AI for Ecosystem Monitoring PhD opportunity at University of Michigan

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Dr. Lauren Gillespie’s new lab at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is looking to recruit PhD students to join in Fall 2026 for a fully-funded PhD position. Dr. Gillespie’s research group in U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability develops AI-integrated approaches for monitoring ecosystems at scale in the Anthropocene. 
This highly interdisciplinary work cross-cuts AI methods development, conservation decision-making, and field-based methods to uncover the effects of rapid environmental change on species and improve our ecological forecasting of the natural world. Current focal systems include the Neotropics and California, but a global-scale focus or other regions of high biodiversity importance will also be considered. Please see the lab’s Interests and Projects for more details and potential research themes.
Dr. Gillespie’s research is highly interdisciplinary and uses skills from various disciplines, including computer science, ecology, environmental science, data science, and GIS. Students with a strong interdisciplinary background across these disciplines are especially encouraged to apply, along with students with deep expertise in any of these areas. While previous research experience is preferred, ideal candidates should show intellectual curiosity and a capability for independent growth.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out this google form (https://forms.gle/8zmyDfNzGADQGWBj9) to express your interest in joining the lab. Review of applications will begin in October and continue on a rolling basis. The official SEAS PhD application deadline is December 1st, 2025 for a start date in Fall of 2026. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out (gillespl@umich.edu).
University of Michigan Ph.D. students have one of the strongest PhD compensation packages in the United States, including 5 years of fully-funded support plus health insurance. Additionally, the University of Michigan has a strong commitment to supporting interdisciplinary studies, including a dual-degree PhD program. The dual-degree program enables SEAS PhD students to get a joint PhD in both Sustainability and another department if they so choose, including the computer science, ecology, and earth science departments. Lastly, as a mentor Dr. Gillespie strives to foster a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for students so they have the community and the resources they need to grow into curious, independent, and interdisciplinary researchers.