Potential graduate students

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 this survey for 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 (Stearns & Huey, 1987).

Second, is this lab the right place for you?

As mentioned, you will not be working for Justin — you will be working independently on a project that you devise. Read the lab's research interests closely along with several of Justin's recent papers. Do they really interest and inspire you to similar questions? Much of this research involves spending long, uncomfortable hours collecting data in remote (albeit often beautiful) places. 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? This research also involves a heavy dose of theoretical work — do you have sufficient analytical and mathematical experience to make a significant contribution? 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. To make this assessment, please send the following:

• A detailed statement of why you want to attend graduate school and why this 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.