I’m looking for lab members who are interested in using mathematical approaches to understand the ecology of infection and how it influences parasite traits. My approach to science is highly collaborative, and lab members will have the opportunity (and are strongly encouraged) to work both with empiricists and other theoreticians. Although the research focuses primarily on infection, parasites are subject to the same ecological and evolutionary principles as other organisms, meaning that inspiration comes from studies in a wide range of free-living and parasitic species. Therefore, the lab also includes a culture of going-to-things–meaning attending departmental seminars and events–whether or not the topic is directly related to your research. I’m especially interested in recruiting people who demonstrate enthusiasm for collaboration and who show a willingness to engage with others’ research (for example, by asking questions).
I am also interested in promoting equity. I organized a discussion series in the EEB department at the University of Toronto to raise awareness of the challenges and identify potential solutions (Broadening Representation and Equity With Science or BREWS). Summaries of BREWS discussions are available here, but the main, recurring theme is that many groups face systematic barriers to advancement in the sciences; aside from being unfair, those barriers hinder innovation. One part of the problem is that members of underrepresented groups may not receive the mentorship needed to locate, apply and interview for positions. This page includes more detail than is typical in an effort to provide context for that process, with the aim of encouraging applications from a diverse range of candidates.
PhD students
Find out which faculty are recruiting students here. The deadline to apply is December 1, and here’s where to find details on the graduate program and application process.
This google doc contains a list of people willing to answer questions about the grad school applications (some of whom, like myself, are recruiting grad students), or general information about the application process in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology (Additional Resources tab).
Postdocs
I’m recruiting postdocs interested in examining life history traits relevant to infection using models and/or time series analysis. The current big questions in the lab can be found on the research page, but I would also be happy to hear from candidates wishing to pursue questions only peripherally related to those aims. Plans to apply for funding are always helpful, especially if the research focus will be on more distantly-related research questions. Potential funding sources include:
- The Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease (CIHMID) has a Postdoctoral Fellows Program that provides salary and research support.
- NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology.