Hi all,
A PhD Graduate Assistantship is available in the Dale Lab
(https://dalelab.org) at the University of Florida, Entomology & Nematology
Department in Gainesville, FL. This assistantship will investigate the
effects of inter- and intraspecific plant diversity and abiotic factors on
pest and beneficial arthropods in urban landscapes.
Urbanization is the most rapid form of land use change in Florida. The
vegetation of these landscapes is composed of turfgrass and ornamental
plants, which can benefit people and the environment. However, these plant
communities often lack diversity, which may predispose them to arthropod
pest outbreaks and reliance on chemical inputs. Florida presents an
interesting challenge because it spans six USDA hardiness zones. Therefore,
plant-insect interactions and applications of ecological management
strategies may not hold true across the state.
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent individual to
pursue a doctoral graduate research project investigating the effects of
manipulating plant diversity in urban lawns across multiple climatic regions
in Florida, with the goal of reducing pests and increasing plant health.
This project will build on previous and ongoing research and has the
potential to move forward in multiple directions. Research may involve
aspects of conservation, horticulture, and insect ecology.
Start date: Fall 2018
Requirement: Master’s degree in a related field
Preferred background:
Insect ecology
Urban ecology
Horticulture
Statistics
Applicants should send a single PDF file containing 1) a cover letter
describing research experience and interests, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3)
names and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Adam
Dale at [email protected].
For more information about the University of Florida, Entomology &
Nematology Department, recently ranked number one in the world, visit
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu.
Adam Dale, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Entomology & Nematology
University of Florida, Gainesville
352-273-3976
[email protected]
Website: https://dalelab.org
Twitter: @adamGdale
