Prospective Grad Students
We have diverse interests in the fields of wildlife ecology, health and the wildlife-human interface. We are happy to discuss the potential for graduate studies with engaged and motivated students at the MSc or PhD level who are excited about ecological research. Graduate research projects can be developed closely with existing research programs, or based on interests and ideas of the student, if appropriate. Please review our list of publications or descriptions of our ongoing research to determine if the lab is doing work that aligns with your research interests.
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The University of Saskatchewan is fortunate to be well-funded, and our students can expect to be supported during their research, particularly for advertised positions. Nevertheless, students should always attempt to secure their own funding through scholarships such as NSERC or others. We are happy to help prospective students with these applications.
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The WECE lab is located in Saskatoon, the largest city in the province. A young and innovative demographic means there is plenty to see and do - from festivals to food and everyday entertainment. The South Saskatchewan River cuts through the city, offering walking trails and paddling opportunities that will make you forget you are in an urban area - you are likely to spot beavers, a variety of birds, and even coyotes right on the riverbanks. Of course, if the timing is right you can even find our namesake Saskatoon berries! For more information about visiting and living in Saskatchewan, visit Tourism Saskatchewan.
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There are a few qualities and skills that will make you a successful graduate student in this research group. Some skills are fairly universal, such as a team spirit, genuine interest in research, and self-motivation. Most of our projects make use of software such as the open-source statistical program R, and mapping software GIS. Students should be familiar with these tools, or be willing to spend significant time learning them. Other useful skills include good writing abilities, both technical and for a general audience. Students in our lab rarely handle animals directly, but there will be fieldwork associated with all projects, and students should be comfortable with and able to participate in field activities with training. Most projects also involve a community engagement aspect, such as collecting local/traditional ecological knowledge and/or presenting results to schools, interest groups, and the media.
Students in our lab are associated with the School of Environment and Sustainability or the Department of Animal Science within Agriculture and Bioresources. Please take a look at these departments to get an idea of required courses and opportunities for your studies.
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Interested students should contact Ryan directly, preferably by email. Please include a description of your research interests, your CV, and unofficial transcript.
Opportunities for High School Students
Our doors are always open to students interested in experiencing what working in a wildlife research lab is like. We have taken on several high school students as part of their "work placement" programs. Students can work with real datasets, head out in the field to try their hand at telemetry, and tour campus facilities. Contact us to inquire about these volunteer opportunities.
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We are also involved with the International Student-Led Arctic Monitoring and Research program which brings high-school students from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Maryland, Baltimore to Churchill, Manitoba and Wapusk National Park. Students study wildlife habitat in the area, and measure permafrost depths as part of a long-term research program. Participants then train the next group of students, creating a learning legacy. To learn more about the ISAMR program, visit their website at http://www.isamr.net/.
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Field Course
Each August, the WECE lab teams up with Kristina Hunter of the University of Manitoba to offer the Hudson Bay Coast Northern Field School. This two-week program brings a group of undergraduate students to Churchill, Manitoba (yes - the polar bear capital of the world!) and Wapusk National Park to complete a mini-project of their choosing related to the nature and culture of this sub-arctic area.
This program is no walk in the park (although we will do plenty of that!). Students will take a project from the proposal stage, through data collection and analysis, to a final report to Parks Canada and presentation for the community - providing contributions that are immediately available to the people of the area.
Described by many students as "life-changing", this is certainly not your average classroom experience! You will learn of the area's history through Dene elders, snorkel with beluga whales, fully participate in all aspects of camp life in a remote fly-in facility, touch permafrost with your bare hands, and be humbled by everyday moments in one of the most stunning places on earth.
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Find out more at http://northernfieldschool.wixsite.com/home
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