NSF-Funded Graduate positions in Aquatic Ecology/Biogeochemistry

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I am recruiting new students to begin work on an NSF-EPSCOR funded project focused on understanding the microbiomes of linked aquatic, soil and plant ecosystems. This work is part of a large collaborative team (details below); my lab’s specific focus will be on how microbiology and biogeochemical cycling (N, P) change along Kansas’ precipitation gradient in streams and rivers, and how those changes might alter the propensity for the development of harmful algal blooms in reservoirs. Students with experience or interests in biogeochemistry, microbial ecology (especially cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin studies), and linked aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems are encouraged to contact me to discuss graduate positions available. 
 
More details about current lab projects can be found here: https://burginlab.wordpress.com/research-projects/
 
Prior to contacting me, students should read these letters to prospective students: 
 
Deadline for applications to the KU EEB program is 1 December; instructions on applying can be found here: https://eeb.ku.edu/how-apply
Details on admission requirements are here: https://eeb.ku.edu/admission-requirements
 
 
NSF-FUNDED GRADUATE POSITIONS IN MICROBIOMES OF AQUATIC, PLANT OR SOILS (MAPS)
We are recruiting diverse, highly-qualified graduate students to assist with understanding the linkages between microbiomes of aquatic, plant and soil (MAPS) ecosystems across Kansas. The goal of MAPS is to understand 1) how microbiome structure and function among these systems change across the dry to wet precipitation gradient of Kansas and land use, then 2) how those changes in microbiomes affect broader community and ecosystem properties. The NSF funded project project is driven by >15 investigators across multiple institutions, listed below, all of whom will work collaboratively and train students in an interdisciplinary framework.
If you are interested in developing skills in collaborative, team-based science focused on deploying cutting-edge tools in environmental microbiology and informatics, please contact the relevant team member who might serve as your graduate advisor.  Students must discuss their interests with a potential advisor (by email or phone) prior to submitting an application for graduate studies to the relevant department. We especially encourage students with experience in bioinformatics, chemical analysis, field work and experimental design to apply. Experience working across multiple ecosystem types or across rainfall gradients within a given ecosystem will be preferred but not required.
The University of Kansas (Applications due by 1 December for Fall 2018 start)
James Bever (Plant and Fungal Ecology; https://eeb.ku.edu/james-bever)
Sharon Billings (Soil Biogeochemistry; https://eeb.ku.edu/sharon-billings)
Amy Burgin (Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology; https://eeb.ku.edu/amy-burgin)
Terry Loecke (Soil Biogeochemistry; https://esp.ku.edu/terry-loecke)
Ben Sikes (Microbial Ecology; https://eeb.ku.edu/ben-sikes)
Pam Sullivan (Ecohydrology; https://geog.ku.edu/sullivan-pamela)
Belinda Sturm (Environmental Engineering; http://www.people.ku.edu/~bmcswain/)
Folashade Agusto (Infectious disease; https://sites.google.com/site/agustofb/)
Kansas State University (applications due by 15 December for Fall or Summer 2018 start)
Walter Dodds (Aquatic Ecology; http://www.k-state.edu/doddslab/)
Wichita State University
Ft. Hays State University:
Mitch Greer (Grassland Ecology; https://www.fhsu.edu/biology/mgreer/)
 
 
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Amy Burgin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Kansas
Kansas Biological Survey
office: 785-864-2831
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