I am looking for highly motivated MS and PhD graduate students interested in invasion biology or restoration ecology to start August 2008 in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida. My research focus is on the landscape patterns and community mechanisms that influence the addition of species into ecosystems. My interest in landscape preservation is served by utilizing a variety of methods to answer pressing questions relating to the addition and loss of species in ecosystems. Future and ongoing Von Holle lab projects available for collaboration are: The effect of landscape connectivity on habitat invasibility by nonnative plants The effect of global climate change on nonnative species distributions The influence of historical landuse on nonnative plant distribution using historical aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery Habitat restoration: forests, heathlands, and scrub. Impacts of nonnative species on Florida ecosystems Facilitations between nonnative species For further information on my research visit: http://biology.ucf.edu/~vonholle/ The Department has a strong and collegial group with diverse research interests that range from applied conservation biology to theoretical ecology and evolutionary biology. The University is situated within easy driving distance of diverse coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, offering excellent opportunities for both field research and recreation. Students accepted in the program are eligible for graduate fellowships, graduate teaching assistantships, or graduate research assistantships. Stipends are currently $19,000 and $15,000 per year for PhD and MS students, respectively. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in the Biological Sciences as well as prior research experience. Interested applicants should send an email with a letter of interest and attached CV to Betsy Von Holle: [EMAIL PROTECTED] University application materials are due January 15, 2008.
