If you browse through the projects and list of publications in this lab, you will see that we obviously have a lot of interests. The common denominator is always an attempt towards improving our understanding of how ecosystems work. For obvious reasons, funding included, we like to play up the angle of anthropogenic impacts, specifically human alterations, on ecological and biogeochemical processes in coastal systems. I am open, however, to any other ideas you may have for your thesis provided they meet the objectives of this lab, i.e. getting a better hold of how coastal and other ecosystems function.

I usually enjoy getting involved with the work of my students and spending time in the field with them, given that their work is meant to contribute to the better being of the whole lab. I strive to be a good mentor, working hard to provide each of my students with the tools they need to thrive, and always learning with and from them. In return, I expect just that…good learning and work, resulting in a much better preparation for competitive jobs and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Needless to say, I only accept highly motivated and committed students who know exactly what a graduate program in Ecology is about: not a job from 8 to 5, but a challenging, sometimes bumpy, road towards excitement and discovery than can only be walked with hard work and persistence. For Ph.D. students, I also expect that, along that road, they will become independent thinkers.

If the lines above do not turn on a flare in you as you read them, I am not sure this lab would be a good choice for you. If they do, then you may want to consider applying if you are interested. Before you do so, however, you will need to meet the criteria for acceptance in the Graduate Marine Sciences Program at the University of South Alabama. I will be happy to answer any other questions or discuss ideas you may have.

Good luck!