We are pleased to announce a new NSF funded, IGERT doctoral program in "Genetic Engineering and Society: The Case of Transgenic Pests". We are now accepting applications and are looking for students interested in the ecological aspects of genetically managing pests through the use of transgenic strains.
The doctoral program will examine questions linked to the genetic modification of mosquitoes, mice, fish, and other species that affect human health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The general field of inquiry is referred to as "Genetic Pest Management". The first cohort of students starting in July 2012 will focus on issues related to mosquitoes that vector malaria and dengue. Some ecological questions are: How will the engineered strains impact disease epidemiology? What are the fitness costs associated with an engineered trait and how will it impact the spread of an engineered selfish genetic element? How will the population regulation and structure of a specific mosquito impact the effectiveness of population suppression tactics? Students interested in the molecular genetic aspects of the program will focus on building strains or novel gene drive mechanisms. We will also address questions such as: What are the social, ethical, and ecological consequences of these techniques? How can all stakeholders be involved in decisions about these products? We are looking for excellent students who have majored in a biological science but have a strong interest in humanities, mathematics, and/or a social science. Students in this program will receive a broad and rigorous graduate training across these areas with emphasis in their chosen field. We also welcome students who have a masters degree and want strong interdisciplinary training at the doctoral level. Students who participate in the program will receive a PhD in a home doctoral program and a graduate minor in "Genetic Engineering and Society". The minor will include four courses, one of which will be taught in Peru. In addition to full fellowships (2-3 years at $30K per year), funds are available for international internships. After the first 2-3 years students will receive a stipend within the normal range associated with their home doctoral program. Please visit our website for more details on the program, including a list of participating faculty: http://GeneticEngSoc.ncsu.edu/. In addition to contacting potential faculty mentors, prospective students are encouraged to email questions to: [email protected] Below is the reference to an article that describes the evolutionary and ecological aspects of genetic pest management: Gould, F. 2008. Broadening the application of evolutionarily based genetic pest management. Evolution 62: 500510.
