Potential Graduate Students
Thanks for your interest! Following the model that worked for me, I generally do not expect graduate students in my lab to be working on projects directly tied to my own. That means that you will have considerable latitude in coming up with a topic for your dissertation provided that it fits closely with the general research questions that interest me. Because of this, I expect anyone applying to work with me to be able to clearly outline a set of questions that they hope to pursue.
Here is some additional information and questions to ask yourself to help you decide whether or not my lab might be the right place for you to pursue your PhD:
First, are you sure that a PhD program is right for you?
Are you ready to spend 5-6 years dedicating yourself to your research? Why is it that you want to get a PhD? How will it help you reach your long-term goals? Check out the following surveyfor a better idea of what might be involved in getting a PhD? If you do not have significant expertise conducting ecological research, the chances are good that you may not be quite ready for a PhD program. For a somewhat humorous but relatively accurate perspective on graduate life in Ecology, check out Some Modest Advice for Graduate Students.
Second, is my lab the right place for you?
As I mentioned, you will not be working for me. You will be working independently on a project that you devise. Read my research interests closely along with several of my recent papers. Do they really interest you and inspire you to similar questions? Much of my research involves spending long, uncomfortable hours collecting data in remote (albeit often beautiful) places. However, there are also a lot of more mundane activities that need to take place for any dissertation to be completed. Are you prepared to spend hours, days, weeks, and months in front of the computer and in the lab? My research also involves a heavy dose of theoretical work. Do you have sufficient analytical and mathematical experience to make a significant contribution to this work? Are you absolutely committed to publishing your dissertation research? Most importantly, do you really have a passionate interest in understanding the causes and consequences of changing biodiversity?
If you answered yes to at least most of these questions, you may be a good fit for the lab. In order for me to make this assessment, please send me the following information:
If you decide to apply to Duke, I can accept PhD students through two different graduate programs: the Department of Biologyand the University Program in Ecology. Both programs typically invite highly ranked candidates (i.e. plenty of research experience, good scores, and a good fit with the potential advisor) to interview in person in early Spring. NOTE THAT APPLICANTS ARE RANKED BY THE ENTIRE FACULTY, AND ADMITTANCE IS A JOINT DECISION OF THE ENTIRE FACULTY.
Here is some additional information and questions to ask yourself to help you decide whether or not my lab might be the right place for you to pursue your PhD:
First, are you sure that a PhD program is right for you?
Are you ready to spend 5-6 years dedicating yourself to your research? Why is it that you want to get a PhD? How will it help you reach your long-term goals? Check out the following surveyfor a better idea of what might be involved in getting a PhD? If you do not have significant expertise conducting ecological research, the chances are good that you may not be quite ready for a PhD program. For a somewhat humorous but relatively accurate perspective on graduate life in Ecology, check out Some Modest Advice for Graduate Students.
Second, is my lab the right place for you?
As I mentioned, you will not be working for me. You will be working independently on a project that you devise. Read my research interests closely along with several of my recent papers. Do they really interest you and inspire you to similar questions? Much of my research involves spending long, uncomfortable hours collecting data in remote (albeit often beautiful) places. However, there are also a lot of more mundane activities that need to take place for any dissertation to be completed. Are you prepared to spend hours, days, weeks, and months in front of the computer and in the lab? My research also involves a heavy dose of theoretical work. Do you have sufficient analytical and mathematical experience to make a significant contribution to this work? Are you absolutely committed to publishing your dissertation research? Most importantly, do you really have a passionate interest in understanding the causes and consequences of changing biodiversity?
If you answered yes to at least most of these questions, you may be a good fit for the lab. In order for me to make this assessment, please send me the following information:
- A detailed statement of why you want to attend graduate school and why my lab is a good fit for you.
- A description of your previous research experience, and resulting publications (if applicable).
- The names and institutions of the people who will provide your letters of recommendation (letters are not necessary at this time)
- Your GPA
If you decide to apply to Duke, I can accept PhD students through two different graduate programs: the Department of Biologyand the University Program in Ecology. Both programs typically invite highly ranked candidates (i.e. plenty of research experience, good scores, and a good fit with the potential advisor) to interview in person in early Spring. NOTE THAT APPLICANTS ARE RANKED BY THE ENTIRE FACULTY, AND ADMITTANCE IS A JOINT DECISION OF THE ENTIRE FACULTY.
