Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research:

If students are interested in obtaining research experience, I always encourage them to knock on the door of the professor whose research excites them. There are various avenues open, including an undergraduate thesis, independent studies, undergradute research awards as well as summer research assistanceships.

Students interested in using genetics to address questions on the ecology and evolution of wildlife species are encouraged to contact me directly to discuss the current opportunities in my lab. A list of past thesis/projects can be found on the Students page.

Current projects could include research on

- Forest pests and pathogens, e.g., Mountain Pine Beetles

- Use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess species presence

- Analysis of spatial genetic variation in fish, e.g., Sleeper Sharks

- Biodiversity of ground beetles in the Ancient Forest

Mountain Pine Beetles in Ponderosa Pine, BC

Graduate Research:

Spatial Genomic Analysis of North American Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks

We are recruiting a graduate student to investigate the spatial genomic patterns among outbreak populations of mountain pine beetle across North America. ·This will involve collaborative work among a number of Canada Universities and Canadian Forest Service conducted under funding to the TRIA project (see www.thetriaproject.ca).· The work will build upon previous spatial genetic studies (e.g., Samarasekera et al 2012; Janes et al 2014) by using a genotype-by-sequencing approach to explore genomic differences among outbreak populations across North America and to identify loci under local selection.· Results of this study will improve our understanding of the genetic differences among mountain pine beetle outbreaks and provide much needed information for the ongoing management and predictive modeling of future outbreaks.

The qualified student will conduct the majority of their course work and research at the Prince George campus of the University of Northern BC, but will also have the opportunity to engage in courses and meetings involving TRIA members from other Canadian Universities.· UNBC is a small, dynamic research intensive university (www.unbc.ca). ·Situated in the·geographic centre of British Columbia, the Prince George area offers an·affordable quality of life and an abundant of summer and winter outdoor recreation activities.· Please see our website for more information on the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Graduate Program including degree requirements and expectations (www.unbc.ca/nres/).

Qualifications: This is a challenging, but rewarding project requiring a range of interests and aptitudes.· Preferably, the successful applicant will have a degree in biology or ecology. ·Previous experience and coursework in insect biology, population genetic and/or molecular ecology are an asset.· The student should be willing to work in a collaborative environment with multiple University and Government research partners.

Ideally the graduate student will begin in May 2015, although earlier or later start dates will be considered.· We anticipate a competitive stipend (~20,000/year) and full funding to support lab and other research activities.