Graduate opportunities

My lab works on bird evolution, but within that field we work on a great variety of projects. One unifying theme is using DNA sequence data to ask questions about the history of diversification. Some of those projects entail examining large families of birds to understand their phylogenetic relationships, but an increasing focus examines more subtle differences among populations and trying to identify factors that influence speciation. Geographically, a lot of my work focuses on the Old World, primarily SE Asia and the archipelagos of the SW Pacific, but I also have an increasing number of projects in the Kansas area. The work is also specimen-oriented. Our fieldwork focuses on collecting and preparing specimens for museum collections, along with a host of other data and collection material (genetic samples, voice recordings, parasites, etc.). 

 

Some aspects of our work that you should consider when thinking about applying to our program: 1) Fieldwork. Fieldwork is not required of all students, but it is an important part of what we do. If fieldwork interests you, note that a lot of it is in remote areas and in difficult conditions – camping for long stretches in wet, muddy conditions; 2) Computation and analytics. The field of DNA sequencing and analysis is progressing at an incredible pace. It is increasingly apparent that bioinformatics skills are vital for succeeding in this work.  Although it is not a requirement that a student would enter the program with such a background, experience in phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, or programming is an advantage, and at a minimum, a desire to dive into such fields would be essential; 3) Specimens and museum collections.  Specimen material is the basis of our research. A desire to collect, prepare, and/or work with such material is a common theme in the lab. 

 

In addition to experience/expertise in one or more of the above, I look for highly motivated students that have great attention to detail.

 

Competition for entry into our graduate program is rather high. If possible, I encourage prospective applicants to visit the campus to meet my lab and me, talk to other professors, and see first-hand some of the work we do. Funding is another item to consider; it often limits the number of students a program can admit each year. Securing your own funding–even partial funding–can increase your chances of getting into any program.  US students should be applying to the Graduate Research Fellowship Program funded by NSF. International students should check with their governments – many countries offer support for graduate school.