PhD (1) and MS (1) Graduate Assistantships in Large River Unionid Ecology @ Central Michigan University
A PhD (1) and MS (1) assistantship are available under the supervision of Dr. Dave Zanatta and Dr. Daelyn Woolnough in the Institute for Great Lakes Research and Department of Biology at Central Michigan University (CMU). The projects that the students will be involved with are funded by the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is a collaboration between CMU, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, and the US Geological Survey. Both students will be instrumental in designing and helping to implement (with collaborators) large-scale surveys for native freshwater mussels in the Detroit River (in summer 2019) and St. Clair River (summer 2020). The PhD student will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and testing habitat models for native mussels in these large river systems.
For PhD students: A full stipend (grant- and university-funded Research and Teaching Assistantships) and tuition waiver for at least 4 years will be provided. PhD Student Salary: ~$26,000/yr + tuition waiver.
For MS students: A full stipend (university-funded Teaching Assistantship during the academic year and grant-funded Research Assistantship in summers) and tuition waiver will be provided for the MS student for 2 years. A university-funded Research Assistantship may be offered to highly qualified applicants. MS Student Salary: ~$21,000/yr + tuition waiver
Start dates: January (preferred for PhD student) or May 2019
More information about the PhD program in Earth and Ecosystem Science at CMU is available here:https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/se/ees/pages/default.aspx
More information about the MS programs in Biology at CMU is available here:https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/se/biology/Graduate%20Programs/Pages/default.aspx
Qualifications for PhD Student:
Required: BS in Biology or related field; previous research experience in aquatic ecology; strong background in ecological statistics; background/experience in GIS; valid driver’s license; valid passport and ability to travel to Canada; strong swimmer and comfortable in the water/snorkeling; strong writing and oral communication skills; interest in pursuing a career in academia or research; GPA >3.0; GRE scores >50th percentile.
Preferred: MS in Biology or related field; research experience with freshwater mussels (unionids); evidence of experience in ecological/habitat/GIS modeling; SCUBA certified and some dive experience; valid recreational boating license and experience piloting and trailering boats; track record in publications and/or conference presentations; GPA >3.5; GRE scores >60th percentile.
Qualifications for MS Student:
Required: BS in Biology or related field; interests in aquatic ecology and/or freshwater mussels; some background in ecological statistics; valid driver’s license; valid passport and ability to travel to Canada; strong swimmer and comfortable in the water/snorkeling; strong writing and oral communication skills; GPA >3.0; GRE scores >40th percentile.
Preferred: Research experience with freshwater mussels (unionids); background/experience in GIS/ecological modeling; SCUBA certified; valid recreational boating license and experience piloting and trailering boats; GPA >3.5; GRE scores >50thpercentile.
Before applying to either program, please email a single PDF document to BOTH Dr. Woolnough (wooln1d@cmich.edu) AND Dr. Zanatta (zanat1d@cmich.edu) that contains: (1) a letter of interest describing your qualifications, experience and background, (2) your CV, (3) GRE scores, (4) GPA and unofficial transcripts, and (5) contact information for 3 academic/research references. Feel free to contact us for more information about the graduate programs, our research, and more specifics about the project.