<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">We are inviting applications for a fully funded MS or PhD
position to join an interdisciplinary research team at Auburn University’s
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. The successful candidate will
contribute to research on nature-based solutions in urban environments aimed at
mitigating climate-related hazards such as heat waves and hurricanes. This
project integrates social, ecological, and spatial sciences to design
sustainable and equitable approaches to urban resilience.</p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">The selected student will be co-advised by Dr. Zutao Ouyang
(<a href="mailto:zzy0066@auburn.edu">zzy0066@auburn.edu</a>) and Dr. Yaoqi Zhang (<a href="mailto:zhangy3@auburn.edu">zhangy3@auburn.edu</a>). The
assistantship provides a competitive annual stipend of $24,500 for MS students
or $27,500 for PhD students, along with full tuition coverage. Students will
have the flexibility to develop their own research focus within the broader
project framework, while contributing to its core objectives.</p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">The position begins in Spring 2026 (January) or Fall 2026
(August).</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Required Qualifications:</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Ecology, GIS,
Environmental Science, or a related field</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Strong oral and written communication skills in
English</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Demonstrated ability to work independently and
collaborate in interdisciplinary teams</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">4.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Self-motivation, a positive attitude, and strong
interpersonal skills</p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Preferred Qualifications:</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Experience with spatial modeling, GIS software,
Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Experience presenting and publishing research in
peer-reviewed venues</p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">     
</span>Experience working with government agencies or
community partners</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">How to Apply</p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Email Dr. Zutao Ouyang (<a href="mailto:zzy0066@auburn.edu" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">zzy0066@auburn.edu</a>
) or Dr. Yaoqi Zhang (<a href="mailto:zhangy3@auburn.edu" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">zhangy3@auburn.edu</a>
) with the subject line: “Nature-based Solutions MS/PhD Application.”</p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Attach a single PDF containing the following:</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Cover letter describing your research interests, relevant
experience, and motivation for applying: (1) Curriculum Vitae (CV); (2) Unofficial
transcripts; (3) Contact information for three references; (4) TOEFL or IELTS scores
(if applicable)</p></div>