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 motivated graduate students to conduct research within projects related to the lab's theme of greenhouse gas exchanges from managed and modified ecosystems. Current AER lab students conduct research in a wide range of locations from Canadian wetlands in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec to mesic tundra in the Canadian high Arctic, to former agricultural land in southern England.
FULLY FUNDED opportunities for September, 2027 in the Department of Geography and Planning at Queen's University will likely be available.
Among the opportunities:
Of particular interest to me is research around GHG exchange in marsh wetlands. I anticipate funding beginning in 2027 for students to explore GHG exchange processes in freshwater marshes with focus on plant mediated transport and ebullition pathways.
As part of two NSERC Alliance grants, the AER lab continues to conduct research in partnership with the Wetland Soils and Greenhouse Gas Exchange lab at U. Waterloo. Our research is under the general theme of net carbon flux. Current field work is being completed in restored fens in south-eastern Manitoba where we have three eddy covariance towers operating along with numerous collars for chamber measurements of GHG exchange in different plant communities. 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.
Among the opportunities:
Of particular interest to me is research around GHG exchange in marsh wetlands. I anticipate funding beginning in 2027 for students to explore GHG exchange processes in freshwater marshes with focus on plant mediated transport and ebullition pathways.
As part of two NSERC Alliance grants, the AER lab continues to conduct research in partnership with the Wetland Soils and Greenhouse Gas Exchange lab at U. Waterloo. Our research is under the general theme of net carbon flux. Current field work is being completed in restored fens in south-eastern Manitoba where we have three eddy covariance towers operating along with numerous collars for chamber measurements of GHG exchange in different plant communities. 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.
Students in the AER Lab generally receive $27,000-30,000 CAD in annual funding from a variety of sources which is used to cover their tuition and personal expenses (rent, food etc.). In 2026-27, Canadian students pay $7,565.47 in tuition and fees at either the PhD or MSc level. International PhD students pay $8,513.47 and International MSc students pay $15,552.94. 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 (MSc), Steffy Velosa (MSc), Miranda Hunter (PhD) and Sophie Burgess (MSc) at the Canadian Geophysical Union 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 the AER Lab are field-based. Therefore, you must be capable of conducting research outdoors in semi-remote areas under a variety of weather conditions. Ideal candidates at the Doctoral level would have Masters level experience in greenhouse gas flux measurement, biogeochemical analysis and/or modelling in a related subject area. 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 thesis research at the Peatland Ecology Research Group/CANPeat workshop in Kananaskis, Alberta in 2025
Students can use their summer 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.
