NSF-IGERT Genetic Engineering and Society: The case of transgenic pests. We are looking for three students interested in applying the tools of ecology, evolutionary biology, entomology, and molecular biology to important global challenges. Genetic pest management involves the manipulation of pest populations to suppress transmission of diseases like malaria, and to decrease densities of agricultural pests. Please see our website: http://geneticengsoc.ncsu.edu/
Questions about genetic pest management are technical and scientific, but also deeply social. We believe students must acquire both an understanding of the technologies underpinning genetic pest management as well as an understanding of the social context in which those tools might be used. Because no single student can master all these complexities, our goal is to sponsor an academically and culturally diverse group of about 6-7 students in Fall 2014. With roughly equal representation of students seeking degrees in humanities/social sciences and mathematics/natural sciences, IGERT fellows in Genetic Engineering and Society will use their combined expertise to address specific agricultural pest systems that they choose with help of faculty mentors. In working together, students will gain from each other broader insights about global challenges than they would in a program focused on a single academic discipline. Fellowships ($30,000/yr) are available from our NSF grant for US citizens and permanent residents. Contact: fred_go...@ncsu.edu
