The University of Maryland College Park, MD Graduate research assistantships starting in the Fall 2009 are available under the supervision of Paul Leisnham in The Department of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST). Research will focus on the effects of anthropogenic environmental changes, such as climate change, land use change, and species invasions, on the ecology of disease-vector mosquitoes in water-filled containers, wetlands, and stormwater systems.
This is a chance for high-caliber students to work closely with their supervisor in a topical and important research area. Successful students will undertake innovative research that will both enhance current management of vector mosquitoes and improve our understanding of fundamental ecological issues, including life-history trade-offs, phenotypic plasticity, and community interactions. Opportunities exist for students to develop their own research ideas in consultation with Dr. Leisnham. Successful applicants will have a strong academic record and prior experience in ecology or entomology. Assistantships are fully-funded and include an excellent living stipend, tuition remission, health benefits, and funding to cover research expenses, including travel. ENST administers a cutting-edge multi-disciplinary graduate program that addresses issues at the interface of ecosystem and human health. ENST has world-class field and lab facilities. The close proximity of ENST to federal institutions and facilities, including NIH, NSF, USDA Beltsville, and the Walter Reed Army Institute, presents excellent opportunities for students to collaborate and connect with future employers. For more information on ENST: http://agnr.umd.edu/departments/enst/. College Park offers a diverse, vibrant college experience, as well as excellent outdoor pursuits nearby and the city experiences of Washington DC and Baltimore. Interested students should email Dr. Paul Leisnham ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) to discuss research goals and project ideas well before the application deadline (i.e., August 2008 onwards. The application deadline is 1 February 2009).
