I’m looking for lab members who are interested in using mathematical approaches to understand the ecology of infection and how it influences parasite traits. My approach to science is highly collaborative, and lab members will have the opportunity (and are strongly encouraged) to work both with empiricists and other theoreticians. Although the research focuses primarily on infection, parasites are subject to the same ecological and evolutionary principles as other organisms, meaning that inspiration comes from studies in a wide range of free-living and parasitic species. Therefore, the lab also includes a culture of going-to-things--meaning attending departmental seminars and events--whether or not the topic is directly related to your research. I’m especially interested in recruiting people who demonstrate enthusiasm for collaboration and who show a willingness to engage with others’ research (for example, by asking questions).
I am also interested in promoting equity. I organized a discussion series in the EEB department at the University of Toronto to raise awareness of the challenges and identify potential solutions (Broadening Representation and Equity With Science or BREWS). Summaries of BREWS discussions are available here, but the main, recurring theme is that many groups face systematic barriers to advancement in the sciences; aside from being unfair, those barriers hinder innovation. One part of the problem is that members of underrepresented groups may not receive the mentorship needed to locate, apply and interview for positions. This page includes more detail than is typical in an effort to provide context for that process, with the aim of encouraging applications from a diverse range of candidates.
PhD students
I am recruiting PhD students for Fall 2021! The deadline to apply is December 1, 2020, and here's where to find details on the graduate program and application process.
What I'm looking for: I don't expect students to arrive with all the skills they'll need to complete their PhD or a fully-fleshed out thesis proposal. Developing research plans--and learning the skills needed to execute those plans--are crucial parts of earning a PhD and not something applicants should have completed at the beginning. Rather, I'm looking for applicants with a track record of acquiring new skills (particularly in terms of coding, statistical techniques, mathematical models), and an interest in ecology and evolution, especially as it relates to infection. It's helpful to describe any links you see between your past academic, work or research experience and your goals and interests for graduate school.
To apply, the key steps are:
1. Email me, anytime between now and the Dec. 1st deadline. Please let me know about your scientific interests and goals. Why are you interested in joining my lab, and, specifically, how do you think our research interests align? What skills would you like to acquire or develop further during your PhD? What are your eventual career goals? I'm not looking for particular answers to any of these questions (and the answers will almost certainly change over time), but it helps me gauge your interest and determine whether the lab would be a good fit. Note that while emailing me is helpful and encouraged, it is not a required part of the application process.
2. Submit an online application by the Dec. 1st deadline, including a brief statement of purpose (up to 750 words), and a short description of your research interests (up to 500 words)--these are both more detailed versions of the information you would include in an email to a professor (see step 1). The application also requires a scanned copy of transcripts from previous colleges or universities attended, and contact information for three people who can provide letters of recommendation (it's a good idea to contact these people a week or two before the deadline and make sure they will be able to provide letters for you). GRE scores are NOT required or considered. TOEFL scores are required for some applicants who are not native English speakers (see details here). There is also a $105 application fee, but that fee can be waived when there is financial need or when applicants have completed certain pipeline programs (full details here).
The application process typically includes a Prospective Graduate Student Weekend for shortlisted candidates, which gives candidates and lab members a chance to chat. These chats are essential to figuring out whether the advising style and lab environment will help you develop your skills as a scientist. They also offer a chance for the lab group and other members of the department to get a sense of you as a potential collaborator and departmental citizen. The pandemic makes this an atypical year, so please check the program page for updates; but however those plans change, prospective students deserve the opportunity to chat with lab members and vice versa. I'm still starting my lab, but I will put shortlisted candidates in touch with students I've mentored as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto.
This google doc contains a list of people willing to answer questions about the grad school applications (some of whom, like myself, are recruiting grad students), or general information about the application process in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology (Additional Resources tab).
I am also interested in promoting equity. I organized a discussion series in the EEB department at the University of Toronto to raise awareness of the challenges and identify potential solutions (Broadening Representation and Equity With Science or BREWS). Summaries of BREWS discussions are available here, but the main, recurring theme is that many groups face systematic barriers to advancement in the sciences; aside from being unfair, those barriers hinder innovation. One part of the problem is that members of underrepresented groups may not receive the mentorship needed to locate, apply and interview for positions. This page includes more detail than is typical in an effort to provide context for that process, with the aim of encouraging applications from a diverse range of candidates.
PhD students
I am recruiting PhD students for Fall 2021! The deadline to apply is December 1, 2020, and here's where to find details on the graduate program and application process.
What I'm looking for: I don't expect students to arrive with all the skills they'll need to complete their PhD or a fully-fleshed out thesis proposal. Developing research plans--and learning the skills needed to execute those plans--are crucial parts of earning a PhD and not something applicants should have completed at the beginning. Rather, I'm looking for applicants with a track record of acquiring new skills (particularly in terms of coding, statistical techniques, mathematical models), and an interest in ecology and evolution, especially as it relates to infection. It's helpful to describe any links you see between your past academic, work or research experience and your goals and interests for graduate school.
To apply, the key steps are:
1. Email me, anytime between now and the Dec. 1st deadline. Please let me know about your scientific interests and goals. Why are you interested in joining my lab, and, specifically, how do you think our research interests align? What skills would you like to acquire or develop further during your PhD? What are your eventual career goals? I'm not looking for particular answers to any of these questions (and the answers will almost certainly change over time), but it helps me gauge your interest and determine whether the lab would be a good fit. Note that while emailing me is helpful and encouraged, it is not a required part of the application process.
2. Submit an online application by the Dec. 1st deadline, including a brief statement of purpose (up to 750 words), and a short description of your research interests (up to 500 words)--these are both more detailed versions of the information you would include in an email to a professor (see step 1). The application also requires a scanned copy of transcripts from previous colleges or universities attended, and contact information for three people who can provide letters of recommendation (it's a good idea to contact these people a week or two before the deadline and make sure they will be able to provide letters for you). GRE scores are NOT required or considered. TOEFL scores are required for some applicants who are not native English speakers (see details here). There is also a $105 application fee, but that fee can be waived when there is financial need or when applicants have completed certain pipeline programs (full details here).
The application process typically includes a Prospective Graduate Student Weekend for shortlisted candidates, which gives candidates and lab members a chance to chat. These chats are essential to figuring out whether the advising style and lab environment will help you develop your skills as a scientist. They also offer a chance for the lab group and other members of the department to get a sense of you as a potential collaborator and departmental citizen. The pandemic makes this an atypical year, so please check the program page for updates; but however those plans change, prospective students deserve the opportunity to chat with lab members and vice versa. I'm still starting my lab, but I will put shortlisted candidates in touch with students I've mentored as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto.
This google doc contains a list of people willing to answer questions about the grad school applications (some of whom, like myself, are recruiting grad students), or general information about the application process in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology (Additional Resources tab).
