Instructions for graduate applicants
Thank you for your interest in our graduate program in Biological Sciences here at Clemson University. Our lab is interested in quantifying how climate change and habitat loss influences individual variation in behavior and social structure in marine animals. My students have worked on a variety of topics in the field of evolutionary behavioral ecology including impacts of drought and disease in blue crabs, mate choice in sailfin mollies, behavioral syndromes in octopus, gregariousness in spiny lobsters, herbivory in parrotfishes, structure use in reef fishes, ecological impacts of marine debris, and coral reef community ecology.
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We approach these topics by using a combination of manipulative field experiments, controlled laboratory experiments, individual-based models, structural equation models, and acoustic telemetry. Successful graduate student applicants usually have field experience with marine invertebrates, small boat operations, and open water SCUBA certification. Graduate students in my lab are expected to train and supervise undergraduate research students as part of Clemson's Creative Inquiry Program. |
I am considering graduate applications for our MS and PhD programs. The minimum requirements for consideration are (1) a BS or MS degree in marine ecology, marine conservation, behavioral ecology, or ecology; (2) two years of field experience including open water SCUBA diving certification and small boat operation, and (3) a strong interest in experimental field biology. All applicants will be required to submit a 2-3 page pre-proposal of their graduate research project as part of the application. |
If you would like to apply to graduate position in our lab, please send me the following information.
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Graduate students in Biological Sciences are supported by either a graduate research assistantship or a graduate teaching assistantship. Teaching support is available for 6 semesters for MS students and for 10 semesters for PhD students. I currently no not have funding for a graduate research assistantship. |
After I have seen your cover letter, CV, transcripts and project proposal, I will be better able to make a recommendation regarding your chances of acceptance into our graduate program. Please understand that our program at Clemson receives dozens of applications, but only a few students are accepted each year. Thanks again for your interest in applying to the Childress lab.
You can find out more about the formal graduate application process at the following URL: https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/academics/graduate/applying.html