The Shoemaker lab is accepting applications for 1-2 graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) who will start fall 2019 at the University of Wyoming in the Program in Ecology or the Botany Department. Our lab’s research broadly focuses on understanding spatial and temporal community dynamics and coexistence. We combine ecological theory and modeling with experimental tests of underlying mechanisms across a variety of systems, using protist microcosms, grassland manipulations, and long-term datasets. Our research focuses on how spatial heterogeneity, dispersal, and stochasticity alter coexistence of competing species and underlying community composition. More information on our research can be found at https://laurenshoemaker.weebly.com/.
Qualified applicants should have previous research experience that matches any of the lab’s general research themes, and students with strong quantitative backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. We are interested in students from a diversity of backgrounds, including ecology, biology, mathematics, and computer science. We value diversity and encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply. Graduate students will be supported in part by a new 5-year, $20 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 grant to the University of Wyoming. Additional details can be found at http://www.uwyo.edu/epscor/microbial-ecology/. To apply, contact Dr. Lauren Shoemaker at lshoe...@uwyo.edu with (1) a CV that includes relevant research or work experience, GPA, and relevant previous classes and (2) a brief description of your research background, future research ideas, and interest in joining the lab. This will allow us to discuss research interests and fit before submitting an official application. The application deadline is January 31 (Program in Ecology) or February 1 (Botany), however applicants are encouraged to express interest as soon as possible. The University of Wyoming has a total enrollment of 12,000 full-time students with active ecological research across multiple departments, including Botany, Zoology and Physiology, Ecosystem Science and Management, and the Program in Ecology. The university is located in Laramie, a mountain town with a relatively low cost of living that is close to multiple field sites, several mountain ranges, and within easy driving distance of Colorado’s Front Range corridor (Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver). The University of Wyoming is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. Please see www.uwyo.edu/diversity/fairness.
