Interested in engaing with the lab?
Undergrads at UNC are always welcome to come chat about opportunities to enage with the lab. Occassionally, we have opportunities to pay students to help us with research activities like processing data. Additionally, I'm always excited to hear students' ideas for independent study, honors thesis, and other similar opportunities.
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Prospective graduate students are encouraged to get in touch to discuss opportunities, but please see the general info below FIRST.
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Initial Meeting
Prior to applying to the department (see below), interested prospective students should get in touch with me to discuss 1) research interests and career goals, 2) potential funding opportunities, and what aspects of our work are most interesting. In addition, I will ask for a CV and writing sample to assess the level of preparedness. The prospective students that are the best fit for the lab and are most prepared for a graduate program will be invited to apply to the Graduate Program in Geography (see below).
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Qualifications
In general, the most qualified students will be able to clearly articulate their interests in the form of ecolgical research questions. The ability to do this demonstrates that they have thought carefully about potential thesis/dissertation topics and are becoming familiar with the existing state of the science related to these topics. Additionally, previous experience with methodologies that will help answer those research questions are valued highly. Other aspects of applications that should be highlighted include relevant undergrad degree program, academic performance, honors/awards, etc.
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Funding
My graduate students are typically supported on a mix of teaching and research assistantships to cover tuition, stipend, and other costs such as health insurance. These funds change annually and depend on things such as the number of state-funded teaching assistants available to our department and the amount of research funds I have available.
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Application Timeline
The application to the Graduate Program in Geography and Environment at UNC is due in Early December. After that, the faculty meet to evaluate applications and select a cohort of students to whom positions are then offered in January. Those students typically have until April to decide, and are invited to a recruitment event in March to get a better idea of what life is like in the department and in Chapel Hill.
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