Hurlbert Lab

Macroecology and Biodiversity

"Ecological patterns, about which we construct theories, are only interesting if they are repeated. They may be repeated in space or in time, and they may be repeated from species to species. A pattern which has all of these kinds of repetition is of special interest because of its generality..."

--Robert MacArthur, 1968

Opportunities

Graduate Students

I am not currently seeking new graduate students at this time.

Graduate Mentoring Philosophy

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.

Undergraduate Students

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.

Postdocs

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:

Copyright © 2024 (Allen Hurlbert).