Undergraduate Student Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students are often encouraged to seek out opportunities to gain real-world experience and to conduct research. This page is a central repository for information on current opportunities that are available. Here you will find information on possible research opportunities, in which faculty would like to work with you to develop honors projects, or directed studies projects for FOR 493 or WFS 493. Some faculty may have part-time employment opportunites as well. If you see an area of research that interests you, please contact the faculty member working on the project. Working with a faculty mentor asa part of your undergraduate program can be a very rewarding experience. You do not need to be a senior or be a forestry or wildlife major to participate! Students at all levels and across campus are welcome to inquire about these opportunites, however some projects may have specific requirements. Check back often in order to avoid missing out on the many opportunities as they become available.
Forestry Research Opportunities
Reconstruction of the Forests of East Tennessee 1770-1796 |
|
| Are you curious how forests have changed in the past 200 years? Here is an opportunity to find out, using primary historical data. We have access to a compilation of survey data from >1000 land grants in east Tennessee from 1770-1796. Trees were the most common boundary markers, so this database can provide us with insight into the forests of the time. This project will involve using this database to reconstruct the forest composition of east Tennessee at the end of the 18th century. Contact: Dr. Adam Taylor |
 |
Butternut Restoration |
|
| Butternut populations in southern states are being destroyed by butternut
canker disease caused by an exotic fungus. Over 80 percent of the
butternuts in the South have been killed, but there are survivors.
Interested undergraduate students can become involved in a
multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project to restore butternuts to
southern riparian zones. |
 |
| Students will conduct surveys for surviving
trees, sample materials for DNA analysis, collect seed, plant seedlings in
experimental plots and be exposed to the use of GIS-based models to predict
locations of additional surviving trees. 1-3 credit hours. Contact: Professor Schlarbaum |
|
West Tennessee Bottomland Red Oak Comparison Study |
|
| In 1988, six species of bottomland red oak were planted in six replicated blocks at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center. In 2006 an analysis of the height and diameter was conducted to determine the best performers. Currently there is need for an analysis of the lower-bowl grade to determine the potential log quality. The results will help aid in bottomland afforestation efforts, assuring that not only the most rapid growing species’ are planted, but that log quality can be enhanced. Contact: Dr. David Mercker |
 |
Vegetation Management Potential of Wood Residues |
|
| Black walnut trees are known to produce potent allelopathic compounds that
can inhibit the growth of competing vegetation. Similar compounds are
present in the heartwood of this and other species, making the wood
naturally resistant to decay and insect attack. This project will
investigate the use of wood residues and extracts from wood processing
operations for the control of competing vegetation around tree seedlings
and food crops. Contact: Dr. Adam Taylor |
 |
Wildlife Research Opportunities
Forage Quality |
|
| We work with forage food plots designed specifically for white-tailed deer. We measure the growth and production of the forage as well as deer use by clipping and weighing forage produced within and outside of exclusion cages. We also obtain nutritional information by testing the forages for crude protein and acid detergent fiber. Contact: Dr. Craig Harper |
|
Fisheries Research Opportunities