We are seeking a MS student to begin in Fall 2026. The student will be supervised by Dr. Paige Ferguson, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.
Research will focus on insect diversity and management of longleaf pine with implications for red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. The student will have access to an existing database of insects sampled in the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest, Alabama. The student will be responsible for analyzing these data with ecological models in consideration of forest management methods and red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. Alabama’s largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers occurs in the Oakmulgee Ranger District.
Applicants should have a background in many of the following: fish and wildlife science, wildlife management, entomology, longleaf pine ecology and management, red-cockaded woodpeckers biology, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, R, BUGS or JAG or stan, GIS, and clear written and oral communication. Applicants should be highly motivated, prepared to conduct independent research, and enthusiastic about writing scientific papers for publication.
To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (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 with Dr. Ferguson
2. your transcript(s) (an unofficial copy is fine),
3. a sample of your scientific writing (for example, a manuscript or lab report), and
4. contact information for 3 references.
Application are due November 10. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year and a Teaching Assistantship in subsequent years.
Additional information:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama: http://bsc.ua.edu/
University of Alabama Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu
University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu
Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services
Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com
Dr. Paige Ferguson
Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Shelby 2019A
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone 205-348-1807
pfferguson@ua.edu | https://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/