Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment at the University of Notre Dame

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame offers a wide range of research opportunities and graduate coursework in ecology and evolutionary biology, allowing students to excel in field, laboratory, and mathematical biology.  Strengths of the program include:  studies on the dynamics and divergence of populations, evolutionary and ecological genomics, terrestrial and aquatic community and ecosystem ecology, epidemiology and disease ecology, experimental biology, and the impacts of global changes, including climate change, invasive species, and land use change.  Our close-knit faculty provides interdisciplinary research opportunities and excellent research mentorship. Our students take advantage of many resources at Notre Dame, including excellent laboratory facilities in the Hank Family Center for Environmental Studies and state-of-the-

art instrumentation in our Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST; https://cest.nd.edu), the Genomics & Bioinformatics Core Facility (http://genomics.nd.edu), and the Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF).  Other hubs of EEE research include the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC; http://underc.nd.edu/) with sites located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and western Montana and the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (http://environmentalchange.nd.edu/). Numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions among research areas are available, including our GLOBES graduate training program (http://globes.nd.edu/).=20

The following faculty members are currently training graduate students in diverse areas of ecology and evolution:

Beth Archie – behavioral ecology, disease ecology, and population biology

Gary Belovsky – terrestrial ecology and modeling, conservation biology

Sunny Boyd =96 behavorial ecology, neuroendocrinology and behavioral neuroscience

Jeff Feder – ecological and evolutionary genetics, speciation

Mike Ferdig – systems genetics of malaria parasite drug resistance

Hope Hollocher – population genetics, speciation, evo-devo, and landscape epidemiology

Stuart Jones – aquatic microbial and ecosystem ecology

Gary Lamberti – stream ecology and plant-animal interactions

Jason McLachlan =96 ecology and evolution of plant populations, statistical modeling, paleoecology

David Medvigy =96 terrestrial ecosystem modeling, ecosystem-climate interactions

Alex Perkins =96 modeling, disease ecology, population biology of disease vectors

Mike Pfrender =96 ecological and evolutionary genomics, adaptation, phenotypic plasticity Matt Ravosa =96 evolution and pathobiology of the mammalian skull and musculoskeletal system

Adrian Rocha =96 arctic terrestrial ecology

Jeanne Romero-Severson =96 genomics of adaptive variation in natural populations of forest trees

Jennifer Tank – stream ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry

All graduate students are funded with competitive stipends.  A variety of fellowship opportunities are open to top applicants. For more information regarding the Biology Graduate Program see http://biology.nd.edu/ and http://graduateschool.nd.edu/.  The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the Ph.D. program is December 1st, 2017, although earlier submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration for available fellowships. Please begin your application by directly contacting faculty of interest.

Dr. Paige Ferguson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama, is seeking a PhD or MS student to begin in Spring 2017, Summer 2017, or Fall 2018.

Research will focus on conservation of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and land management. Potential research topics include RCW population dynamics and management in the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest or modeling future land use change scenarios and their relationship to RCW management. Close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and stakeholders is anticipated.

Applicants should have a background in many of the following: ecology, environmental science, ornithology, wildlife management, GIS, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, stakeholder outreach, and field work. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent field and modeling research.

To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu<mailto:pfferguson@ua.edu>) the following:

1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in Dr. Ferguson’s lab

2. your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine),

3. GRE scores,

4. a sample of your scientific writing (for example a manuscript or lab report), and

5. contact information for 3 references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive 12 month stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year. Funding for summer field work expenses and conference attendance are available.

Additional information is available from the following links:

Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/

Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/

Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu<http://graduate.ua.edu/>

University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu<http://www.ua.edu/>

Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services

Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com

Dr. Paige Ferguson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama, is seeking a PhD or MS student to begin in Spring 2017, Summer 2017, or Fall 2018.

Research will focus on land use in the Black Belt prairie of Alabama and how it relates to the occurrence of beetle and moth species. The student will conduct field work at prairie sites in the Black Belt and will conduct analyses with statistical models. Anticipated results include information about the distribution of beetle and moth species and quantified relationships between land use characteristics at multiple spatial scales and species occupancy probabilities.

The Black Belt Region is of great interest ecologically and culturally. Land use change throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have left less than 1% of the native Black Belt prairie. Several beetle and moth species are endemic to Black Belt prairies or have disjunct distributions including the Midwestern prairies and Black Belt prairies. Both the natural history and human history of the Black Belt Region have contributed to current patterns of land use and prairie habitat quality. From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, the Black Belt Region was the site of extensive slave-based cotton farming. When cotton farming declined, land was often converted to pasture. How land is distributed and used contributes to ecosystem health, socio-economic patterns among landowners, and social, political, and economic dynamics in the region.

Applicants should have a background in many of the following: ecology, environmental science, entomology, GIS, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, stakeholder outreach, and field work. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent field and modeling research.

To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu<mailto:pfferguson@ua.edu>) the following:

1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in Dr. Ferguson’s lab

2. your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine),

3. GRE scores,

4. a sample of your scientific writing (for example a manuscript or lab report), and

5. contact information for 3 references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive 12 month stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year. Funding for summer field work expenses and conference attendance are available.

Additional information is available from the following links:

Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/

Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/

Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu<http://graduate.ua.edu/>

University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu<http://www.ua.edu/>

Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services

Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com

The Russo Lab (russolab.unl.edu) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is

seeking masters or PhD students interested in conducting research in the

following areas.=20

Plant-Soil Feedbacks =96 This project (crri.unl.edu/about-crri) investigates

interactions between grasses and agricultural crops with the soil microbial

community.  A variety of approaches (field, greenhouse, genomic, and

experimental) are being used to address questions ranging from identifying

patterns of soil and rhizosphere microbial diversity, to investigations of

mechanisms involved in plant-soil feedbacks, especially under stress.=20=20

Nebraska Forest Dynamics and Management  =96 This project involves

establishing permanent forest monitoring plots in Nebraskan forests as part

of the Smithsonian ForestGEO plot network (www.forestgeo.si.edu) in order to

build models that integrate vital rates and environmental drivers to

describe and forecast changes in forest composition and function and that

aid in developing adaptive management plans for forest conservation.

Functional Traits of Bornean Tree Species =96 This project involves

quantification of leaf, stem, and root functional traits of tree species in

Borneo at the Lambir ForestGEO plot (www.ctfs.si.edu/site/Lambir) to predict

tree growth and survival using tree physiological models and to scale up to

forest dynamics.

These projects involve multi-disciplinary collaborative teams and offer the

opportunity to gain skills in areas such as microbial ecology,

bioinformatics, genomics, geographic information systems, and modeling, in

addition to ecology.  Potential applicants should email Sabrina Russo

(srusso2@unl.edu) with a description of their research interests and

experience, and a resume summarizing previous coursework and listing any

publications.  See russolab.unl.edu/links and

biosci.unl.edu/prospective-graduate-students for information on how to apply.

GAIN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HELP PROTECT AND PRESERVE MONTANA’S

WATERSHEDS!

Primary duties of the Big Sky Watershed Corps Member (CM) include working

with the Host Site staff to complete tasks related to project design and

implementation, community outreach and education, volunteer generation and

management and reporting functions.  The CM works under the direct

supervision of the Host Site Supervisor and the Big Sky Watershed Corps

Program Manager to ensure successful completion of program objectives.  The

CM is an AmeriCorps Member and is entitled to the benefit package offered to

all AmeriCorps Members

BSWC members develop projects to protect local water resources, such as

watershed inventories, stream and riparian restoration, re-vegetation

projects, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian

fencing, river clean-ups, abandoned mine reclamation, and irrigation

improvements. BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural

resource conservation through outreach and education. They engage with local

communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, and

trainings. They develop curriculum, focus on issues with local solutions,

implement outreach initiatives, and organize public meetings and events for

community stakeholders. BSWC members consistently engage volunteers for

training and events that relate to watershed health and protection. Members

also develop a skilled and influential recurring volunteer-base to support

local efforts.

Term of Service: 1/8/18-11/16/18

Living Stipend: $557 biweekly

Education Award: $5,815 upon successful completion of the program

Required Qualifications:

.             College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in watershed,

agriculture, environment, or education related field.

.             Effective written and oral communication skills.

.             Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, ability to pass a

motor vehicle records check, US Citizenship or ability to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

.             Previous watershed-related experience, fieldwork, data

collection & analysis or plan development.

.             Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.

.                 Proven ability to work with a diverse group of

stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

.             Work with Host Site staff to develop and implement

watershed-related field projects.

.             Assist Host Site staff in the completion of watershed-related

plans.

.             Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects;

ensure participant safety on all projects.

.             Develop materials (brochures, posters, PowerPoint

presentations) to use in community presentations.

.             Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders

about watershed-related issues.

.             Work with schools and/or youth groups to develop field

projects or educational presentations.

.             Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.

.             Complete and submit required program reports in a timely

manner.

.             Help complete and submit relevant grants.

.             Help develop and write watershed-related plans, proposals and

reports.

The Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program created through

collaboration between the Montana Conservation Corps, the Montana Watershed

Coordination Council and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of

Montana.  The BSWC utilizes community based initiatives to protect, preserve

and restore local watersheds throughout Montana.

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds

are strongly encouraged to apply.  We provide reasonable accommodations for

qualified individuals and are an equal opportunity employer

Apply here:  http://mtcorps.org/join/big-sky-watershed-corps-member/

I’m currently recruiting 1-2 students for PhD positions in my lab (carolinemtucker.com) in the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The Tucker lab works on a broad range of questions under the umbrella of community ecology, especially functional and phylogenetic approaches to ecology, mechanisms for multispecies coexistence, and the interaction of species traits, the environment, and coexistence. Students should be interested in developing projects using aquatic microcosms of zooplankton communities. There is flexibility in terms of projects and students are strongly encouraged to develop their own projects and research directions within the lab=92s general area of work.

It is desirable for students to have previous research experience, some coding experience (R, etc.), and some undergraduate level math and/or statistics training.=20

Chapel Hill offers world-class research opportunities with a good (and relatively inexpensive) quality of life. Chapel Hill, along with Durham and Raleigh, forms the Research Triangle region of NC, which attracts a diverse group of people and cultures. Chapel Hill has a warm climate with mild winters, is within hours of both mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna.

Interested students should contact me first to discuss research interests and qualifications. Please email me at carolinetucker@unc.edu and tell me a little about your past research experience and interests, as well as your GPA & GRE scores, CV, and any other relevant information.

Research assistant position available in vector-borne disease ecology and vector biology at the University of Rhode Island working in the Couret lab in the Department of Biological Sciences (http://web.uri.edu/bio/couret-jannelle/) Instagram @CouretLab – Twitter: @VectorEcology

Position is full time and posted at www.jobs.uri.edu/postings/2652 – applications submitted through the URI jobs portal. For additional questions about the position send emails with subject line “RA Position” to ncouret@uri.edu

Duties include both field and laboratory work on the ecology/biology of mosquitoes and ticks that transmit human pathogens. Required qualifications include a bachelor’s in Biology and one year work experience in biology research. Preferred qualifications include experience with DNA extraction/PCR, experience with ArcGIS.

The Wetzel Lab at Michigan State University is seeking prospective PhD and

MS students interested in studying how biological diversity or

environmental variability influences insects and their interactions with

plants and predators. The lab uses field experiments and quantitative tools

to address fundamental ecological questions that are relevant to

agricultural sustainability or climate change. There are currently two main

lines of inquiry in the lab:

1) How does plant chemical diversity influence insect herbivores and their

interactions with predators?

2) How does temperature variability influence interactions among plants,

insect herbivores, and predators? We are interested in understanding how

the increased frequency of high temperature events (heat waves) associated

with climate change is changing the ecology of plants and insects.

I am interested in students who would like to collaborate with me on these

projects as well as students who would like to develop novel projects

related to the ecology of plants and insects in a variable world. Please

see https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D  <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com_research&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DyImNmBhKAxfLmI4VYpVPb8tiEAMycP7MUl27raz1yyg&e=3D > for more

information. I plan to take students through the Ecology, Evolutionary

Biology, and Behavior Program (https://eebb.msu.edu/) and the Department of

Entomology (http://www.ent.msu.edu/).

*Qualifications*

Applicants should have a bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in ecology, biology, entomology,

environmental science, or related field. Preference will be given to

applicants with ecological research experience. Applicants should be

interested in learning both field ecology and quantitative tools. A passion

for understanding how nature works and boundless enthusiasm are key assets.

The Wetzel Lab strives to be a safe space for diversity in STEM.

*Funding*

Students in the lab receive a generous stipend, a tuition waiver, and a

travel budget. This financial support comes through research

assistantships, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships.

Students are also encouraged to seek external fellowships through NSF,

USDA, and other sources.

*Plant-insect ecology at Michigan State University*

MSU is an exciting place to study the ecology of plants and insects. The

university has a large and dynamic community of scientists working on

cutting-edge questions about plants and insects in natural and agricultural

ecosystems. Potential collaborators and colleagues can be found in the

departments of Entomology, Plant Biology, and Integrative Biology, and

across the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. The

university has an extensive greenhouse facility and access to field sites

at the MSU Kellogg Biological Station nearby.

Those interested in these positions should read the lab webpage (

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D ) and email me (wcwetzel@msu.edu) with the following.

0) “Prospective student=E2=80=9D in email subject

1) Brief cover letter describing research interests and career goals

2) CV

3) Unofficial transcripts

4) Sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in

preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a

class)

5) Names and email addresses for 3 references

I will begin reviewing candidates on September 15th. Applications are due

to the graduate school by December 1st.

I look forward to hearing from you!

The Nelson School for Environmental Studies <http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/>

at the University of Wisconsin =E2=80=93 Madison is now accepting applications for

a new professional MS program in Environmental Observation and Informatics

(EOI).

The EOI graduate program integrates cross-cutting Earth observation

technologies and big data analytics in one unique, 15-month program that

combines hands-on, in-person training with distance learning.

Formal course work and a final capstone project focus on 3 main areas;

remote sensing, modeling and analysis, and leadership and strategic

thinking. Students will gain specialized training to meet current job

demand calling for the integration of emerging technologies and big data to

address environmental challenges at local, regional, and global scales.

For more information including curriculum, how to apply, and contact info

visit: http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/observation

Link to featured article and perspective from program faculty:

Degree program uses satellite, drone technologies to solve environmental problems