PhD Graduate Assistantship in Large River Unionid Ecology @ Central Michigan University
A PhD 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 student 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. The student will be instrumental in designing and helping to implement (with other CMU students and collaborators from DFO Canada, Michigan DNR, and USGS) large-scale surveys for native freshwater mussels in the Detroit River (in summer 2019) and St. Clair River (summer 2020). The student will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and testing habitat models for native mussels in these large river systems.
A full stipend (grant- and university-funded Research and Teaching Assistantships) and tuition waiver for at least 4 years will be provided. Salary: ~$26,000/yr + tuition waiver.
Start dates: January (preferred) 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
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.
Before applying the EES PhD 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 programs, our research, and more specifics about the project.
Dave Zanatta, Ph.D.
Professor | Biology Department and Institute for Great Lakes Research
Biosciences Bldg. 2408 | Central Michigan University
1455 Calumet Court | Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
P: 989-774-7829 | E: zanat1d@cmich.edu | F: 989-774-3462
Homepage: people.cst.cmich.edu/zanat1d