Dear all,
I am looking for Ph.D. and M.S. students to join the “Agricultural Vector Entomology Lab” at the University of Florida-Everglades Research and Education
Center. More information can be found below and in the attached. Please share with anyone who may be interested.
Thank you!
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MS and PhD Graduate student assistantships
Dr. De-Fen Mou, Entomology and Nematology Dept., University of Florida
Position: Graduate student assistantships (one PhD and one MS) are
available in the Dr. De-Fen Mou’s Agricultural Vector Entomology Lab at the University of Florida-Everglades Research and Education Center. Research of our lab aims to improve understanding of insect vector-pathogen-virus interactions to protect important
crops in southern Florida. Assistantships include tuition, stipend, and health insurance.
Students interested in insect vectors of plant pathogens, agricultural entomology, and pest management are welcome to apply. Potential research topics include thrips-orthothospovirus-lettuce
and aphid-luteovirus-sugarcane interactions. Students are expected to learn and conduct experiments, including molecular techniques, greenhouse transmission assays, fields survey, and electrical penetration graphs for hemipteran feeding behavior examination.
Specifically, students will 1) monitor vector populations in the fields, 2) examine vector competence and virus transmission mechanisms, 3) investigate plant resistance against vectors, and 4) develop strategies for vector management.
Qualification: A BSc or MSc in entomology, plant pathology, biology,
ecology, agricultural science, or related fields. Applicants must meet the requirements of the University of Florida Graduate Admission. We are looking for motivated students with excellent oral and written communication skills and previous research experience
in entomology and plant pathology. The candidate must be comfortable working in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. The successful candidate must possess a valid U. S. driver’s license by the start date. International students are welcome to apply.
Location:
We are at the Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC), Belle Glade, Florida. Students will have opportunities to access 700-acre research farms, collaborate with faculty
and students at the EREC, and work closely with local farmers and stakeholders.
Contact:
Please send your CV, Research Statement (1 page), unofficial transcripts, and two reference contact information to Dr. De-Fen Mou ([log in to unmask]).
If you are an international student, please also provide your TOEFL score. The anticipated start date is Spring 2024. Review of applications will begin on June 30 until the positions are filled.
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Sincerely,
De-Fen
De-Fen Mou, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Entomology and Nematology Department
Everglades Research and Education Center
University of Florida
3200 East Palm Beach Road
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Office: (561)993-1529
https://erec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty-pages/dr-de-fen-mou/