Zooplankton Behavior and Ecology,

Bioluminescence, Harmful Algal Bloom Studies

Mission Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve
 

Thank you for your interest in graduate studies in the Department of Marine Science of the University of Texas at Austin, and in the research program conducted in my laboratory. I have provided some general information below to address some of the questions most prospective students have. If you are interested in learning more, or have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phytoplankton and zooplankton form the base of the oceanic food web. An understanding of the ecological processes regulating the diversity and abundance of planktonic organisms is the starting point for understanding higher trophic levels including fishes and marine mammals. Although zooplankton may not be as cute and appealing as sea turtles or whales, they have fascinating behaviors and are much easier to study! My studies of zooplankton behavior have taken my students and I to interesting habitats all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Caribbean reefs and mangroves, the Arabian Sea etc.

New students for 2012: I plan on accepting one or two new students in my lab to begin in the summer or fall of 2012. I currently have 2 graduate students in my lab.

Austin and Port Aransas: The main campus of the University of Texas is in Austin, and the Marine Science Institute is in Port Aransas, on the northern end of Mustang Island, near Corpus Christi, Texas. Graduate Students typically spend one or two semesters on the main campus in Austin at the beginning of their studies to take classes not available in Port Aransas. Students then spend the remainder of their time at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. While in Austin, students serve as Teaching Assistants; while in Port Aransas, students usually serve as Research Assistants (see Financial support below).

Financial support: All graduate students under my supervision are provided with financial support as a Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant while they are enrolled as full time students and remain in good standing. PhD students are eligible to apply for graduate fellowships offered by the Department of Marine Science after they have advanced to candidacy (normally at the end of the second year of studies). Current stipends for Graduate Research and Teaching Assistants range from about $1900/month (Master’s or beginning PhD student) to $2000/month (Ph.D. student advanced to candidacy), and tuition and fees are paid.

Housing: Low cost University housing is available for graduate students in Port Aransas. Current rent for a 2 bedroom cottage is $480 per month plus utilities. These costs would normally be divided between 2 students.

Research Projects: A complete list of my current research projects can be found elsewhere on my home page.