Hurlbert Lab

I am seeking a new PhD student to begin in the Fall of 2025! (I am not currently acccepting Master's students.) Specifically, I am looking for a student interested in asking questions about large-scale patterns of foliage arthropod abundance, composition, and phenology using data from the citizen science project that I run, Caterpillars Count!. Student projects might also involve working with data from iNaturalist and eBird, as well.

The ideal candidate has previous research experience, demonstrated writing ability, some programming experience (e.g., R, Matlab, or Python), and a willingness to also conduct field work. Students will ideally be supported on some combination of teaching and research assistantships contingent on lab funding. Applicants with strong research and academic records may be considered for a University fellowship, and of course you should already be considering an application for a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship!

The priority deadline for application materials submitted to the graduate school is November 19, 2024. Information on applying is available here. However, prospective students should contact me well in advance of applying to discuss research interests and relevant qualifications. In your contact email, provide a description of your general research interests and ideas for potential projects. I am looking to see that you have an understanding of some of the important, unanswered questions in ecology and that you can conceive of novel approaches for getting at those questions in the context of large-scale patterns in foliage arthropod data. Please also describe your GPA, GRE scores (optional!), and previous research experience.

By undertaking a graduate program in Biology, I assume your goal is to learn how to become an independent scientist, regardless of your ultimate career path. As a mentor my job is to help you achieve that goal. Specifically, I view my responsibilities as:

• Fostering a positive learning environment in which all lab members are treated with respect;
• Exposing you to foundational ideas and concepts in the field, and teaching you how to develop and test your own ideas that will advance our discipline;
• Developing your quantitative toolkit for working with and analyzing data;
• Improving your ability to communicate your science through oral presentations and written manuscripts;
• Meeting regularly (weekly during the academic year) to provide a sounding board for your ideas and to ensure that you are making progress;
• Helping you explore and strategize for suitable career paths;
• Being supportive of your personal and professional growth in whatever ways I can.

In return, I view your responsibilities as:

• Treating all lab members with kindness and respect as alluded to above;
• Being intellectually curious, familiarizing yourself with and staying current with the scientific literature in your field;
• Developing a plan, with help from me, for how to advance your research;
• Working hard--focus on being efficient rather than on long hours (and this takes practice!);
• Maintaining a balance with other interests and demands in your life;
• Being a good lab mate--providing assistance and feedback to others, and helping to mentor those at earlier career stages;
• Learning to solve problems independently, but also knowing when to ask for help;
• Publishing your research in peer-reviewed journals.

We welcome undergraduates who are looking to gain research experience by volunteering, for credit (e.g., BIOL 395 or ENEC 395), or through workstudy positions. Please contact me by email and describe any relevant coursework or experience, and explain why you are interested in working in this lab.

Prospective postdocs are encouraged to contact me by email to discuss research interests and potential funding opportunities. Also please note the two fellowship opportunities offered by UNC to see if you qualify:

• SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity