Candidates must have very positive recommendations from previous positions. Prior undergraduate research experience is preferable.
Start Date: August 26, 2019
Application Process:
Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Smith to learn more about the research. To apply, send a current CV and 1-page letter of interest to:
Dr. Jordan W. Smith
Director, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Utah State University
jordan.smith@usu.edu