Graduate students in my lab would be part of UMass Lowell’s Biology M.S. or Applied Biology Ph.D. programs. Prospective students must reach out to Matt before submitting an application.
Graduate students in the lab should have a general interest in ecology, evolution, and/or climate change biology. Our work focuses on the ecophysiology of copepods and patterns in thermal adaptation, primarily from an organismal perspective and I expect applicants to be able to outline a potential project in this general area. I also expect all members of my lab to actively develop a robust foundation in plankton ecology, experimental design, and data analysis. While a background in these topics is not required of applicants, I will generally be looking for students that have at least some ecological or organismal research experience. Most important, however, is an enthusiasm for science and a willingness to tackle big questions using creative methods. It’s also important going into grad school that you know you will have to be fairly self-motivated - there’s a lot of independence and problem solving in your day-to-day work. That being said, it is my goal as an advisor to foster a supportive environment in the lab, and to help you develop the intellectual, technical, and professional skills needed to excel as a scientist.
When reaching out, please send Matt your CV and a few sentences summarizing: i) any past research experience, ii) any specific research interests you might have for your graduate work, and iii) how pursuing a graduate degree fits into your long-term career goals.
Note: Applying to grad school can feel overwhelming! If you’re uncertain about the process, how to start, or what’s expected, there’s a nice summary here that outlines the basics and compiles some other useful references.