[Sasnet] Graduate Student Opportunity: Paleoecology at University of Victoria (fwd)

[Bonnie A B Blackwell]

From: Terri Lacourse <tlacours at UVIC.CA>
To: QUATERNARY at CLIFFY.UCS.MUN.CA
Subject: Graduate Student Opportunity: Paleoecology at University of Victoria

MSc or PhD Research Opportunity in Paleoecology at University of Victoria,
Canada

I am looking for students interested in pursuing research at the MSc or PhD
level to start in the summer or fall of 2008 in the Department of Geography
at the University of Victoria (UVic) http://www.geog.uvic.ca/.

The main approach of my lab is to examine ecological dynamics and
interactions between the biosphere, geosphere and atmosphere using the
geological record and Quaternary science methods (such as pollen analysis)
that provide a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics. My own
research focuses on vegetation dynamics since the last glaciation, the
climatic and non-climatic factors that drive these dynamics, and the
responses of plant communities to past climatic change. The main
geographical focus of the lab is the Pacific coast of Canada, a region
characterized today by temperate rain forest. Although my own interests
focus on vegetation dynamics, students will be free to develop their own
research projects including topics in paleoclimate reconstruction and
human-environment interactions.

Prior experience in this area of research is an asset, but is not
necessary. Applicants should be highly-motivated, with a strong background
in physical geography, geology or ecology. Funding for these graduate
positions is flexible with regard to the research topic. Guaranteed funding
is available through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships
and teaching assistantships.

The University of Victoria is consistently ranked as one of the top
comprehensive universities in Canada. Victoria is a lovely city of 350,000
characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. It is an
exciting time to join the Department of Geography as we are moving into a
new building. The lab is custom-designed and well-equipped for research in
any aspect of paleoecology. Other research groups in the Department include
the UVic Tree-Ring Lab and we have close ties with UVic's School of Earth
and Ocean Sciences.

Students interested in any aspect of paleoecology are encouraged to contact
me via email (tlacours at uvic.ca) to discuss their background and research
interests.