Undergraduate students: We are always happy to hear from students at UGA who are interested in gaining hands-on experience participating in ecological research. Depending on the semester, we may have opportunities both for student technicians (who receive an hourly wage but have less freedom in the tasks they are assigned) or for mentored student research projects (i.e., research for credit). Students who are interested in research for credit are also encouraged to apply for a CURO Research Award which can provide a small stipend to further support the student. Students are mostly likely to find a good fit with us if they are earlier in their academic careers (i.e., freshman and sophomores) and if they are planning to major in Ecology. If you are interested, reach out to our lab manager to learn more.

Potential PhD students: I welcome applications from prospective PhD students interested in community and disease ecology. As an advisor, I will strive to foster your growth into a creative, rigorous, and independent scientist. I invite students to develop questions that are similar or adjacent to conceptual questions that motivate my research. You would not be ‘required’ to focus your empirical work in the zooplankton or grass study systems, but I may be able to serve as a better advisor if I know something about the natural history of your study system(s). I expect students to attempt to procure their own funding through grants and fellowships, but funding can also arise from my own research grants and teaching assistantships through the Odum School. Students interested in joining my lab are encouraged to read a few of my papers and email me with their CV along with an informal ~1 page research statement that addresses 1) What questions in disease and/or community ecology are most motivating to you? 2) What experiences have inspired you to pursue a graduate program in ecology? 3) What specifically attracted you to my research and my lab?