MSc graduate student opportunity
Title: Conservation of lentic riparian areas using virtual fencing (posted Sept 22, 2023)
Project Leads: Dr. Edward Bork, Professor and Mattheis Chair, Rangeland Ecology & Management; Dr. Carolyn Fitzsimmons, Beef Research Scientist, AAFC/University of Alberta; Dr. Francisco Novais, Postdoctoral Fellow.
Project Description: We are seeking a highly qualified MSc graduate student to work on:
- Virtual fencing technologies to alter the spatio-temporal distribution and forage utilization by beef cattle while grazing on pasture so as to ensure riparian area (wetland) conservation.
- This work builds on ongoing research done in 2022 and 2023 demonstrating that VF technologies provide a novel tool to control cattle geolocation and facilitate rotational grazing of summer pastures.
- Monitoring of outcomes in the field include (but are not limited to) cattle spatial distribution, grazing behavior, forage utilization patterns, and riparian area condition/health.
- Study sites will be situated at the Kinsella and Mattheis Research Ranches operated by the University of Alberta, with substantial time spent in the field during 2024
Please see the full MSc posting: Virtual Fencing MSc
How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a copy of transcripts, CV, and a statement of research experience and interests (1 page limit), with the names of three references, to: Drs. Edward Bork (edward.bork@ualberta.ca) and Carolyn Fitzsimmons (cfitzsim@ualberta.ca), at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta.