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Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

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Assistantship and Fellowships:

Alabama A&M University: An assistantship is available for a graduate candidate to study the distribution, relative abundance, and habitat and landscape relationships of Cerulean Warbler and other avian species in northern Alabama. The project is a collaboration of Alabama A&M, US Forest Service Southern Research Station, and Alabama Dept of Conservation of Natural Resource. Cerulean Warbler has disappeared from Alabama for over 40 years; recently a couple of isolated populations were detected in northern Alabama. The objectives of the project are to investigate the species' status in northern Alabama and to develop GIS and statistical models of habitat and distributions of Cerulean Warbler and other avian species. These models will assist resource managers in identifying priorities for protecting the Cerulean Warbler and other avian species. Qualified candidates should have a wildlife background with strong field experience of the eastern U.S. birds and vegetation; and strong organizational and communication skills along with ability to work with diverse public including private landowners, state and federal agencies, and other non-profits. A B.S. degree in wildlife, ecology, or related fields is required. PhD candidates with a MS degree are preferred. The experience of GIS, remote sensing, radio telemetry, and mist-netting is also preferred but not required. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. The assistantship comes with a stipend $13,000-18,000 and the cost of tuition depending on the qualifications. The candidate may start to work immediately and enroll into the degree program when the application for the graduate school is completed. Interested persons should send a copy of curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, GRE scores, a statement of research interests, and 3 reference letters to Yong Wang, Center for Forestry and Ecology, Alabama A&M University, P. O. Box 1208, Normal, AL 35762. If you have questions, please contact Yong Wang via email or phone (email: ywang01@aamu.edu, Phone: 256-372-4229). Posted: 10/20/03.

Auburn University: Graduate Research Assistantships - MS or PhD. Seeking bright, highly motivated students interested in community or evolutionary ecology of insects and insect-plant interactions. Start Fall 2004 or Spring 2005. Project selection flexible and could include work in natural plant systems, agroecosystems, or both. For information on past and current research please visit our lab page. Contact Micky Eubanks (Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, PH: 334-844-2556, email: eubanmd@auburn.edu) for more information. Posted: 4/29/04.

Auburn University: Two graduate research assistant positions will be available in spring, 2004. We are encouraging highly motivated graduate students to join an interdisciplinary team. He or she should possess some experience in simulation modeling, spatial analysis (GIS/Remote Sensing), and computer programming in C or fortran. The successful candidates should also possess a degree in plant/ecosystem ecology, meteorology, soil science, forestry, geography, or related fields. Interested applicants should contact: Dr. Hanqin Tian, Professor of Ecology, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 216 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. Phone: (334) 844-1059 Fax: (334) 844-1084 e-mail: tianhan@auburn.edu. Posted: 11/19/03.

Auburn University: Graduate Research Assistantship in Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis: We are encouraging highly motivated graduate students to join an interdisciplinary team for investigating coupled biogeochemical cycles and dynamics of coupled human/natural systems by using a systems/integrated approach. A representative example of our research is to combine a process-based ecosystem model with field data for investigating inter-annual variations of terrestrial carbon storage (Tian et al. Nature 396:664-667). Graduate students could work at a spectrum of spatial scales that range from site to watershed to regional to global. He or she should possess some experience in simulation modeling, spatial analysis (GIS/Remote Sensing), and computer programming in C or fortran. The successful candidates should also possess a degree in plant/ecosystem ecology, meteorology, soil science, forestry, or related fields. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications, resume, copies of transcripts, TOFEL, GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references to Dr. Hanqin Tian, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. Phone (334) 844-1059: E-mail tianhan@auburn.edu or biogeosci@hotmail.com. Posted: 7/24/03.

Auburn University: A MS or PhD stipend is available January, 2004 in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences for study of the effectiveness of restoration in reducing sediment deposition within riparian forests. The research will involve stabilization and revegetation of ephemeral channels and assessment of forest productivity and biogeochemistry in downslope, depositional areas. The study location is Ft. Benning, GA, a 45 minute drive from campus. Stipends are competitive and include a full tuition waiver. For further information contact Dr. Graeme Lockaby, lockabg@auburn.edu or (334)-844-1054. Posted: 8/21/03.

Auburn University:
(1) PhD Research Position in Wildlife Ecology to examine influences of landscape features and human activity on movement patterns and fitness of adult female deer in two structurally unique landscapes. We hypothesize that deer in a suburban landscapes relate to different landscape features than deer in rural environments, and that these differences exhibit themselves in reproductive success and fitness. The project may involve the use of radio-telemetry, GIS technologies, and physiological indices to examine movement patterns, reproductive success, and dispersal of adult and juvenile white-tailed deer in suburban and rural landscapes. Particular emphasis will be placed upon identifying landscape features that influence deer activity patterns and fitness. The applicant selected to work on this project will need to work closely with a M.S. student that is currently involved. Applicants should possess at least a M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology or related field, a strong work ethic, and field experience. Preference will be given to applicants with GIS and/or telemetry experience, and GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) >1100. Research stipends are approximately $16,000, and a full tuition waiver is likely for well qualified candidates. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references to Dr. Steve Ditchkoff, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. Phone - (334) 844-9240: E-mail - ditchss@auburn.edu.
(2) Ph.D. and M.S. Research Assistantships in Wildlife Ecology. Two assistantships are available to conduct research as part of a comprehensive field/modeling study that will examine population parameters, social group dynamics, habitat utilization, and general ecology of feral hogs on Ft. Benning military installation in west Georgia. This research is being conducted to examine impacts of feral hogs on sensitive habitats and species, and provide recommendations for reducing impacts. (1) PhD or MS student will implement a population monitoring program that will lead to estimation of demographic parameters and provide information concerning methods of control. (2) MS student will collect data on diet and growth, and examine how these data are associated with habitat. Applicants should possess degrees in Wildlife Ecology or related field, a strong work ethic, and field experience. Applicants for the population monitoring/modeling position should have strong quantitative skills. Preference will be given to applicants with GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) >1100. Research stipends are $16,000 for Ph.D. and $13,800 for M.S., and a full tuition waiver is likely for well qualified candidates. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Starting date for these positions is January 2004. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references to Dr. Steve Ditchkoff or Dr. Mike Mitchell, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. (SD) Phone - (334) 844-9240: E-mail - ditchss@auburn.edu (MM) Phone (334) 844-9250: E-mail mitchms@auburn.edu. Posted: 7/3/03.

Brigham Young University: 1-2 MS or PhD assistantships available in the Department of Integrative Biology to work on ecology and conservation of endangered and threatened fishes. Includes stipend of $16,000-$19,000 per year plus partial tuition waiver. Information about the application process and the application can be found at http://www.byu.edu/gradstudies/ under the "Admissions" link. The application deadline is January 31, 2004. Projects will start Spring 2004. For additional information contact: Mark C. Belk (801-422-4154, mark_belk@byu.edu). Posted: 1/9/04.

California State University, Fullerton: MS assistantship available to study the ecology of plague in small mammals associated with black-tailed prairie dogs in northern Colorado. Previous field experience with small mammals and good quantitative skills strongly preferred. Field work will begin in May 2004, with entry into the graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences in Fall 2004. For more information, contact Dr Paul Stapp (714 278 2849, pstapp@fullerton.edu). Posted: 1/28/04.

California State University Fullerton and University of Connecticut: Two graduate research assistantships to study the ecological anatomy of water relations in desert shrubs. We are seeking a Master's student and a Ph.D. student to work on an interdisciplinary project that will involve field surveys of plants in North America, South America, and South Africa. The Master's student will work in the lab of Dr. Jochen Schenk at Cal State Fullerton to conduct research on the ecophysiology and ecology of hydraulic segmentation in desert shrubs and will develop an independent research project in this area. There are opportunities for fieldwork in North American deserts and possibly abroad, as well as involvement with the anatomical investigations in the lab of Dr. Jones at the U. of Connecticut. Requirements for this student will include previous experience in plant ecology or botany, ability to conduct collaborative research, and willingness to travel and conduct field research. Information about the graduate program of the California State University Fullerton and about the application process is available at http://biology.fullerton.edu/. Interested students should contact Dr. Jochen Schenk at jschenk@fullerton.edu. The Ph.D. student will work in the lab of Dr. Cynthia Jones (U. of Connecticut) on the anatomical and developmental basis of hydraulic segmentation and will develop an independent research project in this area. There are opportunities for fieldwork in the North American deserts and possibly abroad, as well as involvement with the ecological and ecophysiological research in the lab of Dr. Schenk at Cal State Fullerton. Requirements for this position will include a strong interest in ecological plant structure and a willingness to travel and conduct field research. Information about the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut and about the application process is available at www.eeb.uconn.edu. Interested students should contact Dr. Cynthia Jones at cjones@uconnvm.uconn.edu. Posted: 12/19/03.

Case Western Reserve University: Global change research opportunities (MS and PhD level), investigating physiological response or structure/function disruption to algal and fungal dominated ecosystems, are currently available for creative and highly motivated individuals. Potential research topics involving manipulated Midwestern pond/stream mesocosms, Pacific Northwest marine kelp forests, coastal rainforest epiphytes, or Appalachian lithic communities are possible. Applicants should possess interests in ecophysiology, evolutionary ecology, conservation or field biology. Previous experience with lower plants, molecular tools or chemical ecology preferred, but not required. Full tuition waivers and stipends (18K) are available to qualified applicants. For further information, please send CV and a brief statement of research interests to Andrew K. Swanson (aks25@case.edu), Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio by February 15, 2004 to receive full consideration. Posted: 12/9/03.

College of William & Mary: Research support is available starting in Summer 2004 for graduate study in carbon and organic matter biogeochemistry in the School of Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Support is competitive and includes full stipend and tuition for up to 3 years for M.S. students and 5 years for Ph.D. students for Fall 2004 admission. We seek motivated, creative students to take part in new research initiatives on organic matter characterization and the controls on its ages, reactivity and transport between land and the coastal ocean. VIMS is one of the largest graduate marine science and oceanography programs in the U.S., and opportunities for interdisciplinary research are available both within and across departments as well as with other regional participating institutions. For more information, please contact Dr. James Bauer (bauer@vims.edu; 804-684-7136). The deadline for applications for admission and support is January 15, 2004. Applications are available from the VIMS website, or by contacting Ms. Sue Presson, Graduate Coordinator, School of Marine Science, VIMS, P.O. Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA; phone: (804) 684-7106; e-mail: snpres@vims.edu. Posted: 10/15/03.

Colorado State University: The PRogram for Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Ecology, and Statistics (PRIMES) is a new graduate initiative in quantitative ecology funded by an IGERT grant from NSF. PRIMES involves leading faculty and researchers from across the CSU campus, as well as scientists from a variety of government agencies and laboratories. The goal is to equip graduate students interested in ecology, mathematics, and statistics with the skills to tackle modern ecological research problems using an interdisciplinary team-based approach. Students enroll in a home graduate program at CSU. But they participate in interdisciplinary research right from the start of their studies while obtaining the necessary research tools through an exciting program of innovative course work, seminars, conferences and workshops, internships, and social events. PRIMES awards both full year and partial year support to participating students. The full year Fellowship stipend for 2003/2004 is $27,500 plus tuition. Applications are invited by new and continuing students. Posted: 11/14/03.

Cornell University: Graduate Research Associate with Stephen Ellner and Nelson G. Hairston, Jr. We invite applications from prospective doctoral students to join our research project "The evolutionary ecology of population dynamics: experimental and modeling approaches". Prospective applicants should contact us directly and apply for Fall 2004 admission to Cornell through the graduate fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or Applied Mathematics. Applicants who plan to combine theoretical modeling and experimental research will be of particular interest to us. Our broad goal is to understand the proximate and ultimate factors responsible for general patterns of population variability, such as the ubiquity of stability and cycles and the rarity of more complex dynamical patterns. Work to date has centered on predator-prey (rotifer-algal) microcosms having the potential to exhibit a wide range of qualitative dynamics. Linked experimental and theoretical studies have allowed us to show that feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary processes play an essential role in the system's dynamic properties. Future directions for experimental and theoretical work will include: relationships between genetic variability and ecological dynamics; more complex experimental communities; management implications of rapid evolution; and extending the work to natural aquatic communities. We believe in giving students the widest possible scope to independently develop research projects reflecting their interests within the general area of the project. Funding is available for 3 years of RA support (tuition + stipend); at least 1 year of TA'ing or teaching will be expected. Students in either graduate field are admitted with a guarantee of continued support so long as they make steady progress towards their degree. For additional information please contact us (Stephen P. Ellner, spe2@cornell.edu; Nelson G. Hairston, Jr., ngh1@cornell.edu). Posted: 10/20/03.

Florida Institute of Technology: A rather exciting new avenue of research funded by Microsoft has opened up to try to develop "intelligent computers" that use behavior analogous to stress-coping mechanisms of organisms. Microsoft is funding three positions (2 in computer science and one in ecology) at Florida Tech to investigate this new area, starting in the Fall of 2004. The research will be two-pronged: 1) to provide a literature review of organismal adaptations to stress, and to work with a team of computer-scientists building biological analogs into software design for improving control of computer functions. 2) to model the effects of low CO2 concentrations on plants growing on an Andean elevational gradient. Supervision of this portion of the research will be shared by Drs. Mark Bush (Florida Tech) and Sharon Cowling (University of Toronto). Successful candidates will be expected to have strengths in ecology and modeling, or a strong interest in working with mathematical models. Applications consisting of a CV, letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation must be received by June 20th. Non-US students for whom English is a second language must have TOEFL scores > 225 (computer-based). The position will pay full tuition (18 credits per year) and a stipend of $18,000 p.a. Applications may be emailed to mbush@fit.edu or mailed to: Dr. Mark B. Bush, Chair Ecology Program, Dept. of Biological Sciences, 150 W. University Blvd., Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901. tel : (321) 674- 7166. fax : (321) 674- 7238. Posted: 6/1/04.

Fordham University: The Department of Biology and the Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station has research and teaching fellowships available for M.S. and Ph.D. students interested in ecology and field biology, with a broad range of research topics available. Application forms. Areas of emphasis for graduate research include: physiological ecology of small mammals, food web studies on benthic algae and bryophytes in streams and rivers, molecular microbial ecology, global climate change, plant-fungal symbioses, ecology of vector-borne diseases, ectomycorrhizal responses to local and regional disturbances, insect predator-prey interactions, and studies on the causes of vertebrate extinctions. - Students will have available the facilities of the Louis Calder Center -Biological Station for their studies. - Stipends range from $15,000 to $17,000 per year, plus full tuition remission. - For any questions, please contact us by email (wehr@fordham.edu) or at Graduate Ecology Admission, Louis Calder Center - Biological Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY USA, 10504. Posted: 7/8/03.

Hofstra University: Donald Axinn Fellowship in Ecology and Conservation. Prospective or entering graduate students to the Graduate Program in Biology with a demonstrated interest in ecology and conservation with special application to the Long Island environment are encouraged to apply. The fellowship covers full tuition expenses for a period of no more than two years from matriculation. The number and availability of fellowships is contingent on funds. The applicant must have a Hofstra faculty sponsor who will verify an interest in acting as the student’s thesis advisor. Continuation of the fellowship is subject to review by the Axinn Fellowship Committee after each semester and is contingent on the student 1) maintaining good academic standing and 2) continuing a research interest in ecology and conservation on Long Island. The applicant must provide to the Axinn Fellowship Committee: 1) transcripts, 2) three letters of recommendation, 3) curriculum vitae, 4) an essay of no more than 500 words describing the applicants demonstrated commitment to ecology and conservation issues, and 5) a letter from the Hofstra faculty sponsor indicating that the student will work on thesis research at Hofstra University involving ecology and conservation issues pertinent to Long Island. Please submit application by June 15 to Dr. Robert Seagull, Chairperson, Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1140. Posted: 7/3/03, revised: 5/3/04.

Illinois State University: Research support is available starting in the summer of 2004 for graduate students (preferably Masters Students) interested in studying nutrient and algal dynamics in headwater agricultural streams. Support includes full tuition waiver and research assistantships for 2 of 3 terms per year and a teaching assistantship is guaranteed for the 3rd term per year. We seek motivated, creative and hardworking students to take part in research aimed at developing scientifically defensible phosphorous standards for Illinois Streams. For more information, please contact Dr. Bill Perry (wlperry@ilstu.edu; 309-438-8160). The deadline for applications for admission and support is March 15, 2004. Applications procedures. Posted: 11/25/03.

Indiana State University: One fully funded 5-year doctoral RA position to study behavioral ecology of lizards starting Fall 2004. Of particular interest are applicants interested in the behavioral aspects of predator avoidance in lizards. The successful candidate would work in collaboration with Diana Hews and Steve Lima. Prospective students working more generally in the areas of lizard territoriality, color or pheromonal signals, and hormonal mechanisms are also encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should submit a CV and a preliminary statement of research interests to Dr. Diana K. Hews, Department of Life Sciences, Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN 47809. Voice (812) 237-8352, dhews@indstate.edu. Applications for graduate admission should be submitted by Feb. 1 for full consideration. Posted: 10/15/03.

Iowa State University: Graduate Research Assistantship in Water/Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystem Restoration. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a background in ecology or agronomy and a strong interest in restoration of agroecosystem function and health. Participant will have the opportunity to work with a large, interdisciplinary team studying the ecological, socioeconomic, and policy implications of restoring agricultural landscapes through perennialization of key locations on the landscape. In particular, this portion of the research project will focus on understanding the potential for different perennial plant communities, ranging from production- to conservation-oriented systems, to improve water quality and hydrologic regulation in agroecosystems. Components of the assistantship include 1) working with an interdisciplinary team in concept development and application, 2) collecting field data on spatiotemporal fluctuation of ecosystem properties and functions (especially nutrient and water cycling) in a range of agricultural land cover types (e.g., row crops, agroforests, savannas, perennial croplands, riparian buffer systems and other "best management practices"), and 3) applying plot and field level information to developing predictive models of alternative landscape scenarios involving perennial transformations. Excellent teamwork skills, experience and interest in conducting field and laboratory research, and strong quantitative skills are required. Interested individuals should be able to begin January, 2005, though an earlier start day may be considered. Please provide the following materials as soon as possible: 1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications, 2) a resume, 3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable at present), and 4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. For further information on the project or application contact: Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen, Assistant Professor, Ecosystem Ecology and Restoration, Department of Natural Resource Ecol. & Mgmt., Iowa State University, 253 Bessey Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-1010. phone: 515-294-7703, fax: 515-294-2995, email: hasbjorn@iastate.edu. Dr. Randy Kolka, Project Leader & Research Soil Scientist, Ecol. & Mgmt. Riparian & Aquatic Ecosystems, USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station, 1831 Hwy 169E., Grand Rapids, MN 55744-7115. phone: 218-326-7115, fax: 218-326-7123, email: rkolka@fs.fed.us. Posted: 6/29/04.

Iowa State University: We seek a highly qualified and motivated individual wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in the areas of natural resource conservation and landscape ecology. The successful applicant will conduct research on the restoration and maintenance of biodiversity in the upper Midwest's Driftless Region (IA, MN, and WI). This project will afford the opportunity to work with collaborators within the USDA Forest Service and state DNRs as well as university scientists. One assistantship will assess the effects of stand-scale experimental manipulation of overstory and understory conditions in mesic oak forests on oak regeneration and invasion by exotic plant species. Required qualifications include a background in forestry or plant ecology, strong quantitative skills, experience in conducting field research, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment. The second assistantship is more broadly focused on land-use change in the Driftless Region and its impact on biodiversity conservation. Required qualifications include a background in ecology or geography, strong GIS/remote sensing skills, expertise in statistics, experience in conducting field research, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment. Exposure to spatial modeling techniques is preferred. Stipend of $17,500 per year, plus benefits. Start dates of either August 15 or January 1 are possible. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please provide the following materials as soon as possible: 1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications, 2) a resume, 3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable at present), and 4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. For further information on the project or application contact Lisa Schulte (lschulte@iastate.edu) or Jim Miller (jrmiller@iastate.edu). Posted: 3/5/04, revised: 6/11/04.

Kansas State University: Assistantships are available to support graduate studies within the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program. The Konza Prairie LTER Program is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary research program designed to further understanding of ecological processes in mesic grasslands, and contribute to conceptual and theoretical advances in ecology. Opportunities exist within the Konza Prairie LTER program for motivated students in all areas of ecology. Some current areas of emphasis include studies of global change (responses to climate change and nutrient enrichment, causes and consequences of land-cover change; species invasions); fire ecology (ecological responses to changing fire frequency; season of fire); plant-herbivore interactions (effects of bison on plant and soil processes; ecology of insect herbivory); and restoration ecology (regulation of plant community dynamics; recovery of ecosystem processes). Information on the research interests of specific faculty members and instructions for applying to the graduate program are available on the KSU Division of Biology website. Inquiries regarding research opportunities may be addressed to John Blair (jblair@ksu.edu) or other Konza LTER faculty scientists. Applications should be made to the KSU Division of Biology Graduate Program. Posted: 11/14/03.

Kansas State University: M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship available to study restoration techniques for native grasslands. The field site will be the 5,263 ha Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Labette Co., southeast Kansas. Historically, this site was dominated by native bluestem grasses (Andropogon spp.), but much of the native vegetation has been converted to cool-season pastures dominated by tall fescue. The two objectives of this project are: to examine the efficacy of winter grazing by cattle and other treatments for restoring fescue-dominated pastures to native tallgrass prairie, and to investigate the effects of cattle exclusion on restoring riparian areas. We seek to quantify impacts of management treatments upon grassland plants and associated bird communities. This project offers comprehensive training in quantitative methods of field ecology and is best-suited for a student with strong interests in applied ecology and natural history. We seek applicants who are experienced in identification of grassland plants and birds, are prepared to work under challenging field conditions, have good writing and oral presentation skills, and are willing to coordinate research activities with ranchers and military personnel. Applicants should hold a B.S. in zoology, botany or wildlife biology, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 4 semesters of study. The research assistantship offers an annual stipend of $20,333 plus benefits. Start date is flexible but no later than 1 Jan 2004. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, please send a cover letter outlining relevant experience, CV, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and names and contact information for at least two references to: Dr. Brett K. Sandercock, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 (bsanderc@ksu.edu, www.ksu.edu/bsanderc). Posted: 8/4/03.

Kent State University: We currently have opportunities for individuals to serve as Teaching Fellows as they pursue their doctoral degree in Biological Sciences. The Teaching Fellow program integrates research and education. Each participant will conduct their dissertation research under the guidance of a member of our graduate faculty in physiology, ecology or evolutionary biology. Teaching Fellows will have additional training and opportunities in education at the university level beyond that of our graduate teaching assistants including lecturing in classes of various types, classroom observations and mentoring, and helping guide undergraduate research projects. These fellowships are designed for students who intend to seek faculty positions at colleges or universities that value teaching skills. Details about the department and our faculty can be found here. Requirements for admission to our graduate program and for application for a teaching fellowship include: an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and, if applicable, a graduate GPA of 3.25, results of the GRE general test, and TOEFL scores at the 600 level or higher for international applicants. The stipend is $16,000 per year (12 months) and there is an accompanying tuition scholarship. Students accepted into the program will also be considered for a Biological Sciences Award of up to $1000 that may be renewable. If you are interested in applying, please contact Pat Williams at our Graduate Studies office at: Graduate Studies Office, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, (330) 672-2819, e mail: pwilliam@kent.edu. Posted: 1/22/04.

Kent State University: We are seeking a doctoral student starting January, May or August 2004 who is interested in integrating research and education. Along with conducting their own dissertation research, the student will serve as the program coordinator for an NSF Undergraduate Mentoring in Environmental Biology site. Duties include facilitation of the program under the theme of inter-disciplinary research in aquatic ecology. For the dissertation, potential research topics include aquatic ecology emphasizing microbial and/or community ecology. The stipend is $16,000 per year and there is an accompanying tuition scholarship. If you are interested, please email your CV (including GPA, GRE scores and potential start dates) to Dr. Laura Leff (lleff@kent.edu) or Dr. Mark Kershner (mkershne@kent.edu). Posted: 9/15/03.

Louisiana State University: The School of Renewable Natural Resources is seeking outstanding M.S. and Ph.D. applicants for Gilbert Foundation Research Fellowships. Fellowships will be available to fund students concentrating in the study of forestry or forestry-related areas. Research areas could include forest management and economics, wood science and technology, forest biometrics, silviculture, hardwood regeneration, ecophysiology, forest genetics, and forestry-related wildlife and fisheries management and conservation. Annual (12-month) stipends are $18,000 for masters students and $20,000 for doctoral candidates, and include a full tuition waiver. Minimum requirements include a B.S. degree from an accredited institution, an official Graduate Record Exam score, and an undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All Gilbert Fellowship awards will be made on a competitive basis. Interested applicants should apply on line. For more information concerning graduate studies in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, please contact Dr. D. Allen Rutherford (225-578-4187). Posted: 12/18/03.

Macquarie University: Applications are sought for a PhD scholarship in ecology of Eastern grey kangaroos in the Sydney Catchment Authority lands in the Blue Mountains south-east of Sydney, Australia. The student will work in a Catchment Authority funded program whose main objective is to study the extent to which kangaroo faecal material and hence zoonotic pathogens enter the Sydney water supply. The particular aims are to estimate the numbers of kangaroos, rate of population increase, social structure and movements within the area. The student will work closely with the Catchment Authority and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service staff. The qualifications needed are either BSc (Hons) or BvetSci, or an appropriate Masters in wildlife or environmental management. The stipend is AUD$20,000 per annum. Further details may be obtained from Professor Des Cooper (dcooper@rna.bio.mq.edu.au, +61-2-9850-8179). Closing date: 30 January 2004. Posted: 1/16/04.

Miami University: The Department of Zoology and the Ecology Program have graduate assistantships available for Fall 2004 for graduate studies in aquatic ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, physiological ecology, or environmental toxicology. All graduate students are supported on teaching or research assistantships (minimum 2 yrs eligibility for MS, and 4 yrs for PhD), which include a full tuition waiver and a competitive stipend. The Department of Zoology has 34 faculty, 60 graduate students, and over 1200 undergraduate majors, and has excellent field and lab facilities. Visit the websites above for more information and application procedures. Posted: 12/3/03.

Michigan State University: The Forest Measurements and Modeling Laboratory is working on a federally-funded project exploring the validity and potential value of using forest ecosystem classification systems for forest ecosystem management and modeling. This interesting area of research combines remote sensing (GIS) technology with ground-based forest ecosystem inventory to define national, regional and local forest ecosystem maps. A one-year fully funded graduate research assistantship is available beginning Fall 2004 for qualified candidates, including tuition, fees and health benefits for Fall 2004 through Spring 2005, and a stipend of approximately $1,400 per month. Qualified candidates must be: *Admitted to the forestry graduate program at MSU; *Interested in investigating lab and field-based forest mapping. Candidates with previous experience in ARCGIS software and forest mapping and tree measurements will be preferred. Interested parties should contact: Prof. David W. MacFarlane, Forest Measurements and Modeling Lab, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, 126 Natural Resources, East Lansing, MI 48824. Phone: (517) 355-2399, macfar24@msu.edu. Posted: 6/29/04.

Michigan State University: We anticipate funding for an M.S. or Ph.D. student to work on a project on the ecology of beech scale and beech bark disease. Beech scale is an invasive insect that facilitates the development of beech bark disease. The main objectives of the study are to 1) determine the extent and rate of spread of beech scale in Michigan, and 2) develop a model of the dynamics of this system. The work on this project will be interdisciplinary and will provide a strong research project for anyone interested in invasion ecology or natural resource management. The successful applicant may pursue a degree in Entomology, Forestry, or Fisheries and Wildlife. Responsibilities: Sample forest sites to assess beech scale and beech bark disease. Supervise one or two interns in the course of field work. Develop spatially-explicit models of this system, and use these models to make inferences on the likely spread of this insect/pathogen complex. We will also encourage the student to develop a component of the research project to pursue their own interest area. Applicants must be highly motivated, and interested in extensive field work under demanding conditions. Good academic credentials are required as is an interest in mixing field studies with training in quantitative aspects of ecology and natural resource management. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong quantitative background, but this will not be required. Letters of inquiry should include a resume, contact information, information on your professional and academic goals, a copy of transcripts, and GRE scores. Stipend will be approximately $1400 per month for full calendar year, with tuition waiver and health benefits provided. Funding is for three years, contingent on continued funding by the U.S. Forest Service. Contingent on funding, we hope to select a student by April 15. The preferred starting date for this position is July 1, but accommodations may be made for earlier or later starting dates. Contact: Dr. Daniel Hayes (Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife), Dr. Deborah McCullough (mccullod@msue.msu.edu, Dept. of Entomology), or Dr. Michael Walters (mwalters@msu.edu, Dept. of Forestry). Information on the graduate program. Posted: 3/4/04.

Michigan State University: A graduate student research assistantship in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department is available to work on a project with a multidisciplinary team in the development of food web models that incorporate phenotypic plasticity and coevolution. Participants in this effort are ecologists and computer scientists from Michigan State University (Scott Peacor, Eric Goodman) and the University of Michigan (John Holland, Mercedes Pascual, Rick Riolo - of the Center for the Study of Complex Systems). A principal challenge is to understand how interactions between individual organisms affect structural and dynamical properties of communities. We are particular interested in studying two elements of ecological systems (1) individual organisms adapt (respond in the short term) to environmental changes by altering their phenotypes and (2) the magnitude and distribution of species interactions strengths are determined, in part, by co-evolution. This project will combine agent based models and evolutionary computational techniques to model food webs to examine the origin and consequences of these properties. Interested individuals should contact and send a CV to Scott Peacor at: Peacor@msu.edu. Applicants should be available to begin work on the project during summer or fall 2004. Posted: 12/18/03.

Michigan State University: Assessing the Landscape Ecology and Population Demographics of White-tailed Deer in an Agro-Forest Ecosystem. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is inviting applications for a Graduate Research Assistantship beginning January 2004, or earlier. The assistantship is on a 12-month basis and pays $1,200/month and includes tuition waiver and health benefits. Degree Qualifications: Applicants must hold an M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, or management; zoology or a related field and have competitive GPA and GRE scores. Preference will be given to candidates with strong quantitative and GIS skills, previous telemetry experience, and demonstrated ability to conduct field research under potentially harsh field conditions. The objectives of the project are to assess the dynamic interactions among physical landscape characteristics and white-tailed deer (i.e., adults and fawns) movement patterns and population demographics in southern Michigan. Applicants should send a letter of application (indicating a statement of research interests and professional goals), resume, and copy of transcripts to: Dr. Henry Campa, III, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, Room 13 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222, e-mail: campa@msu.edu, phone: 517/353-2042. Posted: 9/30/03.

Michigan Technological University: Graduate research assistantships: nitrogen deposition and ecosystem function. We are announcing an opportunity for two Ph.D. students to join an exciting collaboration between MTU, the University of Michigan and the U.S. Forest Service, North Central Research Station. The Michigan Gradient Study is a long-term field experiment designed to understand the effects of chronic N deposition on ecosystem function of northern hardwood forests growing along a climate gradient in Michigan [more info]. The students will study some aspect of the feedbacks between N deposition, root systems, mycorrhizal fungal communities and ecosystem biogeochemical cycling. Position 1. Ph.D. research will focus on the contributions of roots and mycorrhizae to ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycles. Potential topics for Ph.D. research include, but are not limited to, C allocation to roots and mycorrhizae for biomass turnover and respiration, nutrient uptake and utilization, stand-level C and nutrient budgets, dissolved organic C and N production and transport in the soil, and modeling primary productivity and biogeochemical cycling. Position 2. Ph.D. research will focus on the composition and function of soil mycorrhizal fungal communities. Potential research topics include the response of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities of sugar maple to N additions, and the effect of mycorrhizal fungal community composition and structure on ecosystem functions such as soil respiration and soil C storage. An interest in learning and applying molecular techniques is desirable. Both students will have considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest, within the overall framework of the long-term project. A background in ecology, soil science, mycology or a related field is required, as is an interest in the linkages between community-, physiological-and ecosystem ecology. Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not required: use of stable isotopes, mycorrhizal research, molecular identification methods, statistical analysis of community structure, physiological ecology of plants and fungi. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Interested candidates should send a letter by email addressed to both Dr. Kurt Pregtizer (kspregit@mtu.edu) and Dr. Erik Lilleskov (elilleskov@fs.fed.us). Letters can also be sent by regular mail to: Dr. Kurt Pregitzer, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, MTU, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931. Posted: 10/22/03, revised: 4/27/04.

Michigan Technological University: An assistantship is available for a Ph.D. student to participate in a research project involving the aspatial modelling of individual tree mortality. The project seeks to extend recent research on the basal area increment sub-component of the Northern Idaho variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator. FVS is a forest vegetation modelling framework developed and maintained by the USDA Forest Service and used extensively by industry, government and academia. In this work, application of measurement error statistical techniques to the mortality sub-component will be investigated. The project will also leverage new, geographically extensive maps of soil parent rock and recent research in an effort to refine the use of parent rock as a model predictor. While focused on northern Idaho data, this research is expected to be generalizable to other forested conditions and modelling frameworks. Qualified candidates should have an analytical background coupled with familiarity with modelling of forested ecosystems and comfort with strongly quantitative analysis. A Masters degree, and at least one degree in forestry, natural resources management, plant ecology or botany is favoured. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. The assistantship comes with a competitive stipend and covers the cost of tuition. Interested persons should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores and a statement of research interests and experience to Dr. Robert Froese. Electronic submissions are preferred but hard copies are also accepted. Send submissions to: Dr. Robert Froese, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931. email: froese@mtu.edu. Posted: 10/6/03.

Mississippi State University: Restoration Ecology of Longleaf Pine Ecosystems. A half-time M.S. assistantship is available in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University. The successful applicant will be responsible for the development of a prototype CD-ROM-based decision-support system to assist managers in the restoration of longleaf pine sites in the Southeast. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry or a related field with interests in silviculture and restoration ecology. Students should possess strong computer skills. For additional information, contact Dr. Scott Roberts through email at: sroberts@cfr.msstate.edu, or by phone at: 662-325-3044. Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable at this point), GRE scores if available (photocopy is acceptable), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Scott Roberts, Department of Forestry, Box 9681 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9681. The position is available able immediately. Posted: 4/13/04.

Mississippi State University: A Research Assistantship will be available beginning May 2004. Applicants should have experience in taxonomy of vascular plants (wetland or terrestrial) and analysis of ecological data, and preferably have completed requirements for the M.S. or equivalent degree. This work is part of a USGS-funded effort at understanding the ecology of invasive plants in the southeastern US and will involve investigators from the Department of Biological Sciences, MSU's GeoResources Institute, and the US Geological Survey. It is expected that the student will be involved in data collection and analysis targeted towards understanding general factors influencing invasibility of natural and anthropogenically modified ecosystems within the region. This assistantship provides a 12-month stipend of $18,000 for Ph.D. students and a waiver of 100% out-of-state and 71% in-state tuition and fees (Ph.D. student is preferred, but exceptional Master's students may be considered, at a stipend level of $15,000). Information on graduate studies in the MSU Department of Biological Sciences. Information on my research program. Interested individuals should send a statement of interest, GRE scores & transcripts (copies are sufficient initially), CV, and names and contact information (including e-mail address) of at least 3 references to Dr. Gary Ervin, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box GY, Mississippi State, MS, 39762; tel: (662) 325-1203; fax (662) 325-7939; e-mail: gervin@biology.msstate.edu. Pre-application inquiries are welcome. Posted: 3/1/04.

Mississippi State University: A research assistantship for a Masters or Ph.D. is available in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to a student interested in investigating impacts by invasive plants on aquatic communities. Responsibilities: Assist in conducting pond and laboratory experiments that investigate potential impacts that invasive aquatic plant species have on aquatic habitat. Conduct and/or oversee the measurement of environmental, plant, fish, and macroinvertebrate variables within the laboratory and pond experiments. Collect and culture aquatic plants. Supervise undergraduate technician(s). Requirements: Experience in handling fishes, culturing aquatic plants, and macroinvertebrate identification. The candidate should have experience in laboratory and pond experimentation, and in field work with aquatic systems. Ability to handle a boat, have a strong background in ecology, data analysis, descriptive and multivariate statistics, is preferable. Salary: $10-14,000 (dependent on entry level). In addition to salary, tuition will be paid. Starting Date: April - May 2004. Contact: Dr. Eric Dibble, Associate Professor, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, (662)325-7494, edibble@cfr.msstate.edu. Posted: 2/27/04.

Mississippi State University: I am seeking a PhD student to study stopover ecology of Neotropical migratory birds on the coast of MS. Successful applicant will design and conduct research within this general area of interest. Student will be supported by a combination research/teaching assistantship ($12,000 9/mo + summer salary). Interested individuals should send a statement of interest, GRE scores & transcripts (unofficial are initially acceptable), CV, and names and contact information (including e-mail address) of at least 3 references to Dr. Eric Linder, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Pre-application inquiries are welcome (e-mail preferred). Posted: 6/3/04.

Mississippi State University: I am seeking outstanding graduate students (2-4) to join my lab and conduct research in the area of terrestrial vertebrate ecology. Thesis projects include GIS-based habitat modeling of southern Appalachian songbirds, population dynamics of Prothonotary Warblers in MS, and the importance of field borders in an agricultural landscape (in the MS Delta). PhD students are encouraged to design their own projects, but opportunities to extend current projects exist. Student will be supported by teaching or research assistantship and exceptional individuals are eligible for a department fellowship. Minimally applicants should possess a B.S. degree in Ecology or related field (M.S. preferred for Ph.D. students), strong work ethic, a desire to conduct field research, analyze data, and publish results. Preference will be given to applicants with field research experience and a strong academic record. Academic year begins 15 Aug 2004. Interested parties should send cover letter outlining their qualifications for graduate school and research interests, copies of transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial acceptable), and contact information of 3 references (including email and phone number) to: Dr. Eric Linder, PO Box GY, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Ph (662) 325-7568, Email * ETL5@biology.msstate.edu. University application forms. Posted: 2/2/04.

Mississippi State University: The Department of Forestry in the College of Forest Resources/Forest and Wildlife Research Center is offering a graduate research assistantship at the Master's level. The research will focus on watershed-scale soil and hydrological issues related to land-use practices. Applicants should have a completed Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Hydrology, Soils, or a related field. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend and a tuition waiver. Applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing their research interests and career goals, a resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to: Richard P. Maiers, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Forestry, Mississippi State University, Box 9681, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Tel: 662-325-7481, Fax: 662-325-8726, E-mail: rmaiers@cfr.msstate.edu. Posted: 12/4/03.

Mississippi State University: A half-time M.S. assistantship is available (beginning spring/summer 2004) in the Department of Forestry. The successful applicant will undertake a project involving the production of a CD-ROM virtual tour of prominent longleaf pine restoration sites in the Southeast. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry or a related field with strong interests in forestry, restoration ecology, and decision support systems. Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable at this point), GRE scores if available (photocopy is acceptable), and the names and addresses of three references to Dr. Scott Roberts, Department of Forestry, Box 9681 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9681. For additional information, contact Dr. Roberts through email at: sroberts@cfr.msstate.edu, or by phone at: 360-357-5204. Posted: 10/22/03.

Mississippi State University: A research assistantship ($15K per year) is available for a doctoral student in the lab of Dr. Michael J. Sullivan. The start date is 1 February 2004 and the project is funded by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium for a period of 2 years. The title of the research project is "A New Paradigm: the Trophic Importance of Sediment Microalgae in Seagrass Beds." Stable isotope studies in seagrass beds have shown that food webs in these important fisheries habitats are based mainly on algal rather than on seagrass carbon. However, the epiphytic algae have received the lion’s share of the attention but the role of the sediment microalgae within and adjacent to seagrass beds may be just as important. We will employ 14N-enriched fertilizer in Halodule wrightii beds of Perdido Key, Florida to simulate eutrophication and serve as a tracer of N (and organic matter) flow within the system. Response variables include the primary production rates and HPLC photopigments of the sediment microalgae and the structure (species present and their relative abundances) of the dominant diatom component of the microalgal assemblage. *15N values of primary producers and consumers will be determined to trace the uptake of the added nitrogen and its movement through the food web. The relative importance of epiphytic versus sediment microalgae will be quantified by examining the assemblage structure of diatoms present in the guts of selected consumers. In Year 2 the effects of grazers (density and size will be manipulated) and nutrient enrichment and their interactions on sediment microalgae consumption will be determined by a series of experiments involving the placement of exclosures and enclosures within H. wrightii beds. Dr. Brian Fry of Louisiana State University is a Co-PI on this project. For further information contact Dr. Michael J. Sullivan, Biology Department, Mississippi State University (phone: 662-325-7575, FAX: 662-325-7939, e-mail: mjs2@ra.msstate.edu). Posted: 9/30/03.

Mississippi State University: An assistantship is available for work on a project funded by the National Audubon Society to examine the effects of beaver on wetland plant vegetation in north Mississippi. The research will take place at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, a 1200-hectare former cotton plantation near Holly Springs, MS. Applicants should have experience in taxonomy of wetland vascular plants and analysis of ecological data; preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in both. Potential hazards of the project will involve heat, humidity, venomous reptiles, and work in beaver impoundments. The student will be expected to take part in censuses of beaver activity and construction and maintenance of exclosure fences. It is anticipated that the student would begin work no later than January 2004. The assistantship includes an annual stipend of $11,500, and a waiver of 100% out-of-state and 71% in-state tuition and fees. Because the position is funded by a partial teaching assistantship, some teaching will be required. Information on graduate studies. Send GRE scores & transcripts (copies are sufficient initially), CV, names and contact information of at least 3 references (including e-mail address), and letter of interest to Dr. Gary Ervin, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box GY, Mississippi State, MS, 39762; tel: (662) 325-1203; e-mail: gervin@biology.msstate.edu. Pre-application inquiries are welcome. Posted: 7/17/03.

Mississippi State University: Wetlands Plant Ecology Teaching Assistantships available beginning August 2003 or January 2004 in the Biological Sciences Department. My present research involves disturbance, succession, and species interactions, as they pertain to wetland plants. It is expected that the student(s) will develop a research focus along similar lines, related to funded research projects. Present projects (funded and independent) involve work at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Tombigbee National Forest, and Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Applicants should have experience in taxonomy of wetland vascular plants and analysis of ecological data; preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in both. Assistantships include an academic year (9-month) stipend of $10,000 for Master's students or $12,000 for Ph.D. students, and a waiver 100% out-of-state and 71% in-state tuition and fees. Opportunities for additional summer stipends are available. Information on graduate studies. Send GRE scores & transcripts (copies are sufficient initially), CV, names and contact information (including e-mail address) of at least 3 references, and letter of interest to Dr. Gary Ervin, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box GY, Mississippi State, MS, 39762; tel: (662) 325-1203; e-mail: gervin@biology.msstate.edu. If interested in August 2003 entry, application for admission should be made as soon as possible. Pre-application inquiries are welcome. Posted: 7/14/03.

Montana State University: I have two 4-year PhD assistantships in the Watershed Hydrology Research Group, beginning summer or fall 2004, that might be of interest physical ecology graduate students: (1) Watershed Carbon Distribution and Flux Across Environmental Gradients. In conjunction with the Dept. of Environmental Sciences at the Univ. of Virginia, and the Dept. of Geography at Frostburg State Univ., I seek qualified Ph.D. applicants interested in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and terrain analysis to investigate watershed carbon dynamics in an experimental mountain watershed. This research requires rigorous field and modeling approaches. Applicants should have strong mathematical and programming ability, a strong grounding in basic science (chemistry, physics) and a strong background in the earth sciences, with concentrations in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and/or soils. Strenuous field work under difficult conditions is expected. (2) Hydrological linkages between landscapes and streams. I seek qualified Ph.D. applicants interested in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and terrain analysis/modeling. This opportunity requires the ability to combine landscape scale terrain modeling with process-based field investigations to identify the factors controlling the hydrologic connectivity between source areas generating runoff and the flowpaths that link source areas to streams. This research is field-based and requires intense and extended field research in an experimental watershed in southwest Montana. Applicants should have strong mathematical and computer skills, a grounding in basic science (chemistry, physics) and a strong background in the earth sciences, with concentrations in hydrology, geomorphology, and/or biogeochemistry. Strenuous field work under difficult conditions is expected. Both positions: Assistantships include a competitive stipend and tuition waiver at Montana State. For more information, contact Dr. Brian McGlynn (406) 994-7690 bmcglynn@montana.edu. Posted: 6/1/04.

Murray State University: Graduate Research Associate, Center for Watershed Environments. Full time position to begin January 2004. Qualifications: B.S. in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with amphibians and/or field and laboratory experiments highly desirable. Responsibilities: To conduct research on the evolutionary ecology of ambystomatid salamanders while completing an M.S. degree. Salary: $12,000 per year (two years maximum). To Apply: Email a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names, addresses, and email addresses of at least three references to: Dr. Howard Whiteman, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071 (howard.whiteman@murraystate.edu). Posted: 11/7/03.

Northern Arizona University: Tree Physiology. A Master's level Research Assistantship is open in the School of Forestry. The MS student will work with Dr. Tom Kolb. The overall scope of the project is to better understand the role of xylem cavitation in tree mortality during drought and bark beetle outbreaks in forests of the Southwestern US. The student will have considerable flexibility in defining a thesis topic within this scope. The position is available July 1, 2004. Qualifications: Completed B.S. in forestry, ecology, or a related area of study; interests in understanding tree water relations and mechanisms of tree mortality; high motivation to learn new research techniques; ability to work long hours in field research; ability to make careful laboratory measurements; ability to travel and work unusual hours; ability to use computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Stipend: Approximately $14,000 per year (final amount is pending); waiver of out-of-state tuition; includes university student health insurance. Application: Please send an email to Dr. Kolb (tom.kolb@nau.edu) that describes your interest in the position and qualifications, a summary of academic training and performance, and GRE scores. Posted: 11/14/03.

Ohio University: PhD fellowship (Fall 2004) is available in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology to study forest water use in old growth oak-maple-beech forests in SE Ohio. Coal mining scheduled to occur underneath Ohio University's Dysart Woods Laboratory presents an (unfortunate) opportunity to learn about the forest functionality (water use) and forest hydrology before and after coal-mining. Hydrologic studies report that water resources are often impacted with mining, so one would expect an alteration of ground and soil water availability to occur as a result of mining. Consequently, we anticipate that trees, under post-mining conditions, will experience an altered soil water regime. We (a forest ecophysiologist, a watershed hydrologist, and a community ecologist) will employ hydrological and biological techniques (sap-flow, stable isotopes, dendrochronology) to test the hypothesis that Dysart's trees obtain their water from both soil moisture (rainwater) and perched groundwater that has a longer residence time, and to learn if these sources are shifted as a result of mining. We will also explore the seasonal balance between the trees' reliance on precipitation and groundwater. The successful candidate will have completed some coursework in Physics and Plant Ecology, be quantitative in nature, and be highly motivated to conduct independent research. Working outside and at times, long hours, is an integral part of forest ecology research. It is preferred that the student begin in the summer to participate in the initiation of this study. This state-funded project is slated to begin in June 2004 and summer support is available. Questions? Please contact Dr. Kim J. Brown (kim.brown@ohio.edu, 740.593.1122). The deadline for graduate applications is 15 January 2004. Posted: 1/9/04.

Ohio University: The Department of Environmental and Plant Biology is inviting qualified applicants for the MS or PhD program. Graduate assistantships (research and teaching positions) are available to support students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree. Application materials for the PhD program are due by 15-January-2004. Application materials for the MS program are considered on a rolling basis, but a due date of 1-February-2004 is strongly encouraged, after which funding may be difficult to obtain. For more information about our faculty, department, Ohio University, and surroundings, please visit our website. We welcome visits from prospective students. Interested persons should contact the departmental graduate chair: Brian C. McCarthy, Ph.D., Professor of Forest Ecology & Graduate Chair, Dept. of Environmental and Plant Biology, 317 Porter Hall, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979 USA. eml mccarthy@ohio.edu, tel 740-593-1615, fax 740-593-1130. Posted: 10/31/03.

Oregon State University: Several MS and PhD assistantships are available starting summer/fall 2004 for studies of forest ecosystem biogeochemistry in the Department of Forest Science. Research assistantships are funded through NSF sponsored programs, and through the Cooperative Forest Ecosystem Research program. Potential thesis topics include interactions between succession, fire, stand management, and forest restoration in western Oregon ecosystems. Plant-soil biogeochemistry is the focal area of this research, with connections to plant growth and nutrition, microbial/mycorrhizal processes, carbon sequestration, and long-term ecosystem sustainability. Assistantships provide a stipend and full tuition waiver. Potential applicants should send a brief cover letter outlining interests, as well as a resume (with research experience, coursework, grades, and GRE) to: Steven Perakis, US Geological Survey - FRESC, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331. email. steven.perakis@oregonstate.edu. Posted: 12/11/03.

Oregon State University: Funding for a Ph.D. student is available in the aquatic biology lab of Dr. David Lytle. The position will begin in Fall of 2004, with the option of joining us at field sites during summer 2004. Support will come from graduate research assistantships within the lab and departmental teaching assistantships (Zoology guarantees 5 years of support). Potential research topics include, but are not limited to: - using theory, behavioral experiments, and molecular methods to study how aquatic organisms evolve strategies for surviving floods and droughts - studying the ecological effects of flow regime modifications (dams, diversions, channelization) on aquatic plants and animals - developing image recognition technology to identify aquatic invertebrates for conservation efforts (collaborative NSF-funded project) Applicants should send a resume and a 1-page statement of research interests directly to Dr. Lytle (david.lytle@science.oregonstate.edu), and apply to OSU's Zoology Department by the Jan. 15 2004 deadline. Posted: 10/29/03.

Purdue University: Eight (8) doctoral fellowships are available in multidisciplinary ecology. Support for fellows is guaranteed for 5 years, with annual awards of up to $21,500 sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education's program for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) and Purdue. Fellows will: 1) be selected from highly qualified candidates, including targeting those from historically underrepresented groups; and 2) subsequently participate in an integrated program that includes instruction in both research and teaching methods, mentored teaching experience in several course formats, and the conduct of significant research across a spectrum of basic and applied ecological topics. Faculty participants in the program have broad interests in studying ecological systems and species in dynamic, fragmented landscapes at multiple scales and using multiple approaches. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit this site for a list of participating faculty and their areas of research interest and to contact faculty with whom they are interested in working before submitting a formal application. Posted: 12/4/03.

Purdue University: A graduate assistantship is available for Summer or Fall 2004 to participate in experiments and modeling of metapopulations in dynamic landscapes. The successful candidate will work as part of a team of ecologists, mathematicians, and statisticians, with responsibility for studying the effects of connectivity, patch restoration rate, and habitat heterogeneity on insect metapopulations occupying experimental micro-landscapes. The candidate will explore Bayesian approaches to parameter estimation and incorporate experimental results into analytical and simulation models of metapopulations. Possibilities exist for additional work with vertebrate systems, including forest rodents and ranid frogs. Strong quantitative skills and coursework in ecology are required, and experience working with insects and spatial modeling is desirable. Familiarity with ArcView and ArcGIS helpful. Candidates should have a GPA of >3.4 and a cumulative GRE score of >1300 (V+Q). Please email a short (1-page) letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, and contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references to Rob Swihart (rswihart@fnr.purdue.edu). Graduate stipends currently are $15,259 (M.S.) and $17,518 (Ph.D.) per year and include tuition waivers. Posted: 11/20/03.

Purdue University: A graduate assistantship in ecology is anticipated for Fall 2004. The successful candidate will participate in an ongoing interdisciplinary effort aimed at understanding the effects of human-induced changes in landscapes on population dynamics and community organization. The successful applicant's research will focus specifically on the indirect effects of forest loss and fragmentation on trophic dynamics between nut-bearing trees and granivores in oak-hickory ecosystems. The research will involve field and modeling components. Strong quantitative skills and coursework in ecology are required, and experience with spatial modeling is desirable. Familiarity with ArcView and ArcGIS is helpful. Candidates should have a GPA of at least 3.4 and a cumulative GRE score of at least 1300 (V+Q). Please email a short (1-page) letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, and contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references to Rob Swihart (rswihart@fnr.purdue.edu). Graduate stipends currently are $15,259 (M.S.) and $17,518 (Ph.D.) per year and include tuition waivers. All inquiries must be received by 5 January to be considered for fall admission. Posted: 11/19/03.

Saint Francis Xavier University: In a few months, I'll open a new lab on Marine Ecology through a Canada Research Chair at SFXU (Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada). Through this Chair, I'll become an Assistant Professor at that university. I'm now looking for MSc students who would hopefully be ready to start the program this fall (September). I'll be able to offer initially partial funds for the student; additional funds are expected for subsequent years. Also, Biology MSc students pay tuition fee (around Can$5700) only once during their program at StFX. Teaching Assistantships might also be available in the Biology Department. Broadly speaking, the lab will mostly focus on population and community ecology of benthic intertidal organisms, although seaweeds will be a central theme. For more information, please contact: Dr. Ricardo A. Scrosati, University of British Columbia, Department of Botany, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. (moving soon) Phone: +1-604-264-0107 - Fax: +1-604-822-6089. Posted: 3/2/04.

San Diego State University: Two years of funding are available for a master's student to study American lobster ecology in the Biology Department. The student will participate in an NSF and NURC-funded project being conducted collaboratively by researchers at SDSU and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine. The overall aim of the research is to evaluate the interaction of larval settlement, habitat availability, and predation on New England-wide patterns of American lobster distribution and abundance. The student will study under the direction of Dr. Kevin Hovel in the Ecology Program. Requirements: The student must be accepted into the Biology Department's MS program (see website for application information) and be able to begin work on the project no later than June 1, 2004. SCUBA certification is mandatory and experience performing research underwater and with small boat operation is highly preferred. Experience with GIS analysis is a plus. The student will be based in San Diego but will be required to work with a team of PIs, graduate students and undergraduate interns to conduct field work in New England during the summers. Those interested in applying should email a brief letter of interest (listing qualifications) and an electronic version of their CV to: hovel@sciences.sdsu.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and those with qualifications commensurate with the project will be contacted by the PI for further information. Interested potential students can also mail their CV to: Dr. Kevin Hovel, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182. Posted: 1/22/04.

San Diego State University: The Global Change Research Group has openings and support for several new graduate students in the areas of eddy covariance flux, aircraft flux measurements and analysis, ecophysiology, soil ecology and microbial ecology, ecosystem modelling, scaling, elevated CO2, and global change. Research sites include, but are not limited to La Paz, BCS Mexico, Ensenada, BC Mexico, San Diego Chaparral (Sky Oaks, Santa Margarita), the Alaskan Arctic, and the Great Plains. Support and tuition waiver are provided. Deadline for application is December 1, 2003. For more information, contact Walt Oechel (Office 619-594-6613, Fax 619-594-7831, e-mail: oechel@sunstroke.sdsu.edu) and see the Ecology Program website. Posted: 9/15/03.

San Diego State University: 2 to 3-year Master's research assistantship to investigate the role of snake predation on birds and small mammals across a gradient of urbanization in Coastal Sage Scrub food webs. The project is a key piece in a larger investigation of how terrestrial food webs respond to anthropogenic impacts such as habitat fragmentation and edge effects. The applicant will develop the detailed focus of their thesis, but fieldwork will entail intense radio telemetry of king snakes, as well as capture-recapture studies of snakes and small mammals. Simultaneous monitoring of bird nest success and snake predation of nests will also occur. Applicants should be capable of extended field time in hot weather. The project is a collaboration between Jay Diffendorfer (SDSU) and Doug Bolger (Dartmouth College) and applicants will have the opportunity to interact with individuals from both labs. The successful applicant will work out of Diffendorfer's lab; an active, highly collaborative, and motivated group with students working on a variety of field-based, applied problems. SDSU offers a strong MS program with many ties to local agencies, and job opportunities. This NSF funded project begins Oct 2003 and the snake fieldwork will commence late April 2004. The successful applicant could begin their MS program of study in the Spring 04 semester, or wait until the following Fall, allowing ~3 years of data in a 2-3 year program of study. We want self-starting applicants with high-caliber academic and/or related employment credentials, field experience, a strong motivation to learn, and a willingness to work hard in a collaborative environment. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please send a letter (or email) of interest, curriculum vitae, reprints, and the names of three references (with addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers) to: Dr. Jay Diffendorfer, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182. Phone: 619-594-0311. FAX: 619-594-5676, e-mail: jdiffen@sunstroke.sdsu.edu. Posted: 8/8/03.

Southern Illinois University: Graduate Assistantship in Wetland Habitat Enhancement, available May or June 2004 This M.S. level project will evaluate the establishment and successional development of emergent wetlands developed adjacent to stabilized littoral zones of a 2,800-acre lake in southern Illinois. Research will assess the wetland plant communities and wetland wildlife utilization associated with protected and unprotected littoral zone wetlands. For more information, contact Jack Nawrot (jnawrot@siu.edu). A 12-month stipend ($1,182/month for up to 2 years) includes full tuition waiver, excellent benefits, and research support. For more information about our program, please see: http://www.siu.edu/~wildlife/. Graduate studies lead to a Zoology degree (with emphasis in Wildlife Ecology). Competitive GPA and GRE scores are required (combined verbal and quantitative scores must be > 1,000). Posted: 2/17/04.

Stephen F. Austin State University: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Wildlife Management in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry. Description: The Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area is being managed to simultaneously provide high quality water to Richland Chambers Reservoir and quality wetland wildlife habitat. Through the use of moist soil management techniques in constructed wetlands of varying ages, this project will focus on two primary objectives: (1) evaluate the success of this cooperative effort by examining wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebird use of, and (2) quantify and monitor vegetative and invertebrate community development in, moist soil managed constructed wetlands. Within this general framework, several other research avenues may be pursued. Qualifications: MS in Wildlife Science/Management, Ecology, or closely related field. Specifically, an interest and some experience with waterfowl and wetland bird ecology, behavior, and physiology required. Also, a professional interest in wetland and aquatic invertebrate ecology preferred. A strong work ethic, leadership and organizational skills required. Minimum 3.00 GPA and 1000 GRE scores. Stipend: $20,000/year for a 12 month assistantship. Nonresident tuition waived, but resident tuition fees apply. Deadline: 15 November 2003. Start Date: 1 January 2004. To Apply: Send application, including cover letter stating research interests and career goals; resume/CV, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, reprints, and complete contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Warren C. Conway, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Management, Arthur Temple College of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6109. Inquiries, not applications: Email: wconway@sfasu.edu, Phone: 936-468-2090. Posted: 8/27/03.

Sul Ross State University: The Department of Biology is still accepting applications for graduate assistantships for Fall 2004. The Department emphasizes an organismal approach to the life sciences. Research interests of the faculty include vertebrate ecology, parasitology, botany, systematics, and microbiology. Sul Ross State University is located in Alpine, Texas. The campus is nestled in the Davis Mountains and serves as an excellent base for research in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. More information and links to applications can be found on the Biology Graduate Program. Posted: 5/12/04.

Sul Ross State University: M.S. Assistantship, Research on Horned Lizards. Duties: Student will be in charge of a study focused on estimating horned lizard densities. A thesis project will be developed that will complement this study. Qualifications: B.S. in biological sciences; ability to work independently under adverse field conditions; good writing skills; prefer candidate with at least a 3.0 GPA and 1,000 GRE (verbal + quantitative). Benefits: Partially subsidized health insurance, out-of-state tuition waiver. Salary: $777.77/month minimum; funding in place for 1.5 years; additional salary and higher summer salary are contingent on unsecured grants. Starting Date: 20 January 2004. Application Deadline: 30 November 2003. To apply, send a letter of application via e-mail. Be certain to address the listed qualifications, include the names and contact information (e-mail addresses and phone numbers) of three references including the last two supervisors, and attach a resume showing employment history, relevant education, and skills. Contact: Dr. James M. Mueller, Department of Biology, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX 79832; jmueller@sulross.edu; phone 915-837-8084, fax 208-275-6991. Posted: 11/3/03.

Texas A&M University: A Ph.D. Assistantship is available to participate in a research project to determine why egrets and herons nest in urban environments: establishing causality and associated health hazards. One of the main objectives of this project is to examine the diverse factors that may influence the selection of urban habitats for nesting by egrets and herons. This project will involve significant field work in central Texas and Oklahoma under hot and humid conditions. Interested individuals should have some knowledge of GIS, landscape ecology, avian ecology and statistics; however, such experience may be acquired while pursuing the Ph.D. The student must satisfy the University requirements to be enrolled in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores of 1200 or above (verbal + quantitative). Students with Master's degree will be given preference. The assistantship provides an annual stipend of $17,500 plus fringe benefits and out of state tuition waiver. Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of research interests and 2 letters of recommendation to: Dr. Miguel A. Mora, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, 2258 TAMU, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-2258. Email: mmora@tamu.edu. Posted: 1/22/04.

Texas A&M University: An MS Research Assistantship is available to participate in continuing investigations on the use of simulation models for evaluating impacts of environmental contaminants on wildlife. This project will be conducted under partial supervision and collaboration of Dr. William Grant, Ecological Systems Laboratory. One of the main objectives of this project is to continue the development of simulation models for predicting exposure and effects of contaminants on birds. Interested individuals should have some knowledge of avian ecology, statistics, and simulation modeling; however, such experience may be acquired while pursuing the Master's degree. The student must satisfy the University requirements to be enrolled in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores of 1200 or above (verbal + quantitative). The assistantship provides an annual stipend of $16,560 plus fringe benefits and out of state tuition waiver. Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of research interests and 2 letters of recommendation to: Dr. Miguel A. Mora, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, 2258 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258. Email: mmora@tamu.edu. Posted: 1/22/04.

Texas A&M University: The Spatial Sciences Laboratory is seeking highly qualified students to work on research projects in Geographic Information Systems & Remote Sensing. Positions will be filled at the MS & PhD levels. Information on current and past projects. Research/Teaching Assistantships: MS Stipends - $1200 - $1300/mo; PhD Stipends - $1250 - $1400/month. Appointments are 50% time for 12 months. Graduate students are expected to assist in teaching undergraduate courses for two semesters, as well as, assist with on-going research projects. All assistantships provide health insurance benefits and out-of-state tuition waivers as provided by state regulations. Start dates are the beginning of either the fall or spring semesters. Qualifications: The student will have completed a BS in engineering, natural resources, forestry, rangeland ecology or other related field, with a proven record of excellence in academics and competitive GRE scores. International students must have a 550 TOEFL score or better. Students must submit three letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a professor). Possible Degree Programs: Students may pursue studies in Forest Science or Biological & Agricultural Engineering. Other degree programs may be available on an individual basis. Please contact the respective department regarding individual admission requirements. Research Topics: Research opportunities include a wide variety of topics such as GIS/RS data development, natural resources assessment, forest inventory, forest biometrics, forest fire risk management and fuels mapping, urban and rural interface issues, flood modeling & damage assessment, environmental, weather, and water quantity & quality modeling. The SSL works with federal, state, and local agencies as well as private industry and foreign governments utilizing the technology of GIS, Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems. Individual research projects will depend on student interest and available funding For additional information please contact: Dr. R. Srinivasan, Director Spatial Sciences Laboratory 1500 Research Parkway, Suite B223 College Station, Texas 77845 Ph: 979-862-7956 Fax: 979-862-2607 e-mail: r-srinivasan@tamu.edu. Posted: 10/2/03.

Texas State University: M. S. Research Assistantship. Applications are being sought for one student interested in pursuing an academic career studying various aspects of the behavior (mate choice and sperm use) of sailfin and Amazon mollies starting summer/fall 2004. Amazon mollies, Poecilia formosa, are a unisexual (all female) fish species that are parasitic on the closely related bisexual sailfin molly, P. latipinna. Conflict exists between male sailfin mollies trying to mate with the right species, and the unisexual females trying to appropriate a mating from these males. For more information, see the full position description. Posted: 5/12/04.

Truman State University: One (or two) graduate assistantship (M.S.) in insect ecology is available beginning January 2004 (preferred) or August 2004. The teaching assistantship includes a two-year stipend and a full tuition waiver. Summer support may be available. The student will be expected to commit ~15 hrs per week to teaching activities to fulfill the requirements of the assistantship. The primary goal of the student will be to complete a thesis research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and a thesis committee. Potential research projects include (but are not limited to) the effects of urbanization on insect communities; the effects of an exotic species, the Asiatic Oak Weevil [Cyrtepistomus castaneus (Roleofs)], on oak regeneration; or the effect of reproductive mode (e.g., parthenogenesis) on the success of exotic insect species (mainly beetles). The biology graduate program is comprised of 8-12 dynamic graduate students who have high levels of interaction with their faculty advisors. The main emphasis of the program is to prepare students for entrance into doctoral programs. Therefore, the student should be committed to furthering their graduate and/or professional training beyond the Master's level. Interested students should provide Dr. Jon C. Gering (jgering@truman.edu) with the following materials: 1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications; 2) a resume or CV; 3) unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores; and 4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. These materials may be emailed (see above) or sent by postal mail to the following address: Biology Discipline, Division of Science, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501. Posted: 9/30/03.

Tulane University: I seek a highly motivate graduate student interested in plant ecophysiology, forest ecology, or evolutionary ecophysiology. My work is principally but not exclusively in tropical systems (Latin America and Hawaii). For detailed information on work in my lab email (rebeccam@umn.edu). The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology seeks applicants for the 4-year doctoral fellowship which begins fall semester each academic year. Applicants should have research experience (undergraduate or Master’s level graduate experience), a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.0, and a combined GRE (verbal plus quantitative) of at least 1300. Exceptions to these standards may be made under special circumstances (e.g., highly motivated students with exceptional research experience or students from under-represented groups). The fellowship carries a stipend of $20,000 plus full tuition and a professional travel allowance of $500 per year. These fellowships are funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents of Higher Education (BOR), which has a vested interest in serving the people of the State of Louisiana. We seek to award at least one of these fellowships to a member of an underrepresented minority group and to attract fellows who will consider future employment in the State of Louisiana. Applicants for these fellowships must apply for admission to the Department of EEB and the Tulane Graduate School. Please mention in your application that you would like to be considered for the BOR Graduate Fellowship. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens. Posted: 3/2/04.

Université du Québec à Montréal: A doctoral candidate position is available to study the effects of recurring Forest Tent Caterpillar (FTC) outbreaks on the successional trajectories in the southern portion of the boreal forest (Abitibi). Outbreaks of the FTC are a natural disturbance of a particular type: the short-term impact on trees is relatively minor but outbreaks can extend over a considerable area. The long-term impact of this type of disturbance is virtually unknown. The successful candidate will thus have the opportunity to contribute with his-her research to our understanding of disturbance regimes of intermediate intensity acting at very large scales. The candidate will be co-supervised by François Lorenzetti, adjunct professor, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and researcher, Institut Québécois d’aménagement de la forêt feuillue, and by Yves Bergeron, professor, Université du Québec à Montréal, and director, Chaire industrielle en aménagement forestier durable. The position is available immediately and must be filled not later than January 2004. Please send your CV, a cover letter and the names of two referees to: François Lorenzetti, Chercheur, Institut Québécois d'Aménagement de la Forêt Feuillue, 58, rue Principale, Ripon, Québec, J0V 1V0. Courriel : florenzetti@iqaff.qc.ca, Téléphone : (819) 983-6589, Télécopieur : (819) 983-6588. Posted: 10/6/03.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: graduate training program in Regional Resilience and Adaptation (RR&A) to train scholars, policy-makers, and managers to address issues of regional sustainability in an integrated fashion. This program prepares students to address a major challenge facing humanity: To sustain the desirable features of Earth's ecosystems and society at a time of rapid changes in all of the major forces that shape their structure and functioning. The program provides training at the PhD and Masters level. It integrates the tools and approaches of ecology, economics, anthropology, climate dynamics, philosophy, and community and regional development in a systems framework to understand the functioning of regional systems. Our underlying assumptions are: The major problems facing the world must be addressed at the regional scale, and no solution is tenable unless it is ecologically, economically, and culturally sustainable. The program emphasizes high-latitude ecosystems, where current management issues require an application of the integrated understanding of these disciplines. The RR&A program provides training at the PhD and Masters levels. Our goal is to educate a new generation of scholars, policy makers, and managers to integrate the perspectives of natural and social sciences in addressing both the basic understanding of regional systems and the application of this understanding to management issues. The program provides training to graduate students from the University of Alaska and to graduate students at other universities who wish to enroll for one year of intensive course work in Regional Resilience and Adaptation at the University of Alaska. We provide course work and a seminar program that integrates ecology, economics, political science, and anthropology in a systems-modeling framework. We also provide faculty mentorship and internships in areas outside each student's parent discipline. The RR&A program is associated with numerous research programs at the University of Alaska and in state and federal agencies. These research programs provide interdisciplinary research opportunities for RR&A students. The program emphasizes cross-cultural communication through heavy involvement with the Alaskan Native American community and with managers, businesses, and conservation groups. We offer NSF-funded fellowships to PhD candidates entering the program. Additional funding is available to both PhD and Masters students through participating departments. A detailed description of the program and application forms are available here or by contacting F. Stuart Chapin, III (terry.chapin@uaf.edu) at the Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775. February 1 is the target date for reviewing applications to the RR&A program, although applications received after that date will also receive consideration. Posted: 1/20/04.

University of Alberta: One graduate assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) in insect ecology/forest pest management is available beginning January or May 2004. The candidate will join a research team to investigate the attack mechanisms of the mountain pine beetle on lodgepole pines and to develop spatial models to predict the mortality rates of lodgepole pines attacked by the beetle at the stand level. We encourage students who is broadly trained in any of the areas of biology or mathematics/statistics to apply, but would be particularly interested in students who plan to combine theoretical modeling and field experiment in their research. The candidate will be co-supervised by Allan Carroll (Research Scientist in the Pacific Forestry Centre of Canadian Forest Service in Victoria, BC. Email: acarroll@pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca) and Fangliang He (Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta. Email: fhe@ualberta.ca). Interested students should provide us with the following materials: (1) a cover letter stating you research interests and qualifications, (2) your CV, and (3) the names (emails or phone numbers) of two referees. These materials may be emailed or sent by postal mail to Fangliang He at Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H1. Posted: 11/21/03.

University of Arkansas: I seek two graduate students for related projects. A Ph.D. student will use a bioenergetics approach to determine the relationship between prey production and production of brown and rainbow trout in Arkansas tailwaters and the effectiveness of gut content analysis and stable isotope analysis in developing a bioenergetics model. A Ph.D. or M.S. student will work on a project examining factors affecting movement and mortality of rainbow trout in Arkansas tailwaters. Both projects will involve substantial field work in the Ozark Mountains on the Bull Shoals and Norfork tailwaters. In addition, the bioenergetics project will involve experiments and observations in the lab. Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in fisheries, ecology, biology, or a related field and; 3.0 GPA (minimum); 1000 (V+Q) minimum GRE. Previous research experience with fish and/or streams is preferred. Applicants must be responsible, motivated, and able to work independently in remote field locations. Stipend will be $15,000 for Ph.D. and $12,000 for M.S. plus full tuition waiver. Open until filled. Preferred start of spring/summer 2004 is negotiable. Contact: Contact me for information or send (email preferred) 1) a letter describing your interests and career goals, 2) resume (including GPA, GRE scores and contact info for three references), and 3) transcripts (unofficial copies ok) to: Dan Magoulick, Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701. danmag@uark.edu, 479-575-5449. Posted: 11/6/03.

University of Arkansas: The Department of Biological Sciences is actively recruiting 2 Distinguished Doctoral Fellows and 6 Doctoral Academy Fellows to begin graduate work in August 2004. The Distinguished Fellowships have a 9-month stipend of $30,000, and the Doctoral Academy Fellowships have a 9-month stipend of $15,000, both available for up to 4 years of support based on satisfactory progress. Fellowships will require research and/or teaching depending upon the major professor chosen. In addition, fellowships include a waiver of tuition and most fees. Outstanding students from all biological disciplines are encouraged to apply. Selection will be based on undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and undergraduate (B.S.) research experience or graduate (M.S.) research experience. Applicants should contact faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences whose research they may be interested in directly at http://biology.uark.edu/bisc.html for more information and application materials. To be eligible for the Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships, applicants must be citizens of the United States. Review of applications will begin in early January and initial offers will be made in late January or February. Contact Dr. Kimberly G. Smith (kgsmith@uark.edu) for any further information. Posted: 9/22/03.

University of Arkansas-Monticello: The School of Forest Resources has a M.S. Assistantship in Forest Ecology/Productivity available beginning in the fall of 2004. The assistantship will work on a project evaluating pine productivity responses from mid-rotation fertilizer application and woody vegetation control. The student can focus on various aspects of the study per his or her interest and background: growth response, nutrient regimes, soil processes, water quality, species diversity etc. Research will occur at a number of field sites in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas and Louisiana. The individual chosen for this assistantship will be involved in all phases of the project and work closely with forest industry liaisons. An annual stipend of $12,000 and a tuition waiver are included with the assistantship. For additional information or to apply contact Dr. Hal O. Liechty or Dr. Eric Heitzman (870-460-1452). Posted: 3/4/04.

University at Buffalo & University of Wyoming: The Departments of Geography at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and Botany at the University of Wyoming seek Ph.D. students to collect data and model spatial processes in forested ecosystems. One funding opportunity is available at each institution, but both positions will involve collaborative work at the same study site. Positions are available as early as January 2004, and competitive IGERT fellowships in Geography are available at Buffalo (http://www.geog.buffalo.edu/giscience). The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary team of hydrologists and ecologists working on a landscape-scale NSF-funded study that seeks to quantify and explain spatial patterns of canopy transpiration. Fieldwork will require an interest in forest ecosystems and an ability to perform moderate physical labor in northern Wisconsin. Candidates are expected to have either a strong interest in ecohydrologic fieldwork and/or an interest and ability in working with and developing physically based simulation models. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are considered an asset for both positions. For more information contact Dr. Scott Mackay (dsmackay@buffalo.edu or 716-645-2722) or Dr. Brent Ewers (beewers@uwyo.edu; 307-766-2625). Posted: 11/20/03.

University of California-Santa Cruz: Graduate research opportunity in regional systems resilience and interdisciplinary environmental science. Ph.D. student sought for study of the changing roles of wildfire in the Alaskan-Canadian boreal region, with emphasis on fire effects on ecosystem services, policy feedbacks to fire management and fire regime, and/or valuation of fire in rural communities. Research will involve a combination of ecological and social science fieldwork in Alaska as well as archival research and analyses. Three years of direct project support are available; up to two more years of support can be secured through teaching and research assistantships and departmental awards. Qualifications sought are excellent academic record and quantitative/writing skills, research or related experience in both the natural and social sciences, demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, earth sciences, environmental studies or related field with coursework in policy, anthropology, economics, and/or other relevant social sciences. Prospective students should send inquiries to Erika Zavaleta (zavaleta@ucsc.edu) accompanied by curriculum vitae and a brief statement describing relevant background, coursework, GPA/GRE scores, and graduate school and career goals. Information and links to application materials. Application deadline to the program is January 7, 2004. However, I encourage prospective students to begin corresponding directly with me as soon as possible. Posted: 10/31/03.

University of Canterbury: PhD scholarship: Seed predators and biological control of weeds. Available from July 2004 (negotiable). Three year duration. $20,000 annual tax-free stipend. Full tuition fees paid (domestic or international rate). Funded by Landcare Research. Closing date for applications: 8 June 2004. "Multi-targeting" of weed complexes: can more generalist biocontrol agents provide safe, efficient biological control of weeds? Ecological theory states that herbivores such as seed predators may limit the densities of plant species. Good evidence for this comes from work on biological control of weeds, where a biocontrol agent leads to a measurable decline in the density of the weed. For most of the 20th Century, the emphasis in biological control was on releasing only very host-specific biocontrol agents. The perceived ideal was an insect (or other natural enemy) which preys upon only a single host species, the target weed. However, in many cases a number of closely related plant species are all weeds, such as the thistles (in genera like Carduus and Cirsium in the family Asteraceae). A "multi-species capable" biocontrol agent, which attacks a number of members of the same weed group, might in theory be more desirable than the perceived "ideal" one-weed one-agent scenario, for several reasons:. better prospects for effective biocontrol of already-present members of the weed group;. establishment of the multi-targeting biocontrol agent may act to prevent future invaders from ever becoming weeds. These questions are of practical and theoretical interest, and are the core of this PhD programme. The project will combine experimental work (field and lab based), and computer simulations and modelling, to examine various aspects of this question as a component of a government and pastoral industry- funded research programme lead by AgResearch to development sustainable weed management systems for pastures. Experience with plant/herbivore interactions and with simulation modelling would be an advantage. We have funds to cover a tax-free living allowance (stipend), full fees (at domestic or full international rate), field travel and expenses, and also some training to develop modelling skills. Further details from: Assoc. Prof. Dave Kelly, Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. Email: dave.kelly@canterbury.ac.nz, Phone: (+64 3) 3642 500. Posted: 5/18/04.

University of Cape Town: The Department of Botany has an exciting research programme in plant ecology in the Kruger National Park. The research focuses on gaining a better understanding of the long-term tree-grass coexistence within savanna ecosystems in southern Africa. The balance between grasses and trees is a defining property of savanna ecosystems. By comparing two alternative hypotheses of grass-tree interaction we hope to gain fundamental insights into the functioning of savanna ecosystems. Within this program we are interested in exploring water relations of trees and their influence on recruitment, growth and survival from seedling to adult tree. Incorporated within the program there are a number of positions available for post graduate students interested in plant ecosystem science within southern Africa. We are particularly looking for people interested in plant ecophysiology focussing on stable isotopes, sap flow, plant water availability, and carbon allocation. While our focus is toward students wishing to pursue a Masters or PhD we will also consider Post Doctoral research. We will be able to provide good support for research projects and excellent opportunities for broadening your research experience. The project is funded by the NRF and the Mellon Foundation. Interested persons should contact Dr Edmund February efeb@botzoo.uct.ac.za or Prof William Bond bond@botzoo.uct.ac.za before the 1st of July 2004. It would help to indicate a description of your training, experience and interests and possible referees. Posted: 6/3/04.

University of Central Florida: PhD graduate assistant in conservation biology. The area of research involves the examination of tropical forest structure in the Brazilian rain forests around Manaus. This study will use an innovative canopy measurement device and will focus in the forests that are part of the Biological Forest Fragmentation Project. An example of similar work (pdf). Desired qualifications are an MS degree with strong training in ecology and forested systems, good quantitative skills, and field experience. Knowledge of Portuguese is also desireable. The student would be a member of the Geospatial Analysis and Modeling of Ecological Systems (GAMES) Lab. Graduate assistantships are presently around $19,000 annually and include tuition reimbursements. Contact: John F. Weishampel (jweisham@mail.ucf.edu, 407-823-6634). Posted: 1/13/04.

University of Dublin: Impacts of exotic plants on native plant-pollinator mutualisms. Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD studentship, commencing October 2004, funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The project, under the supervision of Dr Jane Stout (Botany Department) and Dr Mark Brown (Zoology Department), will make a comprehensive study of the potential direct and indirect impacts of exotic Rhododendron ponticum on native ecosystems in Ireland. An inter-disciplinary integrated laboratory and field approach will be used to determine the positive and negative impacts that this alien species may have on native plants and pollinators. The successful applicant will receive a studentship award of €15,000 per year, in addition to tuition fees (full fees are only available for students from EU countries). Applicants must have (or expect to get) a first or upper second class Bachelors, or Masters, degree in a biological science (Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences or similar). Previous experience in carrying out biological field surveys of higher plants and insects, and of molecular techniques (DNA extraction, microsatellite analysis), would be advantageous but is not essential, and competence in statistical analysis is highly desirable. Candidates should be enthusiastic, highly motivated, competent in written and spoken English, and hold a full driving licence. The position will be based in the Botany Department, at Trinity College, in Dublin’s city centre. For further information, please contact Dr Jane Stout (stoutj@tcd.ie). Please apply by sending a letter, outlining your suitability for the post, and your full curriculum vitae, containing the names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail and fax) of three referees, to Dr Jane Stout (stoutj@tcd.ie). Deadline for applications 30.06.04. Posted: 5/18/04.

University of Florida: A Ph.D. assistantship is available, beginning in summer/fall 2004, to examine the regeneration ecology/ecophysiology of subtropical rainforests in New South Wales, Australia. The research project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Doland Nichols of the Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia. The successful applicant will have a M.S. degree in forestry or in any biological sciences with good written and oral communication skills and excellent GPA and GRE scores. Interested students should contact (before February 10, 2004): Dr. Shibu Jose, Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Milton, FL 32583 Phone (850) 983 5216 ext. 107, Fax (850) 983 5774, email:sjose@ufl.edu. Posted: 1/23/04.

University of Florida: With funding from NSF, the Working Forests in the Tropics Program offers competitive doctoral fellowships for training and research focused on tradeoffs among economic uses, ecological conservation, and regional development in the tropical forests of Latin America. Our unique "Ph.D. plus" curriculum includes training in interdisciplinary theory, field courses, practicum experiences, and leadership and communication skills. Research themes include (1) Capacity Building, (2) Cultural Persistence, (3) Ecological Dynamics, (4) Forest Management Systems, (5) Macro-Economics and Infrastructure Development, and (6) Policy and Governance. Applicants should combine cross-cultural experience, academic excellence, and leadership potential. Fellows will be expected to collaborate with one or more of the twenty Latin American universities, government agencies and NGOs that participate as research and training partners. Awards include tuition waivers, NSF-IGERT fellowships, and some travel and supply funds. In accordance with NSF policy, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline: January 15, 2004. Application guidelines are on-line at: www.tropicalforests.ufl.edu/wft. Posted: 11/14/03.

University of Florida: Department of Botany. Graduate assistantships (M.S. or Ph.D.) are available. Research projects are focused on understanding how terrestrial ecosystems will respond to global climate change. The field sites are distributed globally to understand processes in different biomes. Study areas include Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, and other sites in Central and South American wet tropics. The research focuses on the response of plants and soils to environmental change, and in understanding how natural ecosystems exchange carbon with the atmosphere. All projects involve collecting data and samples from field sites, processing samples in the laboratory, and analyzing data. The research involves a wide range of interests in plants, ecosystems, soils, and nutrient cycling. Specific projects include: 1. The effects of global climate change on northern ecosystems. The research is aimed at understanding how permafrost melting in arctic ecosystems affects the growth of tundra plants and the storage of carbon in these ecosystems. Aspects of the project involve measuring changes in plant species composition and growth rates, changes in ecosystem carbon exchange, and using carbon isotopes to understand the sources of carbon loss from plants and the soil to the atmosphere. The fieldwork for this project is based in interior Alaska. 2. Climate controls over ecosystem carbon fluxes. This project is aimed at understanding how plants and soils contribute to carbon fluxes from regrowing pine stands in Florida. Aspects of this project involve understanding and characterizing the components of soil organic matter, and the automated measurement of carbon dioxide emissions from the soil. The fieldwork for this project is based at the Austin Carey forest in Gainesville, Florida. 3. The effect of rainfall on carbon cycling in wet tropical forest. The research is aimed at understanding how high rainfall in wet tropical forests affects ecosystem structure and function. Aspects of this project involve understanding how precipitation affects forest growth by altering light and nutrient availability. This fieldwork for this project will be based in multiple Central and South American sites in the wet tropics. Please contact Dr. Ted Schuur (tschuur@ufl.edu) or see the Ecosystem Dynamics Research Lab site for more information about the projects or how to apply. Posted: 11/13/03.

University of Florida: A half-time M.S. assistantship is available (beginning spring/summer 2004) at the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. The successful applicant will undertake a research project involving the ecological restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Southeast. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry or in any biological sciences with strong interests in forestry and restoration ecology, 3.0 GPA, and a GRE score of 1000 (Verbal and Quantitative). Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable at this point), GRE score (photocopy is acceptable), and names and addresses of three references to Dr. Shibu Jose, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL 32583. Phone (850) 983 5216 ext. 107; Fax (850) 983 5774; Email: sjose@ufl.edu. Posted: 10/22/03.

University of Florida: Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. A Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) is available to conduct research on the ecology and conservation of tropical forests. Priority will be given to students interested in 1) factors influencing plant recruitment, including seed dispersal, seed predation, and seed bank structure, and 2) the use of matrix models to study plant population dynamics. Much of our research is conducted at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in Manaus, Brazil, though students interested in conducting fieldwork in other locations will also be considered. Additional information. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with superior academic credentials and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential, as is a willingness to work under challenging field conditions for extended periods of time. The ability to program in MATLAB is preferred but not required. Minorities, women, and international students are strongly encouraged to apply. Stipend/Benefits: $13,000 and full tuition waiver. Funding for travel and fieldwork may be available for students working in the subject areas listed above. Additional travel and research funds may also be available for students participating in the Tropical Conservation and Development Program or the Working Forests in the Tropics NSF-IGERT. The starting date for the Assistantship is Fall Semester, 2004. Interested students should send a CV, statement of research interests, and description of prior academic experience to Dr. Emilio Bruna via email (BrunaE@wec.ufl.edu) or post (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, PO Box 110430, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611). Posted: 9/30/03.

University of Florida: A Ph.D. assistantship is available to a highly motivated, quantitatively-oriented student to investigate population dynamics of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). The successful candidate will be part of a National Science Foundation-funded collaborative project. Applicants should have a Master's degree in (1) ecology, wildlife or related field, and strong quantitative skills, or (2) statistics, applied mathematics or related field, and an interest in ecology. Experience or interest in mark-recapture analysis and structured population models is an advantage. Interested applicants should send a CV, copies of transcripts, GRE scores and 3 reference letters to: Dr. M. K. Oli, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-0430, e-mail: olim@wec.ufl.edu, fax: (352) 392-6984. Posted: 9/15/03.

University of Georgia: Graduate student support is available for an M.S. student interested in computer simulation modeling of nitrogen dynamics in river networks. Thesis research by the successful candidate will be integrated with an ongoing, nation-wide study of nitrogen dynamics in headwater streams. The research project will include: 1) compiling and analyzing spatial data sets that describe land use and stream network structure; and 2) assisting in the development and application of a model to simulate streambed nitrogen processing and in-stream transport of nitrogen within the stream network. Requirements: 1) Outstanding quantitative skills (modeling experience desirable); 2) knowledge of (or strong interest) in nitrogen dynamics in streams; 3) familiarity with GIS; 4) excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will start fall semester, 2004 and will work under the direction of Drs. Geoffrey Poole and Judy Meyer at the University of Georgia’s Institute of Ecology. Support is available for two years. This project also provides the opportunity to interact with dozens of other stream ecologists nationwide. The assistantship provides an $18,300 annual stipend plus a tuition waiver. To be considered for this assistantship, submit the following information: 1) a letter of interest, 2) resume or C.V., 3) transcripts*, 4) GRE scores*, 5) name and contact information for three references. *Unofficial copies acceptable for initial applications. Send documents via e-mail to gpoole@eco-metrics.com (using text, MS Word, or PDF format). Any candidate selected will then apply to the University of Georgia graduate program. Application review will begin Feb 1, 2004 and will continue until the position is filled. Posted: 1/20/04.

University of Georgia: The following opportunities are available in the laboratory of Professor Gary D. Grossman (grossman@uga.edu), Warnell School of Forest Resources. Two – four PhD assistantships available (two immediately) although the starting date could be as late as next fall. The assistantships pay between $16,500 – $18,000 US annually and come with a tuition waiver. The descriptions of both of these projects are short, but both projects have substantial room and funding for the student to develop their own ideas involving the stated general topics. 1) Via both field and lab experiments the student will assess the effects of stocked rainbow trout on native non-game fishes in Southern Appalachian mountain streams. This study will focus on both population-level and microhabitat-level effects. Funding is available for 4 years. 2) This project will determine the effects of turbidity on foraging success and ultimately, population growth of native water-column fishes in Southern Appalachian streams. We will measure the effects of turbidity on both reactive distances and foraging success of several native drift-feeders. There also is the possibility of working with an invasive species and attempting to determine if its ability to tolerate high turbidity will facilitate its establishment in new rivers. Finally, the ultimate goal of this project will be to couple the foraging success information with a population model to predict how turbidity will ultimately affect fish abundance. 3) MSc with potential for PhD – this project will utilize a patch-fitness based approach to assess microhabitat choice in a benthic stream fish (probably a darter). We will quantify patch quality and fitness characteristics of fishes in these patches (i.e., residence times, giving up densities, growth, survivorship, etc.). Population level linkages are possible via removal experiments or artificial manipulation of patch quality. 4) Pending funding approval – PhD assistantship to examine the role of large woody debris on flow dynamics and foraging success in several Texas riverine fishes. The basic approach is described in the turbidity project above except that we will not be looking at the effects of turbidity but we will be examining the small & large-scale hydrologic impacts of large woody debris on optimal velocities for fishes in rivers. See below for a broader description of the project. 5) Potential MSc opportunities – there is a possibility for assistantships via the EPA NNEMS Fellowship Program. This would require working together to write a short proposal that deals with some aspect of basic/applied ecology. Potential areas include: 1) landscape approaches to aquatic systems, 2) effects of turbidity on aquatic systems, 3) invasive species issues. The applicants that I’ve sponsored have had a high success rate on these fellowships. Applications are due January 24 2004, so if you’re interested please contact me ASAP. Posted: 12/16/03.

University of Groningen: There are currently 5 PhD-positions available at the Animal Behaviour Group of the University of Groningen (the Netherlands). We would appreciate it very much if you could bring these to the attention of excellent and ambitious candidates who want to spread their wings. All five projects reflect the tradition of the Animal Behaviour group of integrating functional and mechanistic questions, including studies of energetics, ecological immunology and endocrinology. Current staff members at the Animal Biology group are Serge Daan, Cor Dijkstra, Ton Groothuis, Henk Visser and Simon Verhulst. Behavioural biologists in other groups at the Biological Centre include Leo Beukeboom, Charlotte Hemelrijk, Jan Komdeur, Ido Pen, Theunis Piersma, Joost Tinbergen, and Franjo Weissing. The following projects are available: 1. Optimalisation of daily activity in mice: timing. 2. Optimalisation of daily activity in mice: intensity. 3. Live fast, die young? Evolutionary ecology of basal metabolic rate in great tits. 4. Live fast, die young? Resource allocation, oxidative stress and avian longevity. 5. Strategic allocation of sex and steroid hormones by pigeon mothers to their eggs: mechanism and function. Project descriptions and addresses for correspondence can be found at www.biol.rug.nl/zoolab. Posted: 6/29/04.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: Genomic Ecology of Global Change. The objective of this new research program is to integrate genomic, metabolomic and ecological approaches to improve prediction of the effects of environmental change on the structure and function of a model agroecosystem. The University of Illinois has the only facility worldwide that provides precisely controlled elevations of atmosphere carbon dioxide and ozone, singly and in combination, to replicate plots of soybean, corn and other crops within a continuous agroecosystem. The SoyFACE (Soybean Free Air Concentration Enrichment) experiment exposes the entire atmosphere-crop-soil system to these elements of global change throughout the entire growing season, and because it uses open-air injection, it provides unfettered access to insects and pathogens. We are assembling a research team to make congruent measurements of gene expression, metabolite profiles, aspects of whole plant physiology and growth, and ecosystem nutrient cycles in an agroecosystem under simulated future global atmospheric conditions. We are looking for highly motivated and adventuresome people to work in a highly collaborative environment. Successful applicants will be fluent in English and have excellent writing skills. Graduate research assistants can gain admission to masters or doctoral programs either through the Department of Plant Biology, Department of Crop Sciences, Department of Entomology, Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or the Program in Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology. We seek graduate students in the following areas: plant metabolite profiling, plant-microbe interactions, plant-insect interactions, plant stress responses, and ecosystem ecology/biogeochemistry. Positions are open immediately. Qualified individuals should submit their curriculum vitae and two letters of reference to Dr. Evan H. DeLucia (delucia@uiuc.edu). Posted: 6/11/04.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: Two Graduate Research Assistantships will be available beginning Fall Semester 2004 for graduate research on the effects of nutrients in streams. Capable and ambitious students are sought to assist in research that is relevant to the determination of nutrient standards for Illinois streams. Potential projects include investigations into the quantitative relationship between phosphorus and algal biomass, light-nutrient interactions, nitrogen co-limitation, nutrient bioavailability, stoichiometry, interacting effects of physical-chemical limiting factors, and indirect effects of nutrients on water quality and higher trophic levels. Financial support includes a 50% appointment during the school year, summer support, and a tuition waiver. Prospective students should contact Dr. Walter Hill (wrhill@uiuc.edu, 217-244-2103). Applications will be made through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences; or the Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Posted: 2/2/04.

University of Kansas: Outstanding candidates for MS and PhD degrees in Biogeochemistry, Global Change Biology, or Ecosystem Ecology are invited to apply for admission to the University of Kansas' Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Assistantships are available to work in a terrestrial ecosystem ecology laboratory, focusing on the role of soils in mediating global change phenomena such as rising levels of atmospheric CO2 and N deposition. Once admitted, Ph.D. students are guaranteed five years of funding with satisfactory progress towards the degree. For more information contact: Dr. Sharon Billings at sharonb@ku.edu or 785-864-1560. Posted: 11/17/03.

University of Kentucky: Two four-year Ph.D. Assistantships in Prairie Restoration beginning Spring 2004 or later. (1) Texas coastal prairie restoration. The student will be enrolled at the University of Kentucky and will work on the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation property near Sinton, Texas. The stipend comes with a $1,400 a month stipend plus $100 a month travel allowance. Health insurance is also provided and the tuition is waived. The student must be highly motivated to in a remote location. The basic research protocol will be evaluating the effects of various herbicides on killing old world bluestems and bermuda grass and re-establishing the native warm season grasses and forbs. The student will also be expected to develop and conduct additional experiments related to the general topic of coastal prairie restoration. (2) Tall Grass Prairie Restoration in Eastern South Dakota - work on converting smooth brome, reed canary grass, and quack grass to native warm season grasses and forbs. The work will be conducted in the prairie coteau region of southeastern South Dakota and will work directly with the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department on selecting, implementing and monitoring plots. The opportunity for employment by the state agency is possible prior to beginning graduate school in the fall 2004. During this employment period the student will gain experience in burning and other management techniques as well as selecting study sites and gathering preliminary data. The stipend pays $17,000 per year and the student is responsible for paying 1/3 the resident tuition rate. The student will be enrolled at South Dakota State University and must meet all the graduate school requirements of that instituition. However, at least one semester or year can be spent at the University of Kentucky supplementing course work or research. The project involves screening herbicides that will kill smooth brome, reed canary grass, and quackgrass and seeding in native warm season grasses and forbs. The student will also be expected to develop and conduct additional experiments in this general area of study. For more information please contact Tom Barnes, Extension Professor, Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0073; 859-257-8633; tbarnes@uky.edu. Posted: 11/20/03.

University of Louisiana: During 2004, we will award up to six University Fellowships and Board of Regents Doctoral Fellowships to students entering the doctoral program in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. Fellowships are funded for three to four years and carry stipends of $14,000-$18,000 per year with waivers of tuition and most fees. University Fellows are assigned limited teaching responsibilities; there is no teaching requirement for Board of Regents fellows. To be eligible for these fellowships, students must be a US citizen or have a degree from a US institution. Applicants are strongly encouraged to directly contact prospective advisors. For research interests of individual faculty and adjunct faculty, contact information, and more information about the graduate program, visit the Biology Department web site. Posted: 1/16/04.

University of Maryland: Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship in Ecosystem Ecology or Plant Ecophysiology, for the fall 2004, in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Landscape Architecture. Potential Focus Areas: 1) Nitrogen dynamics in a set of Adirondack watersheds in New York. Link between terrestrial and aquatic (streams and lakes) ecosystems. 2) Use of micro-calorimetry (measuring metabolic heat rate) in plants to detect a) growth potential and 2) environmental stress such as ozone. 3) The effects of air pollution on plant -soil-leachate continuum. Excellent field, departmental, and laboratory settings would enable the successful candidates to perform state of the art research. These facilities include but not limited to, 1) ongoing field research in the southwestern portion of the Adirondacks, NY, 2) a new departmental green house complex and growth chambers in College Park, MD, with capabilities to control ozone and CO2, light, and temperature, 3) two LICOR 6200, 4) two LICOR 6400, 5) a multi scanning calorimeter, and other relevant equipment. The assistantship pays for stipend and tuition. Information for prospective students. More questions? Contact: B. Momen (301 405 1332, bmomen@umd.edu). Posted: 1/14/04.

University of Maryland: Ph.D. Research Assistantship - Ecosystem/Community Ecology. Successful applicant will participate in a NSF-funded project to examine the role of overabundant white-tailed deer in forest N cycling and forest-floor detrital food web dynamics. Ideally, applicants should have experience in large ungulate ecology, forest N cycling, or invertebrate food webs but key characteristics are high academic potential, dedication, and creativity. Specific dissertation research hypotheses will be student initiated but related to this project to ensure logistical support. Funding is available for three years. Research will be conducted from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Appalachian Laboratory; matriculation will be through the University of Maryland at College Park (MEES Program). Submit letter of introduction; statement of research interests, experiences and goals; copies of transcripts; GRE scores; and at least three references (name, postal address, telephone number, email address) to: Dr. Steve Seagle, UMCES Appalachian Laboratory, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532. For questions contact 301-689-7123 or seagle@al.umces.edu. Applicant review begins 31 December 2003, but applications will be considered until position is filled. Posted: 11/14/03.

University of Maryland: A graduate assistantship in Plant Conservation Biology in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Landscape Architecture is available starting August, 2004. Possible research projects include 1) Comparative assessment of the effects of fragmentation and landscape context on pollination biology, reproductive success, and gene flow of native plant species. 2) Examination of the evolutionary distinctiveness and systematic relationships of putatively rare species using morphological and genetic approaches. 3) Comparative population biology of endangered plant species endemic to limestone and dolomite substrates in southern California. Students in my laboratory have opportunities to pursue research using a variety of tools and techniques to conservation research, including DNA sequencing and microsatellites, field work, and geographic information system technology. The department has outstanding research and teaching facilities including new classroom, lab, and office space; a new greenhouse complex; and an extensive array of state of the art environmental chambers. Support will include tuition remission and a stipend for a combination of teaching and research assistantships, contingent annually upon progress towards a degree. Candidates at both masters and Ph.D. levels will be considered. Outstanding Ph.D.-level candidates who apply prior to February 1, 2004 will also be considered for nomination for a fellowship from the Graduate School. For more information please contact Maile Neel (mneel@umd.edu). For information on the University’s graduate program, including application instructions, click here. Posted: 10/30/03.

University of Miami: 4 year R.A. position in the Department of Biology to study plant nutrient and water uptake in Brazilian savannas and the Everglades. Research involves measurements of stable isotope ratios from different plant components and measurement of plant physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, sap flow and water potential. The student should be willing to spend several weeks in central Brazil and learn Portuguese. This is part of a larger NSF biocomplexity proposal investigating how divergent hydrological characteristics can lead to convergent vegetation structures: savanna and wetland savanna. Please contact Dr. Leonel Sternberg (l.sternberg@miami.edu) if interested, and apply online to graduate studies at the U. Miami Dept. of Biology. Deadline: 1/1/04. Posted: 12/17/03.

University of Minnesota: Two graduate assistantships are available beginning in summer 2004 to investigate biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen in agricultural ecosystems subject to long-term conventional and alternative management strategies. Our research focuses on impacts of management on soil organic matter dynamics and trace gas exchange using stable isotopes as tracers of carbon and nitrogen movement. This research will involve both field and laboratory work and offers an opportunity to learn state-of-the-art experimental and analytical techniques. Candidates will be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of scientists on a project recently funded by USDA to examine ecosystem C and N cycling. Prospective students interested in biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, soil science, and related areas are encouraged to apply. Please contact Dr. Jennifer King (jyking@umn.edu) or Dr. Deborah Allan (dallan@soils.umn.edu) for further information. Submission of application materials by January 15, 2004 is strongly recommended for consideration. Posted: 11/24/03.

University of Minnesota: Graduate assistantships are available for highly qualified students interested in M.S. or Ph.D. level graduate study in Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions. Research and Teaching Assistantships with full tuition waiver and stipend are awarded on a competitive basis. Faculty who study biosphere-atmosphere interactions work on a broad range of research topics, including: • Carbon and water cycles of natural and managed ecosystems, • Canopy-scale turbulent transport and fluid dynamics, • Land-cover change effects on regional carbon and water fluxes, • Isotopic composition of land-atmosphere exchange, • Nitrogen and mercury biogeochemistry, and • Trace gas exchange. Research projects are located in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems. Students have the opportunity to work with one or more members of an interdisciplinary group of faculty in the departments of Civil Engineering; Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; Forest Resources; Mechanical Engineering; and Soil, Water, and Climate. For more information, please see http://bioatmos.umn.edu. Posted: 11/21/03.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: 2-year MS graduate assistantship for a self-motivated individual interested in host-parasite dynamics and spatial ecology. One possible research topic examines a well documented parapatric boundary in southern Australia between two tick species that parasitise a large skink. Recent models of ecological parapatry, where the geographical distributions of two similar species abut without overlapping, have shown that spatial gradients in intrinsic growth rates can lead to sharp boundaries when dispersal is density dependent. However, the Australian system lacks one or both of these features. We will use a combination of spatially explicit agent based models, diffusion models, and statistical models to explore the interaction between the two ticks and their lizard host. Other possible research topics include ongoing and developing projects in both Nebraska and Australia: Predicting spatial distribution of diseases from survey data; Optimising survey designs for wildlife and wildlife diseases; Responses of breeding birds to land use change in Rainwater Basin wetlands. Qualifications: Willingness to try new things and break barriers more important than extensive formal training in mathematics and statistics. A background in either biological sciences, mathematics or statistics is required. Familiarity with the other fields listed is desirable. Stipend is $13,500/year plus tuition remission and health benefits. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2004. Applicants must be accepted by the School of Natural Resources to receive the stipend. Send a letter of interest describing why you want to do graduate studies and your preferred area of research, copies of transcripts, GPA and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable), and contact information for three references to Dr. Andrew Tyre, School of Natural Resources, 202 Natural Resources Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0819. Posted: 12/15/03.

University of Nevada, Reno: Three MS Research Assistantships in: Environmental and Natural Resource Science or Hydrology; One MS Research Assistantships in: Hydrology or Hydrogeology; One PhD Research Assistantship in: Hydrology, Hydrogeology or Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology. Research Projects: MS1 and 2: (To start in May 2004) Research in support of the National Fire Plan to relate pre-fire riparian conditions, including riparian proper functioning condition assessment and stream survey variables to fire intensity, riparian vegetation consumption level, and post-fire riparian vegetation survival. MS3: (To start in August 2004) Research in support of the Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition examining the distribution of RUSLE cover values and accelerated soil erosion in relation to Pinyon and juniper expansion into different sagebrush types on different slopes, aspects, elevations, geologic parent materials. MS4: (To start in August 2004) Research in support of the Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition relating water for riparian systems to landscape scale expansion of pinyon and juniper trees. Project will combine GIS interpretation of decades old and current remote sensing and hydrologic data. PhD (To start in August 2004 in collaboration with MS1 and MS2) Research in support of the National Fire Plan to relate pre-fire riparian conditions, including riparian-proper-functioning-condition-assessment and stream-survey variables to supply and fate of coarse woody debris and beaver dams, hydrologic conditions for riparian vegetation, and erosion and sediment deposition effects on channel morphology. To discuss these projects or graduate school, contact: Dr. Sherman Swanson, Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences (Soon to be Natural Resources and Environmental Science), 1000 Valley Rd. Reno, NV 89512 (775-784-4057, sswanson@cabnr.unr.edu) Stipends $1,200. - $1,500. / Month. Application information. Send duplicate copy of application materials to Sherman Swanson. Posted: 1/13/04.

University of Nevada, Reno: Multi-Scale Inventory of Pinyon-Juniper Woodland. A graduate research assistantship (M.S.) in Natural Resources, with a focus on landscape ecology, is available beginning May 2004. The goal of the research project is to quantify the cover, density, structure and vigor of pinyon-juniper woodland for a large area of central Nevada, using a multi-scale approach to sampling and analysis. The research combines remote sensing, GIS analysis and ecological fieldwork. Products should be useful for prioritizing critical areas where rangeland restoration activities would be of greatest benefit. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (with minimum GPA of 3.0) in ecology, geography, forestry, range science, natural resource management, or a related field. Strong quantitative skills, computer skills, and a background in remote sensing and/or GIS applications are also highly desirable. Prolonged fieldwork in remote areas and under rugged conditions may be required. The assistantship includes a starting salary of $15,000, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Additional information on graduate study at UNR. The following materials are needed to apply: (1) Letter of Intent describing background and career goals, (2) resume or CV (including contact information for 3 references), (3) college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) and (4) GRE scores. To apply or for additional information, contact: Dr. Peter Weisberg, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, 1000 Valley Road / MS 186, Reno, NV 89512 USA. phone: 775-784-7573, fax: 775-784-4583, email: pweisberg@cabnr.unr.edu. Posted: 1/7/04.

University of Nevada, Reno: Fire History in the Great Basin. A graduate assistantship (M.S.) in landscape ecology is available beginning Spring Semester (January) 2004. Later start dates will be considered. Research project will focus on the fire history of pinyon-juniper woodland in central and eastern Nevada, particularly the interactions of fire with past grazing and land use practices, Native American land use, and climatic variability. The student will apply dendrochronological (tree-ring-based) methods to reconstruct fire history, and use GIS to interpret results within a spatial context. The student will be jointly supervised by Dr. Peter Weisberg, landscape ecologist at the Dept. of Environmental and Resource Sciences, and Dr. Franco Biondi, dendrochronologist at the Dept. of Geography. The rationale for this BLM-funded study is an improved understanding of pinyon-juniper expansion, which is a widespread phenomenon across the Great Basin. Students should have an undergraduate degree in ecology, geography, forestry, range science, natural resource management, or a related field. Strong quantitative skills and a background in GIS applications are also highly desirable. The assistantship includes a starting salary of $16,000, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. The student will pursue an M.S. degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Science. Information on graduate study at UNR. To apply, please send: 1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications, 2) a resume or CV, 3)unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. For more information about this position, or to apply, please contact: Peter Weisberg, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental and Resource Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, 1000 Valley Road / MS 186, Reno, NV 89512 USA. phone: 775-784-7573, fax: 775-784-4583, email: pweisberg@cabnr.unr.edu. Posted: 9/18/03.

University of Nevada, Reno: Two Graduate Research Assistantships are available for studies on the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on desert ecosystems. 1) Global Change An open, competitive research fellowship is available for a graduate student to study the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on a Mojave Desert ecosystem. Field research will be conducted at the Nevada Desert FACE Facility, which is the only FACE (Free-Air CO2 Enrichment) site located in an intact desert ecosystem. Controlled environment facilities at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) are available to complement the field studies. Student will work with a team of scientists from UNR, UNLV, DRI, and other institutions to examine the effects of elevated CO2 on physiological, plant, and ecosystem processes. The fellowship includes a competitive stipend, a tuition waiver, and health benefits. Consideration of applications will begin on October 1, 2003. Application Procedure: Submit a cover letter that describes your research and career interests as well as experience and qualifications, a complete resume, and names, current telephone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses of 3 references to 1 of the following P.I.'s: Jay Arnone, jarnone@dri.edu, 775-673-7445; Bob Nowak, nowak@cabnr.unr.edu, 775-784-1656; Stan Smith, ssmith@ccmail.nevada.edu, 702-895-3197. 2) Desert Root Ecology Research assistantship for graduate student to study the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on root physiology and ecology for Mojave Desert vegetation. Field research will be conducted at the Nevada Desert FACE Facility, which is the only FACE (Free-Air CO2 Enrichment) site located in an intact desert ecosystem. Controlled environment facilities at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will also be used. Student will work with a team of scientists from UNR, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other institutions. Consideration of applications will begin on October 1, 2003. Application Procedure: Submit a cover letter that describes your research and career interests as well as experience and qualifications, a complete resume, and names, current telephone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses of 3 references to: Bob Nowak, nowak@cabnr.unr.edu, 775-784-1656. Posted: 8/20/03.

University of New Orleans: The Department of Biological Sciences announces two Doctoral Fellowships available for fall 2004. The Fellowship term is four years and includes a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend of $20,000, and a research/travel allowance. The Department of Biological Sciences offers opportunities to conduct research related to conservation biology in areas including biochemical/physiological adapatation, reproduction, genetics, systematics, evolution, and ecology. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. For more information, send inquiries to e-mail: biograds@uno.edu or see our website. To apply, contact: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148. Deadline for applications is Feb 15th. Posted: 7/9/03, revised: 10/31/03.

University of North Carolina: The Plant Biology Program in the Department of Biology is a graduate-level training curriculum that unites the diverse fields of plant biology and synergistic disciplines such as structural biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics, computer sciences, statistics and ethics. The Department of Biology has a strong group of molecular plant biologists. Several faculty work in the area of Plant Molecular Genetics and Development, creating a diverse research and training environment. Areas of particular concentration among the molecular and cellular biologists include plant-pathogen interactions (Dangl, Grant, Matthysse), signal transduction (Jones, Kieber, Reed), genome dynamics (Copenhaver) and development (Liljigren). The Department also has strength in whole system plant biology and plant evolution. Dr. Gensel utilizes Devonian fossils to understand the overall patterns of evolutionary change, while Dr. Vision uses sequenced genomes. Both Dr. White and Peet are interested in the composition and dynamics of ecosystems. In addition interactions with plant biologists from Duke, NC State, and companies like Syngenta, Paradigm Genetics, Bayer, and BASF make the wider Research Triangle area an especially stimulating environment. Application instructions. Posted: 12/3/03.

University of Pennsylvania: PhD student sought for the study of stable isotopes or trace elements in coral reef skeletons or sclerosponges in a broad range of ongoing projects in Dr. Andrea Grottoli's research group in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. Research involves a combination of tropical fieldwork and laboratory analyses. Four years of support will be offered. Desired qualifications: MSc in Biology or Geology or any other physical science, experience in biogeochemistry, fieldwork experience, and scuba certified. The position starts September 2004. Please complete applications online by December 15, 2003 and indicate that you are interested in studying with Dr. Grottoli (grottoli@sas.upenn.edu). The successful candidate must be accepted into the graduate program in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. Posted: 8/12/03.

Université du Québec à Montréal: A doctoral candidate position is available to study the effects of recurring Forest Tent Caterpillar outbreaks on the successionnal trajectories in the southern portion of the boreal forest (Abitibi). Outbreaks are a natural disturbance of a particular type: the short-term impact on trees is relatively minor but outbreaks can extend over a considerable area. The long-term impact of this type of disturbance is virtually unknown. The successful candidate will thus have the opportunity to contribute with his-her research to our understanding of disturbance regimes of intermediate intensity acting at very large scales. Prior knowledge/experience in forestry and/or entomology is clearly an advantage. Courses needed to complete this Ph. D. program will be held in Montreal and in Rouyn-Noranda (Abitibi). A working knowledge of French, or an aptitude to learn, is mandatory for this position. Field work will take place in Abitibi. A stipend of $18,000 (CDN) per year for 3 years will be provided. The candidate will be co-supervised by François Lorenzetti, adjunct professor, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), and researcher, Institut Québécois d’aménagement de la forêt feuillue, and by Yves Bergeron, professor, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and director, Chaire industrielle en aménagement forestier durable. The position is available immediately and must be filled not later than January 2004. Please send your CV, a cover letter and the names of two referees to: François Lorenzetti, Chercheur, Institut Québécois d'Aménagement de la Forêt Feuillue, 58, rue Principale, Ripon, Québec, J0V 1V0. Courriel : florenzetti@iqaff.qc.ca, Téléphone: (819) 983-6589, Télécopieur: (819) 983-6588. Posted: 12/3/03.

University of Rhode Island: M.S./Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship. I am seeking an individual with experience in soil science, wetlands, or landscape analysis to work on a study aimed at establishing the range and distribution of soil-based riparian attributes associated with human disturbance in Rhode Island coastal wetlands. The goal of the study is to increase our understanding of the relationship of watershed and shoreline development to the nitrate sink function of riparian zones. In our previous research, we determined that undisturbed salt marshes can serve as an important sink for groundwater nitrate. We suspect that direct shoreline disturbance such as filling or conversion of the wetland will degrade the groundwater nitrate sink function. Critical questions relating to nitrogen loading surround these disturbed locations, including: What is the nature of the disturbance? Is the fill typically mineral material (i.e., sands and gravel), or does it include dredge deposits enriched in carbon? How often do artificial drains bypass the estuarine riparian zones? How is the depth of the water table affected? Are there buried organic materials at these sites that interacts with groundwater? Responsibilities of the graduate assistant will be to establish sampling and monitoring sites, to directly document soil-based riparian attributes related to denitrification, and to evaluate the effects of land use change on these attributes at a landscape scale. Please send résumé, college transcripts, and statement of interest to: Dr. Mark Stolt, Department of Natural Resources Science, One Greenhouse Road, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, phone 401-874-2915, fax 401-874-4561, mstolt@uri.edu URI's Department of Natural Resources Science conducts research in pedology, soil-environmental science, soil ecology, wetland and watershed science, landscape ecology, GIS, and wildlife and environmental management. Posted: 1/21/04.

University of Tennessee: M.S. Graduate Assistantship is available to study the growth and physiology of hardwood tree species. The student will be expected to develop a research project investigating the relationships of root growth and physiology, with soil chemistry and/or shoot growth. The research will have both field and lab components, and will utilize UT research station field sites in eastern Tennessee. This region is primarily comprised of oak-hickory forest, with oak being of greatest economic importance in the state hardwood forest industry. This project offers training in basic biological research methods, with the opportunity to gain specific training in field or laboratory analyses, depending on the goals and interest of the student. This assistantship has both research and teaching responsibilities. Applicants should have completed a B.S. degree in forestry, biology, or soil science, with good writing, oral presentation, and computer skills. Start date is flexible but will be no later than Jan. of 2004. The assistantship offers an annual stipend of $12,000, a tuition waver, and health insurance. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified. Please send a cover letter, CV, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and names and contact information for at least two references to: Dr. Jennifer Franklin, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Tennessee, 274 Ellington Plant Sciences Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-4563. Phone: (865) 974-2724 e-mail: jafranklin@utk.edu. Posted: 8/8/03.

University of Toledo: Graduate Research Assistant (PhD or MS) assistant sought for a project focusing on carbon and water cycles in managed forest ecosystems. The primary study sites included a loblolly pine forest in NC, two hardwood stands in NC and OH and will include some work in the field sites of the newly founded US-China Carbon Consortium (USCCC). Responsibilities will include collecting physiological and biometric data on carbon stocks and fluxes and linking it to eddy covariance data on ecosystem carbon exchange. The appointees are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and seek ways of integrating ground data with remote sensing products by collaborating with the remote sensing team in the LEES Lab. Qualifications: B.S. degree in ecology, meteorology, biology, soil science, biostatistics, environmental sciences, forestry or related discipline. For applications for Doctoral assistantships, M.S. degree is highly desirable. The candidates should not be afraid of height (occasional work on 10-30 m tall towers will be required), they are expected to have good work ethic, sincere interest in the chosen topic area, and at least two of the following work skills: good quantitative skills, basic statistical skills, knowledge of North American flora, understanding of ecosystem function and the cycles of water and carbon. Application: Please send a CV, university transcripts, contact information of three references, and a cover letter by May 31th, 2004 to: Dr. Jiquan Chen, Department of Earth, Ecological and Environmental Sciences (EEES), Mail Stop 604, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606. Requests for further information can be sent to jiquan.chen@utoledo.edu. Posted: 3/8/04.

University of Toledo: Graduate Research Assistantships in Plant Ecophysiology & Biochemistry- Two-to-three positions are available for M.S. or Ph.D. students starting this summer or next fall: 1-2 positions are available on a new NSF-funded project investigating the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on heat-stress proteins and photosynthetic tolerance to acute heat stress in plants; and, 1 position on a new USDA-funded project investigating the effects of UV-B on plant cellular protein profiles and gene expression. The first project is a comparative ecophysiological investigation that will combine protein biochemistry, in vivo and in vitro measurements of photosynthesis, and ecological theory; interested candidates should have training and interest in both ecology and plant physiology (or biochemistry). The second project is a proteonomics and genomics investigation of the unique genes expressed, and proteins produced, in the presence/absence of UV-B; candidates should have training in molecular biology, biochemistry, or physiology. Support will be primarily in the form of research assistantships. UT has strong vibrant programs in ecology and plant science, with 14 productive externally-funded faculty, ca. 40 graduate students, and excellent research facilities (e.g., the new Lake Erie Research Center field station, Stranahan Arboretum, Plant Science Research Center & Greenhouse Complex, and UT Instrumentation Center). In addition, UT is only part of a broader interactive ecology/plant-science research community in the Toledo area that includes a USDA-ARS plant research group on the UT campus, the Toledo Botanical Gardens, and nearby Bowling Green State University. Interested persons should contact Scott Heckathorn at: Dept. of Earth, Ecological, & Environmental Sciences, MS 604, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606; scott.heckathorn@utoledo.edu; 419-530-2925. Posted: 1/16/04.

University of Toledo: We are beginning a three-year USDA Forest Service funded project of measuring the biosphere-atmosphere exchanges of water, carbon and energy in three eastern US forests (a loblolly pine forest in NC and two hardwood stands in SC and OH). The work will link to ongoing studies with the goal of extrapolating individual stand fluxes to landscape and regional exchanges through the use of remote sensing techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating the flux measurement towers, conducting supporting field measurements (e.g. biometry, soil and plant gas exchange), analyzing the collected data and preparing it for publication. A crucial part of the work will be interacting with the personnel at the NC and SC study sites and incorporating the data to final analyses. The project is expected to expand and establish a pair of flux towers in North-Eastern China to address the issue of management effects on the atmosphere-biosphere exchanges. The appointee will be working in the Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Sciences (LEES) Lab, and be co-advised by Drs. Noormets and Chen. Qualifications: B.S. degree in ecology, meteorology, biostatistics, environmental science, applied/environmental physics or related discipline. For applications for Doctoral assistantships, M.S. degree is highly desirable. The candidates should not be afraid of height (occasional work on 10-30m tall towers will be required), they are expected to have good work ethic, sincere interest in the chosen topic area, and at least two of the following work skills: good mathematical and programming skills, basic statistical skills, experience with analyzing large data sets, basic understanding of ecosystem function and the cycles of water and carbon. Contact: Please send a CV, a cover letter addressing how you see yourself fit the qualifications listed above by August 20th, 2003 to: Dr. Asko Noormets, Department of Earth, Ecological and Environmental Sciences (EEES), Mail Stop 604, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606. E-mail: asko.noormets@utoledo.edu. Posted: 7/18/03.

University of Virginia: A Ph.D. research assistantship is available in the Department of Environmental Sciences. The student will be involved in an inter-institution project on watershed-level carbon distribution and fluxes to be conducted at the Tenderfoot Creek Experimental in western Montana. Prior experience with eddy covariance methodology for estimating land-atmosphere exchange of carbon is desirable, including working with the instrumentation, data logging and data analysis. The project overall will examine the topographic and watershed-level environmental controls on carbon fluxes between land and atmosphere, and dissolved organic carbon transport through streamwater. Interested applicants should send a CV, statement of interest and names /contact information for two references to: Howard Epstein, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400123, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4123. hee2b@virginia.edu, (434) 924-4308. Posted: 4/6/04.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Funding is available for a PhD project to take place in a watershed along the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. Considerable work has gone on in this area by agencies and conservation organizations, concerned about peak stream flows and water quality, and changing forest cover and land use. This study will be able to build on some prior work in the watershed. We will concentrate initially on forest canopy and forest floor measurements of precipitation throughfall and infiltration. Effects of different needle-leaved conifer canopies on snow retention and throughfall are of interest. Subsequent to the field component, we will use models to simulate various future scenarios of forest landscape change, including various forest management options, restoration of forest, and other changes. The project has considerable latitude in developing an individual project. Current RA levels are approximately $17,430 annually, plus tuition remission and health benefits. A completed MS degree and a solid science background are preferred, with experience in forest ecosystems, hydrology, and physiology, along with an interest in landscape ecology. For more information and to apply, visit Forest Landscape Ecology Lab web page to see what we do, and review the graduate study document. The position is available for start now, but summer or fall would also be possible. Posted: 1/9/04, revised: 5/4/04.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Forest Insect Ecology program is seeking a Graduate Student in the area of Interactions among belowground herbivores, stem colonizing subcortical insects, and root- and stem- colonizing fungi. A brief description of this project is below. This project is funded by NSF Ecology LTER, and is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration among forest insect ecologists, pathologists, statisticians, landscape ecologists and forest management personnel. For a description of the PI’s (Kenneth Raffa) overall program please see http://entomology.wisc.edu/~raffa/ Beginning: Flexible. How to apply: Please send a single file containing 1) a letter of interest briefly describing your interests, background and qualifications, 2) a cv containing: Education including GPA & GRE scores if available; Lists of publications, presentations & awards; Contact information for 3 references, to Kenneth Raffa at raffa@entomology.wisc.edu or call 608-262-1125. The name of this file should include an identifier to your name. Posted: 7/10/03.

University of Wyoming: Two PhD graduate assistantships are available immediately in the Department of Renewable Resources to investigate physiology of semiarid grassland and shrubland ecosystems in southeastern Arizona. The two NSF-funded projects focus on ecosystem water and carbon exchange dynamics associated with woody plant encroachment into grassland. The projects rely heavily on stable isotope techniques for partitioning evapotranspiration and carbon exchange fluxes. Students will have affiliation with the University of Wyoming Stable Isotope Facility and may choose to apply to one of several PhD programs at the University of Wyoming, including Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, Botany, or the interdepartmental Program in Ecology. Preferred applicants will have appropriate background in plant physiology, ecology, botany, geochemistry, micrometeorology, or a related discipline. Stipend is $16,338 (11-months) and includes tuition, fees, and health insurance. Interested persons should send a short CV, letter of interest, and names and contact information for three references to: Dr. David G. Williams (dgw@uwyo.edu), Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071. Posted: 6/11/04.

University of Wyoming: Drs. Elise Pendall and Brent Ewers, Botany Department and Ecology Program, seek a Ph.D. student to study the impact of fire on water and carbon fluxes from sagebrush steppe in Wyoming. Potential research questions include 1) What controls carbon and water fluxes across a sagebrush burn chronosequence? 2) What are the interactive effects of global change and fire management on regional carbon and water fluxes from sagebrush? The successful applicant will join a team of students and a post-doc and is expected to be energetic, highly motivated, and capable of pursuing novel research questions in field and lab settings. The position is available immediately. To apply, please submit via email, to both Drs. Ewers (beewers@uwyo.edu; 307-766-2625) and Pendall (pendall@uwyo.edu; 307-766-6293), a cover letter detailing relevant background and interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Additionally, fill out a standard UW graduate student application form. Posted: 11/14/03.

Utah State University: This is an opportunity for an M.S. or Ph.D. graduate student interested in native plant ecophysiology and/or native plant materials development. Tom Jones (plant materials development), Tom Monaco (plant ecophysiology/invasive weeds), Ron Ryel (plant ecophysiology), and Gene Schupp (plant population and community biology) of the Dept. of Forest, Range, and Wildlife Sciences in the College of Natural Resources, work jointly on native plant species widely used in restoration in the Intermountain West. Our purpose is to perform research in support of development of restoration plant materials. Potential topics include desirable plant/weed competition, seedling establishment, and drought resistance. We have financial support, excellent field and greenhouse facilities, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, meaningful interaction with land management agencies and the seed industry, and a beautiful mountain setting. We have a native plant graduate program in place that operates across four departments and four colleges at the university. For more information, contact Tom Jones (435-797-3082, tomjones@cc.usu.edu). Posted: 6/29/04.

Utah State University: The College of Natural Resources will be offering up to 5 competitive fellowhsips in the S.J. Quinney Ph.D. Fellowship program. See the brochure (pdf format) for details. These 4-year fellowships provide $20,000 per year in stipend, $12,000 per year in tuition, and a research budget. The successful "Fellows" will generally be associated with one of the projects noted on the brochure, but will have considerable freedom to develop an independent research project within the Great Salt Lake Watershed (which is quite large and contains a great variety of habitats). Fellows can also be associated with the Ecology Center. In some cases it might be possible to associate with another faculty member in CNR (other than those with projects on the list), so if you are very excited about working with someone else in the College, do not hesitate to contact them. Posted: 1/21/04.

Virtual Institute for Biotic Interactions: The Virtual Institute for Biotic Interactions (ViBi) has recently been established between the Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, the Technische Universität Darmstadt, the Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology and the GSF Research Center. ViBi opens 7 PhD positions to junior scientists with Master or Diploma degrees. Projects are broadly defined to bring together the most advanced techniques in ecophysiology, molecular biology and analytical chemistry to study plant-microbe-protozoan interactions in response to soil heterogeneity. Students will be empowered to define research objectives and choose supervisors from the member institutes. Application deadline is April 14, 2004. Successful applicants will participate in a rotation program among the member institutes to facilitate project definition. Please send electronic applications including CV and names and addresses of three referees to Prof. Ulrich Schurr (u.schurr@fz-juelich.de), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institut für Chemie und Dynamik der Geosphäre, D-52425 Jülich. Posted: 4/9/04.

West Virginia University: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship, Regional Research Institute, WVU. Starting Date: August 2004 or negotiable. This project is designed to study the impacts of white-tailed deer herbivory on wetland plant communities in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Canaan Valley is a unique, high elevation, 15,000 ha watershed with a 3,400 ha complex of bogs, marshes, and swamps. Canaan is the largest wetland area in the central and southern Appalachians and has national ecological significance. It features numerous plant species that are at the southern or northern limit of their ranges. The student will be working toward a Ph.D. in Forest Science (Emphasis in Wildlife and Fisheries Science) through the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program (Division of Forestry) at WVU. Qualifications: M.S. in Wildlife, Botany, Environmental Science, or closely related field. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 1100. A strong interest in white-tailed deer, herbivory, wetlands, and plants is desirable, and background in at least one of these areas is essential. Industrious, hard-working student that can make decisions independently, work cooperatively with other students, and supervise technicians preferred. Stipend: $12,000/year plus health insurance and complete tuition waiver. Contact: Interested individuals should send electronic or hard copies of a letter of interest, resume, a 500-word statement of purpose (why you want to work on this project at WVU, your research and career interests, etc.) copy of B.S. and M.S. transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. James T. Anderson, West Virginia University, Division of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, 322 Percival Hall, P. O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125 USA. Telephone (304) 293-2941, extension 2445, Fax (304) 293-2441, E-mail: jander25@wvu.edu. Posted: 3/1/04.

West Virginia University: Ph.D. or M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Wetlands Ecology. Start: May 2004 or negotiable. This project is designed to study rare wetland plant communities in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Canaan Valley is a unique, high elevation, 15,000 ha watershed with a 3,400 ha complex of bogs, marshes, and swamps. Canaan is recognized as the largest wetland area in the central and southern Appalachians and has national ecological significance. It features numerous plant species that are at the southern or northern limit of their ranges. The student will be working toward a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources or a Ph.D. in Forest Science (Emphasis in Wildlife and Fisheries Science). Qualifications: B. S. (for M.S. degree) or M.S. (for Ph.D.) in Botany, Wildlife, Environmental Science, or closely related field. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 1100. A strong interest in wetlands, plants, wetland conservation, or community ecology is essential. Field experience in the Appalachians and experience with wetland plant ecology is highly desirable. Industrious, hard-working student that can make decisions independently, work cooperatively with other students, and supervise technicians preferred. Stipend: $10,000/year (M.S.), $12,000/year (Ph.D.) plus health insurance and complete tuition waiver. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, resume, a 500-word statement of purpose (why you want to work on this project at WVU, your research and career interests, etc.) copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. James T. Anderson, West Virginia University, Division of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, 322 Percival Hall, P. O. Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125 USA. Telephone (304) 293-2941, x 2445, Fax (304) 293-2441, E-mail: jander25@wvu.edu. Posted: 2/17/04.

Wright State University: We are pleased to announce a new Yellow Springs Instruments Environmental Sciences PhD Fellowship. The Research Fellowship is for $25,000 with tuition and fee waivers. This prestigious award will be given to a highly qualified applicant accepted into the Environmental Sciences PhD Program at WSU. Students may apply with either a BS or MS degree from a relevant major (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics, toxicology, environmental health sciences). The program provides a strong interdisciplinary focus both in the course work and dissertation research, with a focus on fate and effects of environmental contaminants in three areas of faculty expertise: environmental toxicology and chemistry, environmental stressors, and environmental geophysics and hydrogeology. Review of applications for the 2004-2005 Academic Year has begun and will continue until the position is filled. For more information on the curriculum, faculty research areas and application materials see http://www.wright.edu/academics/envsci. Please send inquiries to Dr. Wayne Carmichael, Director, Environmental Sciences PhD Program, wayne.carmichael@wright.edu, 937-775-3173. Posted: 2/19/04.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Fellowship Program Links:

• Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program for the Americas
• DOE Global Change Education Program
• EPA STAR Fellowships
• Ford Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship Program
• NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program National Academies Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• NSF/New England Wild Flower Society Fellowship Program in Conservation Biology
• National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship Program
• Organization for Tropical Studies
• Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Short Courses:

Tropical Ecosystems: Andes to Amazon: taught in Ecuador by the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation. We are a US non profit working to preserve threatened tropical habitat, and have offered annual field ecology courses in Ecuador since 1999. This year, we again will be taking students to some of the amazing diversity of habitats found in Ecuador, including montane and cloud forest, tropical dry forest, high-altitude paramo, and of course lowland Amazonian rainforest. The course combines on-site lectures with extensive field programs designed to give students maximum exposure to the ecosystems we visit. In particular the course concentrates on ecological aspects of tropical systems that distinguish them from temperate systems, detailed discussion of the many risks facing tropical habitats and the variety of approaches taken to conserve them, and extensive training in common field methodologies used to study tropical (and other) systems. Field techniques include mark-recapture, vegetation sampling and forest characterization, survey techniques for birds, mammals and insects, surveying and mapping, and more. If you are interested in attending this year's course, the application deadline is May 15, and positions are still open. Detailed information about the course and application process can be found on our website (www.ceiba.org). Posted: 5/4/04.

Epiphytic and Lithic Plant Communities of Coastal Temperate Rainforests: Spaces are still available for our 2004 Bamfield Marine Sciences Station field course (July 5 to July 23rd ) for undergrad or graduate students interested in bio-diverse old-growth temperate rainforest canopy communities (subaerial), as well as marine cliffs. All aspects of this course will be conducted at or around the Bamfield Marine Sciences Center, located along the rugged outer exposed rocky coast of British Columbia, Canada. For tuition costs and housing information see the BMSS website; course credits are eligible for transfer. Application materials must be received by the final enrollment deadline (extended) of May 14th, 2004. Posted: 5/4/04.

Ofrecimiento de becas para Latinos/Latinoamericanos - Curso de SIG y Sensores Remotos en el Smithsonian's National Zoological Park: El Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (NZP) ofrecerá becas para la realización de un curso de dos semanas en idioma español sobre Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), el cual se desarrollará entre los días sábado 28 de agosto y jueves 9 de setiembre de 2004. El curso se llevará a cabo en el Conservation and Research Center (CRC) del NZP y está orientado a la aplicación de herramientas para el análisis geoespacial utilizados por investigadores en conservación y manejo de vida silvestre. La fecha límite para la recepción de postulaciones es el 21 de mayo de 2004.
The Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (NZP) announces a competition for fellowships for a two-week Spanish language training course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, to be held between Saturday, August 28 and Thursday, September 9, 2004. The course, held at NZP's well-known Conservation and Research Center, is designed to train conservation and wildlife managers in practical applications of geospatial analysis tools. Deadline for receipt of all application materials: May 21, 2004. More information. Posted: 5/3/04.

Ecological Risk Assessment: Duke Environmental Leadership Program, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University. This four-day course (June 7- 10, 2004) will provide participants with both an overview of the basics of ERA and discussion of current methods, approaches, and issues. The course covers both aquatic and terrestrial environments, and draws upon case study illustrations in both settings. Materials are presented in classroom lectures and computer demonstrations where students can interact with instructors while implementing actual risk assessment methods with environmental monitoring data. For more information on this and other courses, see the Duke Environmental Leadership Program website. Posted: 4/20/04, revised: 5/6/04.

Information-Theoretic Methods in Data Analysis: A 2-day Shortcourse, May 26-27, 2004, offered by Dr. David R. Anderson. Introduces a variety of general methods for data analysis based on Kullback-Leibler Information. The sessions focus on science hypotheses, models, and model selection methods such as AIC and AICc. After introducing important background material, methods are provided to make formal statistical inference from more than a single model (multimodel inference). The material is not deeply mathematical; the emphasis is on science concepts and philosophy and a variety of examples are provided. The shortcourse is based on the recent book, Burnham, K. P., and D. R. Anderson. 2002 Model selection and multimodel inference. 2nd Ed., Springer-Verlag, New York, NY 488pp. The shortcourse will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado. Additional details and registration form. Posted: 3/16/04.

Tropical Field Biology: I wish to announce the following course run by the non-profit education organisation CREA, in Panama from July 24-August 13. The course will include the following topics in reference to the Panamanian situation. Introduction to Neotropical Ecosystems, Vertebrate biology and evolution, Ecological sampling methods, Conservation biology and threats to tropical ecosystems, Sustainable development, Indigenous knowledge. The course will consist of field excursions to national and private nature reserves, classroom discussions and lectures and student projects. Students will spend 2/3 of their time at a field station located in the central highlands of Panama. This course will provide an excellent learning opportunity for undergraduate biologists who wish to obtain tropical field experience and witness at first hand the conservation issues faced by developing countries. Courses are led by Vertebrate biologist Dr. Fritz Hertel of California State University (US) and Conservation Biologist Dr. Michael Roy (michael.roy@stonebow.otago.ac.nz) of University of Otago (NZ). Visit CREA's website for more details.

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology: Summer courses for undergraduate and beginning graduate students in biology and environmental science interested in spending a summer studying at the Oregon coast. Details on courses. Posted: 1/16/04.

Stable Isotope Ecology: June 13-25, 2004; Lecture and Laboratory Short Courses (Biology 7473 and 7475); University of Utah; (http://stableisotopes.net). These will be multi-instructor lecture (Biology 7473, morning) and laboratory (Biology 7475, afternoon) short courses offered to graduate students and postdoctoral investigators interested in learning more about the application of stable isotopes at natural abundance levels for environmental and ecological studies. The courses will be offered June 13-25, 2004 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Participation is limited to 24 graduate student and postdoctoral participants in order to maximize laboratory and instrument access. We will also accept applications from 10 faculty for the lecture, discussions, and social event portions only of the course (i.e., no labs). The courses will consist of a morning lecture-discussion course and an afternoon laboratory course. There will be 12 course instructors, experts selected from across the country for their breadth and for their interest in teaching and interacting with students. The laboratory class includes group research projects for a hands-on laboratory experience each day, including full access and use of Finnigan delta S mass, model 252, and DeltaPlus mass spectrometers equipped with elemental analyzers, GC, continuous flow capacities, pre-con, carbonate device, and laser. Several of the evenings will be set aside for discussions of current research interests, group dinners, and opportunities for social events in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Apply online by early February. Posted: 1/8/04.

Tropical Marine Biology: held at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas, July 19 - August 2, 2004. We can take a total of 12 students and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will receive 4 semester hours of college credit (undergraduate or graduate) as long as the course is approved by their home institution. More information. Posted: 1/8/04.

Integrated Marine Conservation Program: July 5 to August 6, 2004, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC. Duke's Integrated Marine Conservation Program teaches the principles necessary for the conservation and preservation of the coastal and oceanic environment. The focus is on interdisciplinary problem solving--using natural and social science theory to resolve real world environmental problems. This program is a tremendous opportunity for students at any level to think about conservation biology and policy in an environment full of students and faculty grappling with the same issues. The core class (BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy) involves field trips, discussion groups, role play (in 2003 it was a fishery management scenario), lecture, and a final project for graduate students that focuses on the integration of science and policy. Undergraduate students will have a case-study based final exam. Students will leave the class with an appreciation of the policy process, as well as with a grounding in the fundamentals of marine conservation. For further information, visit the course web site or contact Helen Nearing (hnearing@duke.edu). Posted: 12/15/03.

Introduction to Global Positioning Systems for Mapping and Navigation: Winter 2003-4 total immersion 3-day workshops at Missouri Western State College. This is an intro course to mapping GPS with no prior experience in GPS required or expected. But you'll definitely be a GPS power tool when you're finished with this workshop. Full details. If you would like to discuss the nature of these workshops, feel free to contact me Cary D. Chevalier (816.271.4252, cchev@mwsc.edu). Posted: 12/10/03.

Uncertainty and Variability in Ecological Inference, Forecasting, and Decision Making: An Introduction To Modern Statistical Computation. A summer institute (June 2004) at Duke University's Center On Global Change. A two-week, graduate/post-graduate level 'summer school' will introduce ecologists and earth scientists to modern statistical computation techniques. Ecological inference and forecasting are limited by large and diverse sources of variability that operate at a range of scales. Hierarchical Bayes and Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation provide powerful tools for analyzing processes characterized by multiple sources of uncertainty and variability. More information. Deadline: Dec 15, 2003. Posted: 12/5/03.

Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring: May 9th - June 11th, 2004. This intensive five-week Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity (SI/MAB) Program course is a must for resource managers, ecologists, biologists, environmental educators and consultants. It is led by more than 30 internationally recognized instructors and speakers. The course is divided into eight modules, the first of which provides a framework for biodiversity assessment and monitoring, strengthened by a basic background in Geographical Information Systems and statistics. Six modules follow on assessment and monitoring of vegetation, aquatic systems, arthropods, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. The final module integrates the preceding seven and focuses on developing site-based multi-taxa monitoring for adaptive management. Investment: US$4,500 covers your tuition, lodging, meals, local transportation, and course materials. More information. Posted: 12/8/03.

Smithsonian Environmental Leadership Course: September 12th- 24th, 2004, SI/MAB Program. Strong leadership skills are essential for effective conservation. The communication skills and strategies of exceptional leaders are taught in this course in a friendly learning environment. The Smithsonian Environmental Leadership course includes the exploration of topics such as Foundation Skills for the Environmental Leader, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Strategies, Creating Compelling Futures, and Impactful Environmental Communication. The learning structure of the course is composed of demonstrations, background information, and personal and group exercises. Speakers and numerous case-specific examples are presented. Investment: US$2,750 covers your tuition, lodging, meals, local transportation, and course materials. Airfare to and from Washington DC are not included. More information. Posted: 12/8/03.

Functioning of Boreal Forest Ecosystems: PhD course, June 12-18, 2004. This course will provide a comprehensive coverage on topics relevant to the functioning of boreal forest ecosystems, with topics including linkages between the aboveground and belowground subsystems, nutrient cycling, ecosystem effects of herbivores, functioning of mycorrhizae, the role of major disturbances (notably fire), and current and historic aspects of human influences on boreal ecosystems. The course will be conducted in English. Location: The course is to be held in Arvidsjaur, approximately 300 km NW of Umeå, Sweden, which is in the heart of the northern boreal forest zone and also proximal to the Scandes mountain ranges near the Norwegian border. Participants: This course is open to all PhD students who have an interest in boreal ecosystems. We will limit the course to 20 participants, and will select applicants on the basis of merit and relevance of their research interest if the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available. Course format: The course will consist of a mixture of lectures, student presentations, discussion groups, and field trips and field instruction. Students will be expected to be prepared in advance for participation in discussions. Course credits (relevant for European participants only): 5 credits, 7.5 ECTS. Cost: Students are responsible for covering their own transport to and from Umeå. All costs including food, travel and lodging for the actual duration of the course will covered by SLU and NOVA University. Organization: The course will be run by the Department of Forest Vegetation Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden. Instructors: The course will be taught by 7 ecologists who each have been actively involved in research on various aspects of northern ecosystems for at least a decade. These instructors are: Professor Marie-Charlotte Nilsson (SLU, Umeå), Professor David Wardle (SLU, Umeå), Dr Greger Hörnberg (SLU, Umeå), Professor Olle Zackrisson (SLU, Umeå), Professor Richard Bardgett (University of Lancaster, UK), Professor Heikki Setälä (University of Helsinki, Finland), and Dr Anders Dahlberg (SLU, Uppsala). To apply: Please prepare a brief CV and a statement of 200 words or less outlining your PhD research topic and why you think the course would be beneficial to you. This information, or any enquiries, should be sent to Marie-Charlotte Nilsson by e-mail (Marie-Charlotte.Nilsson@svek.slu.se) not later than December 1, 2003. Posted: 10/15/03.

Advanced Conservation GIS and Remote Sensing: The Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center is offering the following course: Measuring Landcover Change and its Impact on Endangered Species. April 19-23, 2004. This one-week course provides conservationists with an opportunity to learn how GIS and remote sensing can be used to assess the conservation status of endangered species. Each participant will be provided with their own desktop computer for all lab exercises. During the hands-on exercises participants will use the Internet, ArcView, ArcView Spatial Analyst, ERDAS Imagine, Fragstats, and other spatial analysis programs. Instructors will lead participants step-by-step through the process of: * conduct a regional conservation assessment using GIS to determine critical conservation areas for an endangered species; * acquiring multi-date satellite imagery to quantify land cover change and to map the extent of the remaining habitat; * using landscape analysis to determine optimal landscape configurations for conserving the endangered species. More details and registration information. Revised: 3/3/04.

Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data: January 2004. Main focus is the constrained ordination methods (CCA, RDA) used with the Canoco software, but we spend substantial time with other topics (other ordination methods, including NMDS, regression methods like GLM and GAM, TWINSPAN, cluster analysis, etc). The participants spend large part of this ten days course working with their own data, presenting their "mini-projects" at the end of course. Students pay substantially lower fee for our course. Course quota is 20 participants and we have already 12 seats booked. More information: http://regent.jcu.cz/. Posted: 5/13/03.

Great Lakes Limnology: Clarkson University offers this dual undergraduate / graduate short course, which will be held on Lake Ontario on the US EPA Research Ship Lake Guardian, September 19-26. Topics covered in this practicum course include physical & chemical limnology, biomolecular ecology, plankton & benthic ecology, and ornithology & environmental change. The course is appropriate for biology, chemistry, environmental engineering and other students with an interest in environmental science. Limit 15 participants. Cost is $800, which includes (reduced) tuition for 3 credit-hours, and all shipboard costs including food. The cost of course is partially under-written by the US EPA Great Lakes Program Office, and Clarkson University. Information and application materials: www.clarkson.edu/lakeontario . Application deadline 8/8/03. Posted: 4/29/03.

Distance Sampling Workshops: The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, September 2003. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using Distance software.
Introduction to Distance Sampling, 10-12 September. An introductory workshop focusing on standard distance sampling methods. The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use version 4 of the program Distance. Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys.
Advanced Techniques and Recent Developments in Distance Sampling, 15-17 September. A workshop designed for those who are already familiar with the basics, where we will teach advanced material such as automated survey design, adaptive sampling, incorporating covariates into the detection function, methods for where g(0)<1, and spatial modelling of density. Participants will learn the more advanced features of version 4 of Distance. For both workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses of their data. The number of participants on both workshops is strictly limited, and for this reason we encourage you to register as soon as possible. For more information, see www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php. Posted: 2/27/03.

Tropical Ecology: The Organization for Tropical Studies offers many graduate courses in Tropical Ecology. Courses last from 4-8 weeks and are taught in English, Spanish, or Portugese in Costa Rica and elsewhere. For full details, see the OTS web site: http://www.ots.duke.edu/en/education/courses.shtml. Posted: 1/8/02.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

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