Prospective Graduate Students
I am interested in working with bright, motivated graduate students who have high expectations of themselves. Students who work with me will achieve a broad understanding of current problems in ecology and evolution, and should see themselves as capable of making a meaningful contribution in these fields. My goal is to help each of my graduate students put together a well-designed research project that will garner extramural support and that will result in high-quality publications. Individuals working with me should be self-motivated as I offer them a large degree of intellectual autonomy. I do not restrict my students to work on particular projects or with specific taxonomic groups, but finding a shared conceptual interest is necessary for me to serve as an effective mentor. Finally, I only accept students who I feel will add to the stimulating and collegial atmosphere of our lab group. Science is a social endeavor and I am committed to maintaining a positive environment where individuals are most likely to thrive.
I currently have excellent funding support for my graduate students. Individuals working with me can expect a mix of TA and RA funding (usually a commitment of one semester of TA and two semesters of RA in a calendar year). Ph.D. fellowships in our department typically begin at $21,000 per year plus additional benefits. Masters fellowships are closer to $15,000 per year. Supplemental stipend awards (typically $4,000 to $6,000) are competitively available through the Graduate College. The Utah Valley and surrounding areas offer an affordable, healthy, and safe environment and are world-known for a variety of spectacular outdoor opportunities.
Prospective students should contact me before applying to our graduate program. I will be attending the ‘Evolution Meetings’ in Minnesota this summer and the ‘Desert Fishes Meetings’ in Mexico this fall; these are both great places to visit with me in person. I will be accepting one or two new graduate students in 2009. Our application deadline is January 30, 2009. Strong applicants will typically be invited to campus for an interview after the application deadline.
