Graduate opportunity with Mike McCoy in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University.
Research in my lab addresses a broad range of questions in population, community and behavioral ecology, and biodiversity and ecosystem function with a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches. Much (but not all) of my research is focused on understanding how variation (e.g. in size, stage, behavior, morphology) affects population and community level processes and spatial coupling across ecosystems. Within this broader context, my current research program can be loosely summarized into five interrelated conceptual themes; 1) body size dependence of ecological interactions, 2) cross ecosystem links formed by complex life cycles, 3) adaptation to climate change and sea level rise, 4) understanding predator diversity effects, and 5) development/application of innovative experimental and quantitative approaches. I have also worked in a wide variety of systems including; temperate, tropical, terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. I will consider students with interests in a variety of topics and systems (including but not restricted to those in which I work) and that address complementary and interesting questions. For additional information about me, my research and the application process please visit: http://blog.ecu.edu/sites/mccoym/prospective-students/ http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/McCoy_Michael.cfm About ECU East Carolina University is the third largest campus in the University of NC system and has an active and well-supported group of faculty working in the areas of ecology and evolution. PhD students accepted into the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences will receive at least two years of support with no teaching obligations and at least five years of support total, at a very competitive level. TA-ships are readily available in two MS programs and Biology faculty members also supervise students in ECU's Coastal Resource Management PhD program. Graduate students will be encouraged to participate in the newly formed North Carolina Center for Biodiversity (NCCB) at East Carolina University. Goals of the NCCB include training graduate students in biodiversity research and providing them opportunities to participate in related outreach. Students enjoy living in the affordable community of Greenville, NC, participating in seminar series and journal clubs that feature research in ecology and evolution, and having access to several natural areas, universities and research centers located in central and eastern NC. Application deadlines vary with particular programs but applying early is recommended. Please visit http://www.ecu.edu/biology/ <http://www.ecu.edu/biology/> to find out more about the Biology department at ECU and graduate programs.
