The Geography Program at West Virginia University is currently recruiting graduate students for the 2018-19 academic year, with opportunities for funding though competitive University fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. WVU Geography offers both Masters and Doctoral degrees and a rigorous certificate program in Geographic Information Science. Our graduate program is composed of 19 core geography faculty (www.geography.wvu.
2018-2019 Funded Research Assistantship Positions
Immersive Virtual Reality for Geovisualization and Geography Education
This study will focus on developing theoretical & practical approaches of immersive Virtual Reality for geovisualization and geography education. Integration of GIS and immersive VR will provide innovative ways for geovisualization. Looking for students having interests on this emerging powerful technology. RA responsibility includes assisting research design and VR module development. 2 years of RA support will be guaranteed, with continuing funding upon progress. GIS and/or programming background is desired, but not required.
Webpage: insuhong.wixsite.com/
Faculty Information: Dr. Insu Hong, insu.hong@mail.wvu.edu
Health care disparity and accessibility in West Virginia
This study will focus on analysis of spatial/aspatial disparity of health care in West Virginia. GIS and location science based approaches, such as spatial-temporal accessibility analysis, location analysis, and optimization, will be applied for addressing health care accessibility issues in West Virginia. RA responsibility includes assisting research design, data collection, and analysis. GIS background is desired, but not required.
Webpage: insuhong.wixsite.com/
Faculty Information: Dr. Insu Hong, insu.hong@mail.wvu.edu
WV GIS Tech Center
The West Virginia GIS Technical Center, housed in the Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University, is seeking at least one graduate research assistant at the Masters or Ph.D. level, specializing in Geographic Information Science. At a minimum, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Geography, Geology, Computer Science or related field, or a combination of education, training and experience, which demonstrates the qualification and ability to perform the duties of the position. Successful applicants will work toward a higher degree in GIS Science.
Webpage: http://www.wvgis.wvu.
Faculty Information: Dr. Gregory Elmes, greg.elmes@mail.wvu.edu
The role of wild food/game in the WV food system
The Conservation Geography Lab at West Virginia University is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to work in the lab on research involving wild food/wild game harvesting and food systems as the focus of their MS and/or Ph.D. degree. This work will primarily take place in West Virginia, but there will be opportunity to explore wild food and its role in food systems in other states. A background in geography, ecology, and/or wildlife is encouraged, but not necessary. The lab is currently seeking funding for this position with the goal of securing at least 2 years of funding for a GRA.
Webpage: pages.geo.wvu.edu/~
Faculty Information: Dr. Jonathan C. Hall, jonathan.hall@mail.wvu.
Students interested in research assistantships should contact the research faculty prior to applying. Potential candidates must meet the admission standards and be fully accepted into the Geology & Geography Department at WVU. Transcripts, test scores, and all other completed application materials are due January 1, 2018 for Fall 2018 admission. The application portal can be accessed here: https://
University Fellowships
WVU offers several fellowships to exceptional incoming PhD students. Applicants do not apply themselves, but are nominated by their prospective department. The Geography Program faculty will nominate candidates after initial review of the applicants for Fall 2018. More information on fellowships can be found at
graduateeducation.wvu.edu/
Fellowship Opportunities Include:
· Arlen G. & Louise Stone Swiger Fellowships: 3-year fellowships awarded to incoming doctoral students
· W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowships: 3-year fellowships awarded to incoming African-American doctoral students
· University Provost Fellowships: 3-year fellowship awarded to incoming doctoral students
· Ruby Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships: 3-year fellowships awarded to incoming doctoral students in STEM fields
Departmental Funding Packages:
Funded Ph.D. students will be guaranteed 3 years of funding contingent upon progress within the program and are eligible for continued funding in years 4 and 5, based upon performance. Funded M.A. students are guaranteed 1 year of funding contingent upon progress within the program and are eligible for continued funding in year 2, based upon performance. All funded positions include a tuition waiver.
University, Program, and Location Information:
WVU recently attained Research 1 Carnegie Ranking and Geography is a respected Program of Excellence at the university. We are located in Morgantown, a vibrant town repeatedly ranked as one of the best small cities in the country (http://www.morgantownwv.gov/) and located just 75 miles south of Pittsburgh. The Geography Program is housed in a state of the art research facility and students have access to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the East. Morgantown is an affordable and livable small city minutes away from outstanding sites for outdoor activities including: the best white water in the east, challenging rock climbing, skiing, and numerous venues to cave, mountain bike, and hike. For more information,https://
West Virginia University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty, staff and students committed to working in a multicultural environment. The university welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.