The Quantitative Spatial Ecology, Evolution, and Environment (QSE^3)
IGERT is an NSF-funded program at the University of Florida that started
in Fall 2008. QSE^3 involves students and faculty from 10 programs and
departments at UF and outside clients from state, federal and
international agencies. The program focuses on the *critically important
and conceptually unifying theme of spatial dynamics, covering topics
such as evolution and spread of emerging pathogens; the causes and
consequences of shifting species distributions; and conservation of
species in patchy habitats*. To tackle these critical issues, graduate
students must acquire an arsenal of tools from the disparate fields of
biology, geography, mathematics, and statistics. We seek to train
scientists who embrace a new philosophy about quantitative tools, who
can speak to colleagues from different disciplines, and who can function
as part of intellectually diverse teams by bringing different tools to
bear on shared problems. Through the use of innovative curricula and
internships, and by focusing on problem-centered training, our program
provides graduates the edge needed to become leaders in their chosen
fields.
We aim to recruit 5 PhD students from relevant disciplines (mathematics,
statistics, geography, computer sciences, and biological fields),
intending to enter a UF PhD program in August 2009; recruits will join
10 existing students in the program. We seek broadly integrative, highly
motivated students with an interest in quantitative approaches to
spatial ecology and evolution. Ecologists/biologists/geographers with
interests in using quantitative tools (math, stats, computer science)
and statisticians/mathematicians with interests in biological
(ecological, epidemiological, evolutionary, environmental) and spatial
applications are invited to apply. While prior evidence of
cross-disciplinary interests will be advantageous, previous
cross-disciplinary training is not required.
The fellowship provides a $30,000/year stipend plus tuition and fees,
during Years 2 and 3 of IGERT participation. Although only US citizens
and permanent residents are eligible for NSF funding, we welcome
participation as IGERT affiliates by non-US students (or those who have
other sources of support) in IGERT courses and activities.
Review of QSE^3 applications will begin January 15, 2009; applicants
also must apply to home departments (which have different deadlines).
For more information, go to http://qse3.centers.ufl.edu or contact a
member of the IGERT council:
--Ben Bolker (Botany and Zoology, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Emilio Bruna (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Mary Christman (Statistics, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Maia Martcheva (Mathematics, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Kaoru Kitajima (Botany and Zoology, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Craig Osenberg (Botany and Zoology, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
--Jane Southworth (Geography, [EMAIL PROTECTED])
