Researchers bring in a machine that collects Lake Michigan data

Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is now accepting applications for graduate student (PhD or MS) assistantships in aquatic ecology to work with FNR and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant researchers Paris Collingsworth and Tomas Höök. Applications are due January 7, 2019.

Graduate assistants will be co-advised by Collingsworth and Höök and will participate in research projects exploring dynamics of Great Lakes ecosystems, food webs and fisheries.  Selected individuals will be expected to work collaboratively with scientists from federal laboratories as well as Purdue University.  These projects involve an integration of field studies, laboratory analyses, controlled experiments and quantitative modeling analyses.

Research Topics
Specific research topics include

  • Exploring the potential of the larval stage as a recruitment bottleneck for fish in the upper Great Lakes.
  • Determining the ecological effects of seasonal hypoxia on food web structure and fish vital rates in central Lake Erie.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include

  • BS (for MS position) or MS (for PhD position) in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field.
  • GPA of 3.2 or greater.
  • Above average GRE scores.

Salary
Assistantships include 12-month stipend, full tuition coverage and insurance.

Start Date
June 2019.

How to Apply
The positions will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please respond by January 7, 2019 and submit cover letter, CV, GRE scores (unofficial), transcript (unofficial), and names and contact numbers of three references to Paris Collingsworth at pcolling@purdue.edu.

Additional Details
For more information, please contact Paris Collingsworth at pcolling@purdue.edu or (312)886-7449. Purdue University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

IISG Instagram

Celebrate Earth Day with freshwater science and good conversation! Join Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the Northwestern Center for Water, Loyola University researcher Tim Hoellein, and IISG’s Sarah Zack for Science Sips: Trash Talk about Chicago Waterways. Learn what research reveals about litter and trash in Lake Michigan and Chicago waterways and what we can do to help.Plus, enjoy Great Lakes trivia games!📅 April 22, 2026⏰ 7–9 PM📍 Sketchbook Brewing Company, Evanston Tap RoomCome curious and ready to test your Great Lakes knowledge!
Find us at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, March 27–29! We’re linking Subnautica with Great Lakes science through fun, hands‑on activities about food webs, invasive species, and aquaponics.Come geek out with us! 🔗 in bio for event info
Coastal protection is not limited to concrete, rocks, and steel. Coastal protection solutions exist on a spectrum, ranging from softer “green” solutions to harder “gray” structures.Nature-based coastal solutions fall between green and gray techniques, providing multiple benefits to people and habitats.Our three-part video series, Nature-Based Coastal Solutions in the Great Lakes, is now available to watch. Learn how nature-based coastal solutions, including nature-driven and hybrid approaches, can protect shorelines while supporting ecosystems and communities.Watch the 3-part video series at the link in bio.(Photo credit: Liz Spitzer, Illinois State Geological Survey, Coastal Research Group)