Graduate Students

MS Position in Biology and PhD Position in Coastal Resources Management at East Carolina University
 
Our interdisciplinary team is recruiting PhD and MS graduate students in the area of socioeconomic-ecological systems modeling. The student will work on an EPA-funded interdisciplinary project led by Dr. Jacob Hochard (Dept. of Economics & Institute for Coastal Science and Policy) in collaboration with Drs. Randall Etheridge (Dept. of Engineering & Center for Sustainability) and Ariane Peralta (Dept. of Biology) at East Carolina University. The PhD and MS students will be co-advised and will work closely with economics, biology and engineering faculty at East Carolina University. The graduate student positions include research assistantship support to work on a collaborative EPA-funded project.

The qualified candidate will have strong undergraduate training in ecology, biogeochemistry, or environmental science. Ideally, the student will have some knowledge of GIS, hydrology, and biogeochemical processes. Candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary research and a familiarity or willingness to learn socioeconomic-ecological systems modeling and natural resources economic approaches are encouraged to apply. The project will be focused on modeling relationships between biophysical factors and water and air quality on human health outcomes to understand how natural capital can contribute to nutrient pollution mitigation in coastal watersheds.
 
To apply, please contact Drs. Jacob Hochard, Ariane Peralta, and Randall Etheridge by December 1, 2017 with your CV, unofficial transcript(s), GRE scores, and a short statement describing prior research experience and interests. PhD student applicants, please apply to the Coastal Resources Management PhD Program, and MS applicants, please apply to MS Biology Program. Review of full applications to the MS biology program will begin on December 15, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled.
 
The Departments of Biology, Economics, Engineering, Institute of Coastal Science and Policy, and the Center for Sustainability at East Carolina University take pride in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff and strive to increase that diversity. We encourage applications and inquiries from members of groups underrepresented in economics and the natural sciences.

Biology Master's Programs
MS in Biology
MS in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Biology Doctoral Programs
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences
Coastal Resources Management Doctoral Program

Note to prospective students:  Prospective students are encouraged to contact me directly to learn more about graduate opportunities in my lab. Students are funded through a combination of research grants, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships. Interested graduate students should send me an email containing a summary of your research interests and experience, CV, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores (if available).

Postdocs
I have interdisciplinary proposals submitted and will continue to submit proposals that would fund postdocs to work on microbial ecology topics in terrestrial and aquatic (wetlands, estuarine, coastal) ecosystems. I am also willing to collaborate on proposals with prospective postdocs. Please contact me directly if you are interested.

Undergraduate Students
The Peralta Lab is looking to hire up to two undergraduate research assistant to participate in microbial ecology research starting August 2017. Priority will be given to students able to work at least 10 hours/week. Please email your resume/CV and a brief statement of what you expect to gain from the research experience to Ariane Peralta. Successful undergraduate candidates will be self-motivated, eager, and curious about the scientific process.