We are always seeking good students to fill positions, and you should contact me directly for information on graduate positions or summer employment. Prospective students should have good academic standing, a solid understanding of ecological principles, superior field and quantitative skills, and an insatiable curiosity about natural systems. Applicants should work well on their own as well as part of a team, and all students are expected to publish their work by the end of their degree. Candidates for the positions listed below should submit a cover letter and CV to me directly in advance of a formal application to Trent University's graduate program.
NEW (2018) Amphibian ecology (PhD or MSc)
We have projects available to assess the responses of amphibians to environmental stressors (e.g., pathogens, contaminants, food limitation, predation risk), exploring the heritability and plasticity of traits within and across generations and life stages. Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in stress ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Broad-banded Forestsnail ecology (PhD or MSc)
We are offering a project on Broad-banded Forestsnail ecology. The only known extant populations of Broad-banded Forestsnails in Canada are on Pelee Island and at Point Pelee National Park, and baseline biological and ecological data are currently deficient. This project will fill major knowledge gaps on the Broad-banded Forestsnail, including population sizes, demographics, life-history traits, using capture-mark-recapture methods across annual surveys. The project will also characterize habitat requirements, model habitat availability across southern Ontario, assess the threats posed by predation, and perform a comprehensive population viability analysis to predict the likelihood of species persistence in Ontario. Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Long-term ecological monitoring (PhD)
We are offering a project to assess the statistical limitations and biological inference of contemporary long-term ecological monitoring study designs and datasets, to help reveal the extent that existing approaches may be limited in guiding wildlife conservation programs or documenting broader patterns of environmental change. Currently, few robust long-term datasets of wildlife abundance exist, and there is the need to evaluate both the optimal design of long-term monitoring studies and the reliability of surrogate datasets (e.g., harvest statistics, habitat loss timeseries) in population analysis. Indeed, our previous work on carnivores and waterfowl (e.g., Murray et al. 2010, Ecology 91: 571-581; Murray et al. 2008 J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1463-1472) revealed shortcomings that call into question the broader utility of existing approaches in population analysis and management. Through timeseries analysis, statistical power analysis, and simulation modeling, the project will address questions such as: 1) population timeseries attributes that are needed to reliably detect a numerical decline or increase; 2) the most robust statistical methods for assessing cyclicity and attenuation in fluctuating animal populations; 3) optimal design of wildlife surveys in heterogenous and changing landscapes; and 4) forecasting population viability using limited or biased data. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project, and our lab-based model system (i.e., Chlamydomonas, see Borlestean et al. 2015 Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution doi: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00037) is available to test specific model predictions in an empirical context.
NEW (2018) Design optimization for private protected areas (MSc or PhD)
We have a project developing a robust and universal strategy for selecting private land parcels for conservation. Using a variety of GIS tools, we will develop models for quantifying the conservation value of individual land parcels based on natural characteristics, anthropogenic effects, zoning, and connectivity, and assess their application using the highly fragmented southern Ontario landscape as test case. The models will be further tested across a range of restrictions to ultimately provide a set of general guidelines to assist NGOs in optimizing their choice of land parcels for protection. Ultimately, we aim to optimize procedures for designing protected areas networks across southern Ontario and beyond. If the position is filled by a PhD candidate, there will be additional opportunity to tailor specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Boreal forest responses to climate change (PhD)
We are offering a project to assess responses to climate change among native species in Canada’s boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises Canada’s largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan. Biol doi:10.1111/gcb.12526; Murray et al. 2017 PLoS (ONE) 12(5) e0176706) forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and/or landscape genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Amphibian disease ecology (PhD or MSc)
We have projects to assess responses of amphibians to chytrid and/or frog virus #3 (i.e., ranavirus) infection. These pathogens are contributing to the global decline in amphibians, and there is increasing concern over their effect on larval amphibians either across strains of the pathogens themselves (which are known to have different levels of virulence), or through synergistic interactions with other environmental stressors (e.g., contaminants, food limitation, predation risk). Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in disease ecology, host-parasite coevolution, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. To apply for any of the above projects, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray (dennislmurray@gmail.com). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until suitable candidates are found. Successful PhD candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. All applicants (MSc or PhD) must have strong field and/or quantitative skills, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
NEW (2018) MSc or PhD project on Ambystoma salamander movement ecology
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation (Murray) lab at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, is offering a project (PhD or MSc) examining habitat selection and movement ecology of Ambystoma salamanders on Pelee Island. Pelee Island is home to Canada’s only population of Small-mouthed Salamanders, as well as a unique population of unisexual Ambystoma (i.e., the Small-mouthed Salamander dependent population), both of which are federally and provincially listed as Endangered. The habitat use and movement patterns of Small-mouthed Salamanders and the associated unisexual Ambystoma are poorly understood, despite the importance of this information for effective habitat management and protection. The student will employ a combination of radio-telemetry, fluorescent powder, and PIT tagging to track salamanders across the active season. Location data will be used to develop a model of habitat suitability, evaluate the risk posed by road mortality across the island, and identify areas that could be targeted as corridor habitat among sub-populations. Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver (if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident), as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful PhD candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. All applicants (MSc or PhD) must have strong field skills and/or modelling experience, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. Experience conducting radio-telemetry would be an asset. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
NEW (2018) MSc or PhD project on Ambystoma salamander kin selection and aggression
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation (Murray) lab at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, is seeking an MSc student to investigate kin selection in unisexual Ambystoma salamanders. This system provides unprecedented means to test kin selection theory because relatedness can range up to 100% (even among larvae born from different mothers), and there are well characterized means to experimentally manipulate the costs and benefits of kin-directed aggression. Specifically, the student will design and implement lab experiments using salamander larvae and may evaluate one of the following questions: 1) How do larvae respond to their ploidy-elevated kin?, 2) To what extent is conspecific aggression influenced by food availability and conspecific density?, 3) Does predator exposure modulate conspecific aggression among kin and non-kin? 4) How does relatedness affect cannibalistic behaviour of larvae? Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful applicants will have a BSc in Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. Applicants should have some statistical training and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
New (2017) - PhD - Amphibian disease ecology
We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses of amphibians to chytrid and/or frog virus #3 (i.e., ranavirus) infection. These pathogens are contributing to the global decline in amphibians, and there is increasing concern over their effect on larval amphibians either across strains of the pathogens themselves (which are known to have different levels of virulence), or through synergistic interactions with other environmental stressors (e.g., contaminants, food limitation, predation risk). Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in disease ecology, host-parasite coevolution, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The PhD student will be co-supervised with Dr. David Lesbarreres, Laurentian University (http://gearg.jimdo.com/people/head/)
NEW (2017) - PhD - Optimizing the design of long-term population monitoring studies
We are seeking a PhD student to assess the statistical limitations and biological inference of contemporary long-term ecological monitoring study designs and datasets, to help reveal the extent that existing approaches may be limited in guiding wildlife conservation programs or documenting broader patterns of environmental change. Currently, few robust long-term datasets of wildlife abundance exist, and there is the need to evaluate both the optimal design of long-term monitoring studies and the reliability of surrogate datasets (e.g., harvest statistics, habitat loss timeseries) in population analysis. Indeed, our previous work on carnivores and waterfowl (e.g., Murray et al. 2010, Ecology 91: 571-581; Murray et al. 2008 J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1463-1472) revealed shortcomings that call into question the broader utility of existing approaches in population analysis and management. Through timeseries analysis, statistical power analysis, and simulation modeling, the project will address questions such as: 1) population timeseries attributes that are needed to reliably detect a numerical decline or increase; 2) the most robust statistical methods for assessing attenuation in cyclic animal populations; 3) optimal design of wildlife surveys in heterogenous and changing landscapes; and 4) forecasting population viability using limited or biased data. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project, and our lab-based model system (i.e., Chlamydomonas, see Borlestean et al. 2015 Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution doi: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00037) is available to test specific model predictions in an empirical context.
NEW (2017) - PhD - Boreal forest responses to climate change
We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses to climate change among native species in Canada’s boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises Canada’s largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan. Biol doi:10.1111/gcb.12526; Murray et al. 2017 PLoS (ONE), in press) forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and landscape genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
New (2017) MSc or PhD - Protected areas network design optimization
We are seeking an MSc student to develop a robust and universal strategy for selecting private land parcels for conservation. Using a variety of GIS tools, we will develop models for quantifying the conservation value of individual land parcels based on natural characteristics, anthropogenic effects, zoning, and connectivity, and test their application using the highly fragmented southern Ontario landscape as test case. The models will be further tested across a range of restrictions to ultimately provide a set of general guidelines to assist NGOs in optimizing their choice of land parcels for protection. Ultimately, we aim to optimize procedures for designing protected areas networks across southern Ontario and beyond.
NEW (2017) MSc - Stress physiology of perceived predation risk in tadpoles
There is increasing evidence that amphibian tadpoles exhibit a suite of complex physiological responses when exposed to environmental stressors, and that responses are finely-tuned to match different types of stressors. An MSc student will work on the stress physiology of anuran larvae in response to predation risk. The research will examine the relationship between short- and long-term changes in stress hormone levels and morphological and behavioural plasticity in response to predation risk cues. The study will also investigate differences in prey response in relation to predator type. There is opportunity for the student to develop and implement new experiments based on their own interests.
NEW (2018) Amphibian ecology (PhD or MSc)
We have projects available to assess the responses of amphibians to environmental stressors (e.g., pathogens, contaminants, food limitation, predation risk), exploring the heritability and plasticity of traits within and across generations and life stages. Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in stress ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Broad-banded Forestsnail ecology (PhD or MSc)
We are offering a project on Broad-banded Forestsnail ecology. The only known extant populations of Broad-banded Forestsnails in Canada are on Pelee Island and at Point Pelee National Park, and baseline biological and ecological data are currently deficient. This project will fill major knowledge gaps on the Broad-banded Forestsnail, including population sizes, demographics, life-history traits, using capture-mark-recapture methods across annual surveys. The project will also characterize habitat requirements, model habitat availability across southern Ontario, assess the threats posed by predation, and perform a comprehensive population viability analysis to predict the likelihood of species persistence in Ontario. Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Long-term ecological monitoring (PhD)
We are offering a project to assess the statistical limitations and biological inference of contemporary long-term ecological monitoring study designs and datasets, to help reveal the extent that existing approaches may be limited in guiding wildlife conservation programs or documenting broader patterns of environmental change. Currently, few robust long-term datasets of wildlife abundance exist, and there is the need to evaluate both the optimal design of long-term monitoring studies and the reliability of surrogate datasets (e.g., harvest statistics, habitat loss timeseries) in population analysis. Indeed, our previous work on carnivores and waterfowl (e.g., Murray et al. 2010, Ecology 91: 571-581; Murray et al. 2008 J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1463-1472) revealed shortcomings that call into question the broader utility of existing approaches in population analysis and management. Through timeseries analysis, statistical power analysis, and simulation modeling, the project will address questions such as: 1) population timeseries attributes that are needed to reliably detect a numerical decline or increase; 2) the most robust statistical methods for assessing cyclicity and attenuation in fluctuating animal populations; 3) optimal design of wildlife surveys in heterogenous and changing landscapes; and 4) forecasting population viability using limited or biased data. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project, and our lab-based model system (i.e., Chlamydomonas, see Borlestean et al. 2015 Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution doi: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00037) is available to test specific model predictions in an empirical context.
NEW (2018) Design optimization for private protected areas (MSc or PhD)
We have a project developing a robust and universal strategy for selecting private land parcels for conservation. Using a variety of GIS tools, we will develop models for quantifying the conservation value of individual land parcels based on natural characteristics, anthropogenic effects, zoning, and connectivity, and assess their application using the highly fragmented southern Ontario landscape as test case. The models will be further tested across a range of restrictions to ultimately provide a set of general guidelines to assist NGOs in optimizing their choice of land parcels for protection. Ultimately, we aim to optimize procedures for designing protected areas networks across southern Ontario and beyond. If the position is filled by a PhD candidate, there will be additional opportunity to tailor specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Boreal forest responses to climate change (PhD)
We are offering a project to assess responses to climate change among native species in Canada’s boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises Canada’s largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan. Biol doi:10.1111/gcb.12526; Murray et al. 2017 PLoS (ONE) 12(5) e0176706) forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and/or landscape genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
NEW (2018) Amphibian disease ecology (PhD or MSc)
We have projects to assess responses of amphibians to chytrid and/or frog virus #3 (i.e., ranavirus) infection. These pathogens are contributing to the global decline in amphibians, and there is increasing concern over their effect on larval amphibians either across strains of the pathogens themselves (which are known to have different levels of virulence), or through synergistic interactions with other environmental stressors (e.g., contaminants, food limitation, predation risk). Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in disease ecology, host-parasite coevolution, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. To apply for any of the above projects, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray (dennislmurray@gmail.com). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until suitable candidates are found. Successful PhD candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. All applicants (MSc or PhD) must have strong field and/or quantitative skills, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
NEW (2018) MSc or PhD project on Ambystoma salamander movement ecology
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation (Murray) lab at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, is offering a project (PhD or MSc) examining habitat selection and movement ecology of Ambystoma salamanders on Pelee Island. Pelee Island is home to Canada’s only population of Small-mouthed Salamanders, as well as a unique population of unisexual Ambystoma (i.e., the Small-mouthed Salamander dependent population), both of which are federally and provincially listed as Endangered. The habitat use and movement patterns of Small-mouthed Salamanders and the associated unisexual Ambystoma are poorly understood, despite the importance of this information for effective habitat management and protection. The student will employ a combination of radio-telemetry, fluorescent powder, and PIT tagging to track salamanders across the active season. Location data will be used to develop a model of habitat suitability, evaluate the risk posed by road mortality across the island, and identify areas that could be targeted as corridor habitat among sub-populations. Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver (if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident), as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful PhD candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. All applicants (MSc or PhD) must have strong field skills and/or modelling experience, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. Experience conducting radio-telemetry would be an asset. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
NEW (2018) MSc or PhD project on Ambystoma salamander kin selection and aggression
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation (Murray) lab at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, is seeking an MSc student to investigate kin selection in unisexual Ambystoma salamanders. This system provides unprecedented means to test kin selection theory because relatedness can range up to 100% (even among larvae born from different mothers), and there are well characterized means to experimentally manipulate the costs and benefits of kin-directed aggression. Specifically, the student will design and implement lab experiments using salamander larvae and may evaluate one of the following questions: 1) How do larvae respond to their ploidy-elevated kin?, 2) To what extent is conspecific aggression influenced by food availability and conspecific density?, 3) Does predator exposure modulate conspecific aggression among kin and non-kin? 4) How does relatedness affect cannibalistic behaviour of larvae? Students will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful applicants will have a BSc in Biology, or a related field, and demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications. Applicants should have some statistical training and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca).
New (2017) - PhD - Amphibian disease ecology
We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses of amphibians to chytrid and/or frog virus #3 (i.e., ranavirus) infection. These pathogens are contributing to the global decline in amphibians, and there is increasing concern over their effect on larval amphibians either across strains of the pathogens themselves (which are known to have different levels of virulence), or through synergistic interactions with other environmental stressors (e.g., contaminants, food limitation, predation risk). Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in disease ecology, host-parasite coevolution, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The PhD student will be co-supervised with Dr. David Lesbarreres, Laurentian University (http://gearg.jimdo.com/people/head/)
NEW (2017) - PhD - Optimizing the design of long-term population monitoring studies
We are seeking a PhD student to assess the statistical limitations and biological inference of contemporary long-term ecological monitoring study designs and datasets, to help reveal the extent that existing approaches may be limited in guiding wildlife conservation programs or documenting broader patterns of environmental change. Currently, few robust long-term datasets of wildlife abundance exist, and there is the need to evaluate both the optimal design of long-term monitoring studies and the reliability of surrogate datasets (e.g., harvest statistics, habitat loss timeseries) in population analysis. Indeed, our previous work on carnivores and waterfowl (e.g., Murray et al. 2010, Ecology 91: 571-581; Murray et al. 2008 J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1463-1472) revealed shortcomings that call into question the broader utility of existing approaches in population analysis and management. Through timeseries analysis, statistical power analysis, and simulation modeling, the project will address questions such as: 1) population timeseries attributes that are needed to reliably detect a numerical decline or increase; 2) the most robust statistical methods for assessing attenuation in cyclic animal populations; 3) optimal design of wildlife surveys in heterogenous and changing landscapes; and 4) forecasting population viability using limited or biased data. The student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project, and our lab-based model system (i.e., Chlamydomonas, see Borlestean et al. 2015 Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution doi: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00037) is available to test specific model predictions in an empirical context.
NEW (2017) - PhD - Boreal forest responses to climate change
We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses to climate change among native species in Canada’s boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises Canada’s largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan. Biol doi:10.1111/gcb.12526; Murray et al. 2017 PLoS (ONE), in press) forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and landscape genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.
New (2017) MSc or PhD - Protected areas network design optimization
We are seeking an MSc student to develop a robust and universal strategy for selecting private land parcels for conservation. Using a variety of GIS tools, we will develop models for quantifying the conservation value of individual land parcels based on natural characteristics, anthropogenic effects, zoning, and connectivity, and test their application using the highly fragmented southern Ontario landscape as test case. The models will be further tested across a range of restrictions to ultimately provide a set of general guidelines to assist NGOs in optimizing their choice of land parcels for protection. Ultimately, we aim to optimize procedures for designing protected areas networks across southern Ontario and beyond.
NEW (2017) MSc - Stress physiology of perceived predation risk in tadpoles
There is increasing evidence that amphibian tadpoles exhibit a suite of complex physiological responses when exposed to environmental stressors, and that responses are finely-tuned to match different types of stressors. An MSc student will work on the stress physiology of anuran larvae in response to predation risk. The research will examine the relationship between short- and long-term changes in stress hormone levels and morphological and behavioural plasticity in response to predation risk cues. The study will also investigate differences in prey response in relation to predator type. There is opportunity for the student to develop and implement new experiments based on their own interests.