A position is open for a Master's student to join my research group in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine (Orono) in Fall 2017. My lab studies the ecology of infectious diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. The research topic will broadly address the effects of landscape and/or climate change on arthropods of medical importance in Maine's Midcoast and Downeast regions using a combined lab/field approach, with specific research questions and hypotheses determined in discussion with the student. The most important prerequisites to joining the lab are experience with and enthusiasm for conducting field work and openness to developing new scientific skills (e.g., experimental design, molecular techniques, the analysis and presentation of quantitative data).
Research assistant support is available from the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station for at least one semester, and teaching assistant support is guaranteed for the duration of the graduate program (course assignments may include Basic Biology, Biology of Organisms, and General Entomology). Applications submitted prior to 15 January 2017 also may be considered for UMaine fellowships. The student may be admitted through the program in 1) Ecology and Environmental Science, 2) Entomology, or 3) Zoology depending upon his/her interests and professional goals. Please send inquiries to Dr. Allie Gardner (allison.gard...@maine.edu) by 1 November 2016 with the following to ensure consideration: 1) Cover letter discussing your interest in graduate study in ecology and relevant coursework and research experience; 2) Names and contact information for three references; 3) Writing sample (e.g., an undergraduate paper or lab report of ~5-10 pages in length, which does not necessarily need to be related to biology). I look forward to hearing from you! Allison M. Gardner School of Biology and Ecology University of Maine 310 Deering Hall Orono, ME 04469 E-mail: allison.gard...@maine.edu
