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 the community ecology of infectious disease. As an advisor, I will strive to foster your growth into a creative and independent scientist. I invite students to develop questions that are similar or adjacent to conceptual questions that motivate my research. You would be encouraged to focus your empirical work in zooplankton study systems to build synergy with existing lab projects, equipment, and expertise. I expect students to seek 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?

I am especially eager to recruit students interested in the eco-evolutionary dynamics of infectious disease. Some of my previous research in this area using the Daphnia-Metschnikowia system has asked how rapid evolution can rescue host populations from competition and disease (Strauss et al. 2017 Proc B), how genotypic differences in hosts drive differences in dilution effects (Strauss et al. 2015 Ecology Letters; Strauss et al. 2017 Functional Ecology), and how host genotypes differ in their defense against infection (Strauss et al. 2019 Proc B). Students interested in related questions in this field are encouraged to apply for a Simons Graduate Fellowship in Ecology and Evolution, with applications due July 31. If you are interested in applying for this fellowship, and I would be happy to brainstorm ideas; feel free to reach out by email.