We are seeking highly qualified applicants to pursue graduate degrees in ecology, starting in the Summer or Fall of 2009 in the lab of John Drake at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (website: http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/index.html. Research in this lab focuses on population dynamics in experimental systems, infectious disease ecology, and ecology of invasive species. We have strengths in modeling, computation, and stochastic population theory. Recent projects include invasive aquatic species in the Great Lakes of North America, extinction in experimental zooplankton populations, and modeling disease outbreaks. For other past research see http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/research.html. Students interested in either modeling/computation/theory or empirical research are encouraged to apply. Potential students are strongly encouraged to email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of the application deadline (approx. November 1, 2008).
MODELING INVASIVE SPECIES A research assistantship is available for a Master's or PhD student to join a new project on the ecology of invasive plants. The main goal of the project is to develop bioeconomic decision support tools for invasive species risk assessment. The project will build on ongoing collaborations with natural resource economists and computer scientists to develop computational models that probabilistically assess risk, weighted by the expected damages of making erroneous judgments. While no background in computer science or machine learning is required, the project will involve considerable computation and the successful applicant should be committed to developing expertise in computational ecology. Prior training (e.g. bachelor's degree) may be in either ecology/biology or a quantitative field such as statistics, computer science, or applied mathematics. For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm. Funding is immediately available for the this position. Outstanding applicants with other interests are encouraged inquire for information about fellowships and other sources of funding. NOTE: DR. DRAKE WILL BE AT THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA MEETING IN MILWAUKEE FROM SUNDAY 8/3 TO FRIDAY 8/8.
