The College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is seeking applicants for a half-time Ph.D. Assistantship focusing on Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and Forest Health. The project addresses the urgent need for monitoring systems capable of early detection of brown spot needle blight (Lecanosticta acicola) and other fungal pathogens threatening pine forests across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The primary goal is to develop a comprehensive framework using satellite data (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Landsat), UAV-based multispectral sensors, and LIDAR to detect and predict disease dynamics.
Benefits
Annual stipend of $27,000 for a half-time assistantship
Access to state-of-the-art laboratories for graduate research, including hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, and wildlife ecology
Opportunities to collaborate with the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, Arkansas Center for Forest Business, and Arkansas Forest Health Research Center
Eligibility
Must hold or qualify for a master's degree in a related field from an accredited university, or hold a B.S. with an exceptional academic or research record subject to committee approval
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher
Must have a combined GRE score of at least 300 if the applicant does not hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field
Proficiencies in GIS and remote sensing analysis are highly preferred
Experience or interest in computer programming using Python or R is preferred
Requirements
Submission of all requested application materials directly via email to the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Completion of a formal university application to the University of Arkansas at Monticello prior to being considered for the assistantship
Must explicitly reference position #2026-002 on all submitted application materials
Email the compiled application documents to CFANR@uamont.edu
Ensure you reference position #2026-002 on all emailed materials
Simultaneously apply for formal university admission to the University of Arkansas at Monticello via the university's online portal
Await review, as the position will remain open and applications will be evaluated until a qualified applicant is successfully selected
How to Apply
Make sure to distinctly reference position #2026-002 on all submitted documents to ensure correct processing by the administrative staff
Ensure your letter of intent strictly adheres to the 2-page length limit and explicitly covers your areas of interest, background, and career goals
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified applicant is officially selected for the position
Applicants applying directly with a Bachelor of Science degree will only be admitted if they possess an exceptional record and receive explicit approval from the Ph.D. Student Admissions Committee and CFANR administration