The Institute of Ecology and Evolution is seeking highly-motivated graduate
students to join our expanding research group. Our Institute brings
together scientists from the Departments of Biology, Anthropology,
Geography, and Math applying cutting-edge experimental, computational, and
theoretical approaches to diverse areas in ecology and evolutionary
biology. More details can be found at http://ie2.uoregon.edu/.

The University of Oregon possesses outstanding laboratory facilities and
proximity to field sites from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains and high
desert of Eastern Oregon. Our integrative approach to graduate education is
supported by research grants, training grants, and fellowships from federal
and privately-funded agencies.

Eugene is a lively college town with access to numerous outdoor activities
in the picturesque Willamette Valley. The Oregon coast, mountain ski
resorts, and downtown Portland are all accessible within a two hour drive.

Applications to the Department of Biology can be submitted at
http://biology.uoregon.edu/graduate-studies/apply/. The deadline for
applications is December 1, 2017. For more information on our
program, contact Matt Streisfeld (mstreis@uoregon.edu), Matt Barber
(mfbarber@uoregon.edu), or faculty members in whose research you are
interested. Direct specific inquiries about the graduate application
process to the Biology Graduate Program Manager, Jessica Wilson
(wilson21@uoregon.edu).

mfbarber@uoregon.edu

The Langwig lab at Virginia Tech is currently recruiting enthusiastic and motivated

graduate students beginning in fall 2018. Students are expected to develop independent

projects in disease ecology and evolution that complement work in the lab. Ongoing

projects include both theoretical and empirical work on both human and wildlife disease

systems. Potential projects include heterogeneity in host-pathogen interactions,

mechanisms of host-pathogen persistence, and wildlife disease ecology and

conservation.

The Langwig lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is part of an expanding group

of infectious disease faculty across several departments and colleges at Virginia Tech,

enabling an extremely supportive cross-cutting and interdisciplinary training

environment.

Interested applicants should have a strong interest in disease ecology and evolution, and

a passion to positively influence science, conservation, and global health. Students are

expected to obtain quantitative skills, and learn some programming. Students with

previous experience in math, statistics, engineering, and computer science are especially

encouraged to apply.

More details about work in the Langwig lab can be found here:

https://scholar.harvard.edu/klangwig. Prospective students should include a statement

of research interests in the email text, a CV, and list of references to Kate

Langwig=A0(klangwig@vt.edu) with the subject “Prospective Graduate Student”.

The Moeller Lab <https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/> (part of the Department

of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology <https://www.eemb.ucsb.edu/> and

the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science

<https://www.igpms.ucsb.edu/> at the University of California, Santa

Barbara) seeks Ph.D. students interested in the study of metabolic

interactions among species. The lab uses a combination of field

observations, laboratory experiments, and mathematical models to understand

acquired metabolism, metabolic reactions that (rather than being encoded in

an organism’s DNA) are obtained from other species. Mechanisms of

acquisition vary from mutually beneficial exchanges of metabolites to

parasitism and predation. Our goal is to connect these acquisitions to

shifts in ecological niche relevant to ecosystem function, and explore the

evolutionary implications of these metabolic “short-cuts”.

In addition to enthusiasm for ecology and evolution, applicants should have

some background in mathematics (coursework including Multivariable Calculus

and Differential Equations, or relevant research experience is preferred).

Prospective students interested in the study systems listed here

<https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/join-us/graduate-openings/> are

particularly encouraged to apply; however, research in the Moeller Lab is

diverse and students will be encouraged to develop and pursue independent

research projects as part of their dissertation work.

Interested students should contact me to discuss relevant research

interests and qualifications. Please write to

holly.moeller@lifesci.ucsb.edu and

include (1) a brief description of your research interests and, in

particular, how they overlap with the lab’s focus; (2) a summary of your

mathematical background and relevant research experience; and (3) a CV

which includes your GPA, professional references, and GRE scores.

PhD Research Assistantship in carnivore ecology (20 hours per week)

We are looking for a motivated PhD applicant with strong quantitative

skills to join the Conservation Ecology Lab in the Department of

Biological Sciences at Ohio University starting in Fall 2018. This is a

graduate research assistantship position under the supervision of Dr.

Viorel Popescu. Our lab is working with the Ohio Department of Natural

Resources on a project aimed at understanding the status of Ohio=92s

recovering bobcat population.

Applicants must be eligible for unconditional admission to the Ph.D.

program in Biological Sciences, and have some familiarity with wildlife

data hierarchical modeling methods (occupancy, capture-recapture) and

spatial ecology, and experience with non-invasive field methods (camera

trapping, hair and scat sampling). Research opportunities include

analysis of existing bobcat datasets gathered by Ohio DNR, and

collection of new non-invasive data on Ohio=92s bobcats and carnivore

community. The end goal will be to develop a population model to inform

bobcat management and conservation in Ohio. There is potential to

supplement the Ohio bobcat work with field research on Eurasian lynx

ecology in the Romanian Carpathians (in collaboration with Romanian and

Slovenian researchers; more information at:

https://lifeslovenija.si/en/preventing-the-extinction-of-the-dinaric-se-

alpine-lynx-population-through-reinforcement-and-long-term-

conservation/). The applicant will have the opportunity to develop their

own research goals related to the broader projects.

The research assistantship is funded for up to 3 years through an Ohio

DNR grant. Funding includes a stipend and tuition waiver. Additional

funding after the grant ends is available through a teaching

assistantship from the Department of Biological Sciences.

Applications are due in early January 2018, but I encourage interested

students to contact me well before this date. Please send an email to

popescu@ohio.edu, including a brief statement that describes your

research interests and why you are interested in graduate school, and

attach your CV and an unofficial transcript.

Please see the lab website for more information:

http://vioreldpopescu.com and find information about applying to Ohio

University Biological Sciences here:

https://www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/grad/bios-grad-admissions.cfm.

Applicants must have completed a U.S. bachelor=92s degree or its

equivalent by August 25, 2017; applicants who already hold a MSc degree

are preferred. Applicants who are not native English language speakers

must submit evidence of English proficiency as outlined in the Graduate

Catalog, www.ohio.edu/graduate/catalog.

Ohio University does not discriminate against any person in employment

or educational opportunities because of race, color, religion, age,

ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender,

gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or

veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information.

Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action

university.

Masters opportunities in Ecology and Conservation at the College of

William and Mary

The Biology Department at the College of William and Mary is recruiting

new research Masters students in behavioral, community, plant, wetlands,

viral, functional, spatial, physiological, evolutionary, mathematical and

conservation ecology, to start in Fall 2018.

We offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program where students are

supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many

students, getting a Masters in two years and writing publications and

grants before applying to highly competitive Ph.D. programs or jobs is a

very attractive option. We have a great track record of our recent MS

students going on to excellent PhD programs and professional positions.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio (approximately 7 =96 8 new students each

year with 25 full-time faculty), we offer an intimate and highly

personalized research and education experience. Also, our graduate

students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering

numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities to go

along with teaching assistantship experience in formal classes.

Importantly, we have real strengths in many aspects of ecology and

conservation. We have a diverse and active group, including: Harmony

Dalgleish, Jelena Pantel, and Will Soto (community ecology), John Swaddle

and Dan Cristol (behavioral ecology/ecotoxicology), Martha Case

(pollination ecology and plant conservation), Laurie Sanderson (functional

ecology), Joshua Puzey (molecular ecology), Kurt Williamson (viral

ecology), Matthias Leu and Randy Chambers (conservation, wetland, and

landscape ecology), Helen Murphy and Jon Allen (evolutionary ecology),

Drew LaMar (mathematical ecology), and Paul Heideman (physiological

ecology and pedagogy in biology). We have fully equipped labs to conduct

behavioral and evolutionary studies in captivity with vertebrates and

invertebrates, perform ecological experiments in a greenhouse and lab

setting, analyze molecular data using core facilities, and analyze spatial

data in state-of-the-art GIS labs, including our Center for Geospatial

Analyses. The proximity of William and Mary to county, state, and federal

parks as well as the Chesapeake Bay allows for extensive field research

opportunities.

Please visit us at:

http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/graduate/index.php and more specific

information at the following to explore faculty research lab web pages:

Jon Allen: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/jdallen

Martha Case: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/macase

Randy Chambers: http://rmcham.people.wm.edu/

Dan Cristol: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/dacris

Harmony Dalgleish: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/hjdalgleish

Paul Heideman: http://pdheid.people.wm.edu/

Drew LaMar: http://www.people.wm.edu/~mdlama/

Matthias Leu: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/mleu

Helen Murphy: http://www.helenmurphy.net

Jelena Pantel: http://www.jhpantel.com

Joshua Puzey: http://puzeylab.weebly.com

Laurie Sanderson: http:/slsand.people.wm.edu/

John Swaddle: http://jpswad.people.wm.edu/

Kurt Williamson: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/kewilliamson

Will Soto: http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/people/faculty/soto-w.php

This is a program run by Wildlife Ecology and Conservation faculty at the

University of Florida (McCleery, Fletcher, Austin and Wisely). Please

consider applying and contact the investigator if you have specific questions.

As part of a National Science Foundation=92s IRES (International Research

Experiences for Students) program, we are looking for 5 students to

participate in a wildlife research program in Swaziland, Africa, from late-

May to the end of July. Selected applicants will be a part of a study abroad

program (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/courses/study_abroad_swaziland.php), and

then will undertake individual research projects focused on hypotheses

regarding how land-use change and agricultural intensification influence

wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem services. Please review our website

(http://uf-ires.com) for full details on the program, and for course

information before applying.

This is a competitive program! Selected students will receive: 1) plane

fare, 2) fully-funded 3-week study abroad course, 3) a 6-week paid

internship, and 4) food and accommodation at camp. This will be the third

cohort of students to participate in this program and details on the types

of projects from previous cohorts are available on the website

(http://uf-ires.com). To be eligible, students should be preferably juniors

or seniors (who are not graduating Spring/summer 2018), from a U.S.

institution, and who are enrolled in school and who have taken at least 3

credits of general ecology.

Interested students should apply on our website http://uf-ires.com  with the

following materials as one PDF file before Dec 2, 2018:

1) A 1 page (single spaced) motivational statement detailing why this

international experience in Swaziland will be beneficial to your academic

and career goals.

2) A curriculum vitae that includes relevant research and educational

experience, related volunteer activities, courses, hobbies, etc.

3) A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for initial

application, with formal copy available upon request).

4) We require 1 letter from an academic (professor strongly preferred), and

the contact information (email and phone) for two additional references who

can speak to your academic work ethic and suitability for this program.

References will be contacted for short-listed candidates prior to final

selection.

5) Also include a writing example you have done during your academic career

(indicate the course and faculty associated with the course).

Ph.D. Research: Evolutionary Ecology of Host-Parasite Interactions,
Clayton-Bush Lab, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Utah

We are seeking 1-2 highly motivated Ph.D. students interested in
the evolutionary ecology of host-parasite systems, including disease
ecology. Projects in our lab focus on host specificity, speciation,
co-speciation, competition, adaptive radiation, and reciprocal
selective effects between parasites and hosts. We also conduct
research on invasive parasites of Darwin’s finches and Galapagos
mockingbirds. Information concerning different projects in the lab can
be found at: http://darwin.biology.utah.edu.

Positions are likely to be available starting Fall Semester,
2018. Students in our lab are supported by a combination of fellowships,
research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Support is
guaranteed for five years, contingent upon performance.

Our former PhD. students have strong track records achieving positions
at academic institutions ranging from R1 universities to small colleges.

Please visit www.biology.utah.edu/for departmental
information. Admission requirements and applications are available at
www.biology.utah.edu/graduate/index.php

The application deadline for Fall Semester is January 3rd, 2018.

Inquiries are welcome via email to:
Dr. Sarah E. Bush (bush@biology.utah.edu)
Dr. Dale H. Clayton (clayton@biology.utah.edu).

dovelouse@gmail.com

Honey bee Foraging Ecology and Pollinator Health

The Couvillon Lab at Virginia Tech seeks highly motivated, independent
students with a keen interest in both basic and applied questions
related to honey bee foraging and recruitment behavior and/or
pollinator health to join our newly established research group
(http://secure-web.cisco.com/14F5qheXt3aa7bdR5ZGMbUa5v17LhzvM4WqUI0dLVlBiu9XECOBtEIUs8Ra2rPPm6Dib2JBg6UsgYInNwY1NYXY3Cb22mSHi2VoUcuzUd7pYwqqYquFGbOD1O1r9b8Q2MDdfrss1xB37dnBGNIgzU3frwcoDAgVLbZYGzw1lewk4k4dY2wmEPhTaiam5Uso1NFie8ByjtbUXJXM2Zjy2Xpv8CwoGW17qt7E24MPNEhPRZGmNj8fcuTlbWV4Rn3MCt0R5tb5sxkhF9h_x3nMd7NGsFbxBpPAof4g-Po6RPVLFiMlhgpv9oCL_U3Da0uOVOXqzzhlCzS5epKjXWe1RDX0j5QCcLRDcYn4D8gycwfLNlfbzH3zODPL_2ZyKk8ETi0VfHWA_gaDnD4SSkWGUkyD4o2QKoXGTpy82pC0V_YpAB792-bxbAB6omJ3S-79W6F2vkNNJq8V_GF9-bOGoyPA/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freelyflyingbees.com%2F%29 in the late spring or early autumn
2018 under Dr. Margaret Couvillon, Assistant Professor of Pollinator
Biology and Ecology in the Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, Virginia.

Available positions: One PhD (4 years) and one MSc/MS (2 years) positions
studying the foraging ecology of honey bees and other pollinators in
the Couvillon Lab.

Application deadline: 15 December, 2017

Start date: late spring or early autumn 2018 (but open to negotiation)
Potential applied and basic science projects may include these
questions:
– How and when do honey bees forage across diverse, representative
landscapes?
– How do these foraging dynamics relate to the abundance, diversity, and
health of non-Apis bees?
– How do foraging behaviors affect colony exposure to other stressors,
such as pesticides?
– What are the evolutionary causes and adaptive / non-adaptive
consequences of honey bee waggle dance (mis)communication? (in
collaboration with Schurch lab at Virginia Tech)

MSc requirements:
– BSc/BS in Biology, Entomology, Evolutionary Biology, Landscape Ecology
or related STEM field
– An excitement for working with live, whole organisms (that sting!)
– A willingness to learn new skills, such as experimental design,
scientific reproducibility, statistics, GIS, and insect identification
– Proficiency in English and excellent verbal and written
communication skills
– A collaborative, helpful, team-oriented spirit

Additional PhD requirements:
– An MSc/MS in Biology, Entomology, Evolutionary Biology Landscape
Ecology, or related STEM field
– If you are from an international location where English is not your
first language, you will be required to take the TOEFL (see Graduate
School requirements)

Please note that the selected candidates for the positions must then
apply and be accepted into the Graduate School at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity employer.

We offer:
– A funded position (MSc/MS or PhD) working with economically vital and
scientifically fascinating insects
– Training as a well-rounded, critically-thinking scientist
– Exciting combination of field studies and experiments with freely
flying and behaving bees; new methods in video and landscape analysis
with ArcGIS; opportunities to learn experimental design, scientific
reproducibility, and statistical modelling
– Regular collaborations with other research teams in the department,
university, and within the larger field
– A Departmental instructional program offering a variety of basic and
applied courses

Blacksburg is a lovely college town set between the Blue Ridge and
Allegheny Mountains with many outdoor opportunities, high standard of
living, and a warm and welcoming community feel.

Application:
Please email your application to Dr. Couvillon as a single pdf
attachment. Application should include a cover letter (1-2 pages)
introducing yourself and describing your background and research
interests, a CV, and the contact information for two potential academic
references before December 15, 2017. Please remember to indicate which
position interests you. A short list of candidates will be invited to
interview either in person or over Skype in January 2018, and selection
should occur by February 2018.

For more details on the research and our lab, please see
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1cQQTKvKwMoGnqZ1lWWGx4FjwaBaaDh_kgbL64LNIKJAUdcqy6dReLjA3VKf5WuenRJ47ZDSR5KmUtdjsB-vZe_CpvHedgM-crSk7rLt4epzovgIPAJcip_Tupuy4r4CFsWr05LPTPWkX-FmwxLjX0gIOYhtuszgGFtxJQWkOgSWgoFtD0Po7Qmzsusk0o-tT2GqYPfKRJ45esUWBZ8d7bxr-CY_ijjzDMaeOOJrgHQe7esrf4OVjxt27e4HlbQPeQr89KtCso2Hfqty9DQL51zVeH_KyPJGGxkfPfnt4dGwQMrvCXujVG4TLsr-SsF_JfbTXhDx9dQLpfSY5WKXvMUtYzRnSWj0mKozRMroBV2juM-zmWimuUgyYEu2Wu_8t4NA6ZDKzAjW30PJlQ4kBYRCfSuTeyQWTzsH4zQyWM-g_M01eBsB8Mlp-_m1-aRDJskJelcvX7YaAtadAyknblg/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freelyflyingbees.com or contact Dr. Maggie Couvillon (mjc@vt.edu)
directly. You may also “Join” our Facebook page The BeeGroup @ VT.

References
Couvillon, Schurch & Ratnieks (2014). Dancing bees communicate a
foraging preference for rural lands in High Level Agri-Environment
Schemes. Current Biol 24(11), 1212-1215.

Couvillon, Schurch & Ratnieks (2014) Waggle dance distances as
integrative indicators of seasonal foraging challenges. PLOS One, 9
(4), e93495.

Couvillon & Ratnieks (2015). Environmental consultancy: dancing bee
bioindicators to evaluate landscape “health”. Frontiers in Ecol and
Evol 3, 44.

Schurch, Ratnieks, Samuelson, & Couvillon (2016). Dancing to her own
beat: honey bee foragers communicate via individually calibrated waggle
dances. J Exp Biol 219 (9), 1287-1289.

Couvillon, Al Toufailia, Butterfield, Schrell, Ratnieks, Schurch
(2015). Buzzing bees: caffeinated forage tricks honey bees into
increasing foraging and recruitment behaviors. Current Biol 25 (21),
2815-2818.

Margaret Couvillon <mjc@vt.edu>

2017 WINTER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (Dec. 20-Jan. 9)

FIELD COURSE IN CORAL REEF ECOLOGY (CRE W-17)

COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla

Colon, Republic of Panama.  The biological station is located on a hill

facing the Caribbean Sea.  Coral reef, sea grass and mangrove ecosystems are

in front of the station and lowland tropical forests lie directly behind.

This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides

tremendous opportunities for education and research.  See

http://www.itec-edu.org/ for details.

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Alfred Beulig, Institute for Tropical Ecology and

Conservation, and New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL

34243, email: beulig@ncf.edu <mailto:beulig@ncf.edu>  Specialties: Behavior

of fish, reef morphology, hydrodynamics, reef symbioses, reef trophic

dynamics, behavioral ecology of reef organisms.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide the student with a

sound foundation in ecological concepts, techniques and experimental design

in field research as applied to coral reef ecosystems. The material covered

is equivalent to a university upper level course in coral reef field

ecology.

The course will begin with a global ecosystem perspective and then will

progressively narrow to assess the way in which local reefs are influenced

by both global and local phenomena. We will focus in depth on Caribbean

reefs using the reef at Bocas del Toro as an example. We will provide a

brief introduction to plate tectonics as a basis for understanding the

production of substrate for reefs and their distribution in the biosphere.

In this context we will discuss several theories of the origins of reefs and

characterize a general reef community. The major reef biota that inform the

character of reefs will be discussed in terms of their anatomy, physiology,

ecological requirements, roles on the reef and overall impact. We will

examine and discuss some controversial formulations of community structure

such as the role of competition, stochastic vs deterministic models in reef

organization, diversity/stability relationships and trophic dynamics.

Sampling methodology will be discussed with regard to the peculiar demands

of the reef setting and we will examine several experimental designs and

sampling schemes with regard to their strengths and weaknesses as well as

their theoretical bases.

NOTE: Diving certification is not necessary to enroll in this course, but is

recommended. For SCUBA-certified (PADI, NAUI, or SSI certified) students who

will be diving, there is a $100 Lab Fee with this course which covers dive

tank air fill costs.  Students with SCUBA certification are expected to

bring their own BC, regulators, mask/fins/snorkel and proof of

certification.

FORMAL LECTURES: Lectures will present topics that provide a background for

the fieldwork in an interactive discussion format. Topics are selected to

permit students to develop an awareness of the objectives of research on

coral reefs as well as an appreciation of current theoretical and practical

issues in ecology.

FIELD WORK BRIEFINGS: Prior to departing for the reef site, dive teams will

be formed and the objectives for the day will be outlined and discussed.

Assignments will be made to the dive teams and coordinated.

READINGS: Assignments relating to lecture topics will be made from the texts

and supplementary research articles provided in the library as well as

journal articles.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Garrison, Tom. Oceanography Latest Ed., Wadsworth, New York.

Humann, Paul. Reef Coral Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Humann, Paul. Reef Creature Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Humann, Paul. Reef Fishes Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL

(Note: Instructor will provide list of other important books on coral reef

ecology on request.)

GROUP EXERCISES: During the first week, students will visit several sites in

the vicinity of the station to familiarize themselves with the area and to

do reconnaissance observations that may lead to hypotheses that could be

tested in individual projects.  Students will be organized into dive team

groups and will carry out field observations or data collection by which

they will gain experience in the local area to help decide upon a likely

study site. These experiences will prepare students to carry out individual

research projects. In the evenings, students will participate in “debriefing

sessions” during which they will try to identify the reef organisms they saw

during the dives of the day and record the common name and scientific name

of the species in a debriefing log.

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECTS: Each student will be expected to prepare a

grant proposal for an original project in consultation with faculty.

Projects may be suggested by observations made during group exercises or

from the research literature, and will be evaluated on the basis of

feasibility in the available time, soundness of experimental design and

concept. During the final week of the course, data analysis and writing of

project reports will be carried out and students will present their results

orally in an end-of-course symposium.  They will present the research report

on their findings in the form of a journal article for evaluation.

FORMAL LECTURE TOPICS

* Fundamentals of oceanography, global ecology.

* Plate tectonics, formation of ocean basins, continents and ocean

         currents.

* Evolution of Caribbean and tropical Central American environment.

* Reef morphology, distribution of reef systems.

* Coral reef community study – sampling methods, distribution and

         abundance of organisms.

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Porifera and crypto-fauna.

* Biology of coral reef organisms: echinoderms, arthropods and

         annelids.

* Biology of coral reef organisms: fishes.

* Biology of coral reef organisms: algae and plants.

* The coral reef as ecosystem: How are reefs organized?

* Competition theory, diversity.

* Ecosystem stability: are coral reefs more stable than temperate

         ecosystems?

* Stability, resilience and fragility; are these concepts relevant to reefs?

* Anthropogenic effects on reefs.

*

BOQUETE CLOUD FOREST FIELD TRIP:  This field trip will allow students the

opportunity to visit other areas of Panama, to experience Panamanian

culture, and to visit tropical cloud and seasonal forests first hand.  We

travel in ITEC boats to the mainland and then by chartered bus to Boquete

which lies at the base of 11,000 ft. Volcan Baru.  The bus trip will take us

up and over the central mountain range and through Palo Seco National Park.

Several stops will be made in route.

COURSE LENGTH:  ITEC Winter field courses are about three weeks in length.

The CRE W-17 will run from December 20, 2017 through January 9, 2018.

TUITION: $2150 USD.  Tuition fee includes all lodging, meals and airport

transfers in Bocas del Toro. The tuition also covers transportation and

lodging during the 3-day cloud forest field trip on the mainland.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  November 20, 2017.  The course is limited to 10

students and applications will be evaluated as they arrive. Applications can

be found at http://itec-edu.org/education-programs/application/.  If you

believe that your application may arrive late, notify ITEC.

GRADING and COURSE CREDIT:  Grades will be assigned based on attendance at

lectures, exams, reports, proposals, as well as by less tangibles such as

personal attitude, motivation, and contribution to the course. The

instructor will provide a breakdown of points earned and final letter grade

to your academic institution. The student is to provide direct evidence of

course participation such as the syllabus, schedules, handouts, lecture

notes, proposals, reports, etc. Course credit must be arranged through the

student=E2=80=99s institution and academic advisor.  Contact ITEC for details.

CONTACT:  Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, 2911 NW 40th PL,

Gainesville, FL 32605, phone: 352-367-9128, email: itec@itec-edu.org, web:

http://www.itec-edu.org.  ITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

founded in 1996.

Peter N. Lahanas, Ph.D

Executive Director

Institute for Tropical Ecology

and Conservation

2911 NW 40th Place

Gainesville, FL 32605

(352) 367-9128

www.itec-edu.org

Phone in Panama: (507)6853-2134

Ph.D. Research: Evolutionary Ecology of Host-Parasite Interactions, Clayton-Bush Lab, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Utah

We are seeking 1-2 highly motivated Ph.D. students interested in the evolutionary ecology of host-parasite systems, including disease ecology. Projects in our lab focus on host specificity, speciation, co-speciation, competition, adaptive radiation, and reciprocal selective effects between parasites and hosts. We also conduct research on invasive parasites of Darwin=92s finches and Galapagos mockingbirds. Information concerning different projects in the lab can be found at: http://darwin.biology.utah.edu.

Positions are likely to be available starting Fall Semester, 2018. Students in our lab are supported by a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Support is guaranteed for five years, contingent upon performance.

Our former PhD. students have strong track records achieving positions at academic institutions ranging from R1 universities to small colleges.

Please visit www.biology.utah.edu/for departmental information. Admission requirements and applications are available at www.biology.utah.edu/graduate/index.php

The application deadline for Fall Semester is January 3rd, 2018.