Opportunities to Join Our Lab

 
 

Thank you for your interest in our research group! We offer various opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and postdocs to contribute to our work in spatial and disturbance ecology, with a focus on sustainability and conservation. Before reaching out, I encourage you to explore our ongoing projects and recent publications to ensure your interests align with ours.

Our lab is dedicated to advancing science through innovative and integrative methodologies, while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We value diversity of thought, background, and experience and are committed to building a lab culture where every individual can thrive both personally and professionally. Collaboration is key to our success, and we welcome individuals who are eager to push the boundaries of conservation science. We also embrace calculated risks, as we believe they lead to exciting discoveries and professional growth.

We are recruiting for 2-3 PhD students in the following areas for fall 2025:

  1. Atlantic Tarpon Trophic and Movement Ecology (1 student). For more details. Click here.

  2. Gulf of Mexico multi-species Analysis with USGS Collaboration (1-2 students). For more details. Click here.

Graduate Students

Our lab is part of the Department of Integrative Biology, located on the main campus in Tampa. We accept graduate students through the following programs at the University of South Florida:

  • M.S. – Biology

  • Ph.D. – Integrative Biology

Funding and Support

Graduate students in our lab are eligible for Teaching Assistantships (TAs) through the Department of Integrative Biology, which provide financial support along with teaching experience. To be considered for a TA, you must apply by November 30. Additionally, Research Assistantships (RAs) may be available through both external and internal funding. We strongly encourage students to seek additional research funding, and we offer guidance in applying for grants and fellowships.

Collaborations Across USF and Agencies

In addition to the opportunities within the Department of Integrative Biology, our students have access to collaborations with researchers at USF’s College of Marine Science (CMS) in St. Petersburg, which specializes in oceanography, marine ecosystems, and climate change.

We also embrace partnerships with state and federal agencies. If you are a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission employee or one from another Florida-based agency. Students employed by these agencies can join the lab with full support, provided their supervisors approve. This is a excellent opportunity to explore for furthering professional development and capacity within state agencies.

How to Apply

Prospective students with strong academic backgrounds should reach out with a brief introduction, detailing their research experience, academic interests, and goals for graduate study. Please include your CV, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for at least two referees. Within the subject line of the email, please lead with “Graduate Studies Potential for [degree type]: [name].”

For more information on applying to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs, please visit the USF Department of Integrative Biology. Please also review two great readings on applications and graduate student advice that should help.

Postdoctoral Researchers

I welcome postdoctoral researchers who have strong publication records and relevant research skills to join the lab. If you’re interested, please send me an introductory email outlining your academic background, previous research experience, and how your research interests align with the work we do in the lab. Include your CV and contact information for referees who can speak to your qualifications.

While there may be funded opportunities from time to time, I am also happy to explore potential funding sources with you to support your postdoctoral research. We can work together to identify internal and external funding opportunities to match your expertise and research goals.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

We welcome undergraduate students who are curious and highly motivated to dive into topics such as marine ecosystems, species conservation, and ecological research. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with our lab and graduate students on a chosen area of focus, contributing to active projects while developing practical skills. While opportunities are currently limited, please feel free to reach out with a description of your interests and how they align with our lab’s research goals. As our lab continues to grow, there will be increasing opportunities to assist with data collection, fieldwork, and lab-based analysis, gaining valuable hands-on experience.