behavior, demography, population ecology, and life history evolution of
black bears.
Project: The aim of this project is to help guide black bear conservation by
linking bear behavior to habitat selection, individually-based demography,
and population dynamics using state-of-the-art statistical and modeling
tools. The selected PhD student will work on 30+ years of high quality,
individual-based black bear data (i.e., behavior, movement, and demography)
from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife ‘NJDFW’. This dataset
offers the possibility to address applied questions and management solutions
directed at mitigating bear-wildlife conflicts. It also conveys the
possibility to address basic research questions by relating individual
performance and fitness to environmental and anthropogenic change in New
Jersey; the state with the highest density of black bears in the country.
The combination of applied and basic research is the approach I favor in my
lab. It should be noted that even though the student will be working on an
existing dataset, the student will also have to possibility to participate
in field work each year with NJDFW (summer bear captures and winter den
searches).
Funding: All interested candidates must apply to both USU’s School of
Graduate Studies, and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Doctoral Fellowships
Program. These fellowships will cover 75% of all expenses (stipend, tuition,
health insurance) over 4 years. Matching funds (remaining 25%) have already
been secured, which is a sinequanon condition for a successful application.
Requirements: Minimum requirements for a successful application are a
cumulative 70th percentile (for both verbal and quantitative) on GRE and
cumulative GPA of > 3.5. Note that although 70th percentile scores are not
required for the Quinney fellowships, nominees without these scores will be
at a distinct disadvantage. Paper(s) in peer-reviewed journals and
manuscripts at advanced stages of preparation will considerably help your
application.
Advising: The Phd student will receive his/her degree through the department
of Wildland Resources or the Ecology Center at Utah State University (Logan,
Utah). The student will work in my lab (Dr Lise Aubry
http://www.cnr.usu.edu/htm/
Melissa Reynolds-Hogland (head of bear trust international,
http://beartrust.org/) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
(http://www.state.nj.us/dep/
Location: USU is a wonderful place to work and play. The college of natural
resources offers the perfect blend of basic and applied research, a
collegial and friendly atmosphere, as well as a beautiful campus at the edge
of the mountains, with wonderful views of the valley. The proximity to
Yellowstone, Southern Utah National Parks (e.g., Canyonlands, Arches, Zion),
and the direct access to the great outdoors offer some of the best
opportunities for skiing, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, and hiking in the
country.
Application and deadline: To apply, please email me a CV, copy of your
transcripts, one-page statement of research interests, and contact
information for two references at lise.aubry@aggiemail.usu.edu by the 1st of
December 2012. Out of the pool of applicants, I will select the top two
candidates to move forward with the fellowship application process which
will need to be completed by the 25th of January 2013. Anticipated start
date would be summer-fall 2013.
