The proposal requests support for five graduate research traineeships for up to five years in the emerging field of "Spatio- temporal Analysis of Ecological and Physical Systems at Landscape to Regional Scales." This field focuses explicitly on space and time as relevant variables for explaining the behavior of biological and physical components of hydrologic sciences, and forestry. The proposed training program addresses three targeted GRT disciplinary areas: Environmental Biology (Ecological Studies and Long-term Projects): Hydrology: and Environmental Physical and Mathematical Science and Engineering. It involves a core curriculum and five disciplinary emphasis areas: forest ecology, hydrology, spatial analysis/modelling, remote sensing , and geographic information systems (GIS). The training program integrates fourteen faculty in the Department s of Geosciences, forest science and Forest Resources in (1) graduate training, (2) funded research, (3) established connections with government and industry, and (4) existing institutional capacity relevant for research in the field, especially involving large-are, long-terms datasets, GIS and remote sensing technology, and spatial analysis techniques. The proposed program uses existing institutional connections to enhance recruitment, context- and contact-building opportunities, dissertation improvement funding, and career opportunities for graduates. A special program is proposed to increase participation of underrepresented groups in this field.
