Are you interested in doing field-based science?
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Graduate Students
I am always interested in talking with talented students who wish to pursue PhD and MSc research within the AER lab. Students come to the lab from a variety of educational backgrounds such as Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology... I am able to offer fully-funded positions for graduate students within projects related to the lab's theme of greenhouse gas exchanges from managed and modified systems.
FULLY FUNDED opportunities for September, 2026 in the Department of Geography and Planning at Queen's University will likely be available.
Among the opportunities:
1) We will begin field-work for a five-year NSERC Alliance project in May 2025 with the AER Lab contributing to the general theme of net carbon flux following fen restoration. The field work will be completed in south/eastern Manitoba. This project will allow other opportunities for research and the exact thesis topic can be tailored to your interests. This is an excellent opportunity to do practical science with results being directly used by the peat industry and our Government partners. This project is in collaboration with colleagues at U. Laval, U. Waterloo, the CSPMA, the Manitoba Government and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
2) Funding is available for motivated graduate students to study other topics in the general theme of greenhouse gas science.
Among the opportunities:
1) We will begin field-work for a five-year NSERC Alliance project in May 2025 with the AER Lab contributing to the general theme of net carbon flux following fen restoration. The field work will be completed in south/eastern Manitoba. This project will allow other opportunities for research and the exact thesis topic can be tailored to your interests. This is an excellent opportunity to do practical science with results being directly used by the peat industry and our Government partners. This project is in collaboration with colleagues at U. Laval, U. Waterloo, the CSPMA, the Manitoba Government and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
2) Funding is available for motivated graduate students to study other topics in the general theme of greenhouse gas science.
Students conducting graduate research generally receive a $27-30,000 CAD in annual funding from a variety of sources. In 2024, Canadian students paid $7,255.79 in tuition and fees at the PhD and MSc level. International PhD students paid $8,011.79 and International MSc students paid $15,166.25. All field work costs are covered by the project and all students regardless of citizenship are fully supported to present research findings at scholarly conferences/workshops as part of the standard training within the lab. Canadian students eligible for NSERC, provincial or other sources of funding should apply! External fellowship awardees will receive a financial top-up above their award and will receive the same support for field research and to present at scholarly conferences/workshops.
AERLab graduate students Leah Brown, Steffy Velosa, Miranda Hunter and Sophie Burgess at the CGU meeting in Banff, Alberta in 2023
Students in the AER Lab conduct research in a multi-disciplinary environment using state of the art instrumentation for greenhouse gas measurement and analysis. The majority of the projects within these areas are field-based. Therefore, you must be capable of conducting research outdoors in semi-remote areas in a variety of weather conditions. Ideal candidates at the Doctoral level would have Masters level experience in greenhouse gas flux measurement and/or biogeochemical analysis. Masters candidates would possess a relevant undergraduate degree. Previous experience conducting research specific to the projects described here is not essential.
Interested students should contact me directly by email. An unofficial copy of transcripts and an academic CV should be sent with your cover email. I am pleased to respond to serious inquiries from highly qualified students.
Interested students should contact me directly by email. An unofficial copy of transcripts and an academic CV should be sent with your cover email. I am pleased to respond to serious inquiries from highly qualified students.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Each summer, I hire undergraduates to assist us in the field and in the lab. You will get the opportunity to learn how to apply the theory from your classes to real world science - and get paid! I make hiring decisions around January-February of each year, so be sure to contact me early. If you are eligible, apply for an NSERC-USRA; eligible Queen's students will be considered for USSRF awards. I prefer to have undergraduate students who have taken my 200- or 300-level courses but this is not mandatory. Typically, you need to have completed your second year of studies in a science degree program, be self-motivated, able to work in a team environment and be comfortable in an outdoor setting. Ideally, you would possess a valid (unrestricted) driver's license. Being bilingual (English-French) is an asset for projects based in Quebec but is not a requirement.
AERLab undergraduate students Kat Bot, Amelie Delesalle, and Declan Roche presenting their honours research at the PERG workshop in Kananaskis, Alberta in 2025
Students can conduct research towards an honours thesis project. If you are thinking of doing a senior project and are interested in the research that you see on this site, contact me.
