Masters Research Opportunity at the University of Saskatchewan Integrating Resource Selection, Movement, and Group Size Models to Predict and Communicate Chronic Wasting Disease Risk for Elk with Co-occurring White-tailed Deer
Two well-funded Masters level research projects on the Northern Prairie Elk Project are available in the Wildlife Ecology and Community Resilience Lab of Dr. Ryan Brook at the University of Saskatchewan. Our research group has initiated a large-scale interdisciplinary study investigating the ecology and management of northern prairie elk populations across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with a focus on disease risk at the interface of elk and white-tailed deer. We have an existing long-term database of >400 radio-collared elk and deer from our model system in southwestern Manitoba in addition to extensive data on crop damage claims and disease testing. The two Masters projects will involve determining the spatial distribution of elk and their dietary overlap with deer on agricultural lands in order to predict and mitigate transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease. The philosophy of our research group is to recruit bright, mature students and train them in research design by giving each student considerable latitude to develop the project in ways that best fit their skills and career aspirations. In addition to an education with a focus on strong science, natural history, and critical thinking, students will gain valuable practical experience in Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis. Fieldwork will include participation in collecting additional radio-collar data, validating GIS layers, as well as community consultation and knowledge translation to share project objectives and outcomes. Students will also participate in our school-based education module to teach rural and aboriginal youth about wildlife and Chronic Wasting Disease and will contribute to media relations. Our interdisciplinary research program incorporates fully funded specialized training modules with partners from Canadian and US institutions academic and provincial, national and international wildlife agencies, presenting strong opportunities to network with potential employers and develop a broad skill set. The project also provides support for conference attendance. The successful applicants will ideally begin September 2011, though there is some flexibility. During the first autumn and winter terms the students will be expected to seek scholarships, analyze data, and complete coursework. Stipend is $16,500/year and this can be supplemented with additional scholarships. Applicants must have a B.Sc. or equivalent in biology, ecology, geography, environmental science, veterinary medicine, or a related field and must meet the admission requirements for the College of Agriculture & Bioresources (http://agbio.usask.ca/). Interested candidates should email Dr. Ryan Brook ([email protected]) based in the Indigenous Land Management Institute, the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, and the School of Environment and Sustainability, along with a letter of interest, CV, and indication of academic performance (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage). Application review will begin June 15, 2011 and will continue until the positions are filled.
