We are seeking a motivated, personable, and knowledgeable individual to join our team. The lab has focused on developing best practices for aerial monitoring of wildlife with drones (i.e., small Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Recent work with the Federal Aviation Administration and USDA Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center has expanded research to explore bias using this sampling method through simulations in an Agent-based Model (ABM). We have also explored computer vision improvements with multidisciplinary team members from the Geosystems Research Institute on campus. Recent publications from the lab, even this year, highlight our efforts (e.g., Schultz et al. 2024, Jones et al. 2024, Iglay et al. 2024).
The proposed Ph.D. position will focus on continuing to modify our ABM for developing best practices associated with aerial wildlife monitoring. The current ABM explores multiple drone flight patterns, animal movements, and animal distributions in an open area (100% detection probability). Current project objectives include [1] extending the current ABM to explore other types of bias in drone surveys, [2] conducting field validation experiments between visual and thermal sensors, and [3] assisting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks in their wildlife monitoring efforts. Despite these objectives, expansions to this ABM are limitless considering student interests, questions derived from current efforts, and the lab’s access to the university’s high-powered computer consortium. Therefore, the incumbent can expect a great degree of flexibility regarding dissertation objectives and plenty of guidance among their advisors and committee members.
Core tenets of the Iglay Lab are teamwork and leadership development. We have an interdisciplinary team of researchers including members of the home department and computer vision and image analysis researchers from the Geosystems Research Institute. The incumbent will have the opportunity to collaborate with other graduate students, mentor undergraduate researchers, work closely with postdoctoral research associates, and gain teaching experience through a teaching assistantship. Scientific communication of project outcomes will be expected through a variety of outlets including publications, presentations, and public outreach. The incumbent will also be encouraged to collaborate with lab members and faculty on projects outside their dissertation and be involved with seeking funding which will allow for CV diversification, conditioned upon maintaining primary dissertation responsibilities.
Minimum qualifications include an M.S. degree completed by the start date. At least one degree (B.S. or M.S.) should be in wildlife science, ecology, wildlife damage management, natural resource management, conservation biology, or a related field. Degree holders in a technology-related field are also encouraged to apply if at least one degree is related to the above list. Preferred qualifications include experience with Python coding language, ABMs, drones, computer vision, or other technologies related to natural resource monitoring. Preferred demonstrated abilities include designing and managing field research projects, managing and analyzing data, creative thinking, publication development, and/or effective communication among multiple stakeholder groups. Applicants should be self-motivated, fit well within a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills. For more information on MSU’s Graduate School admissions policies, please visit https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions.
The Ph.D. position is fully funded ($25,000 stipend plus tuition waiver and graduate student health insurance provided. Graduate student activity fees are < $300/annually).
PLEASE APPLY EARLY IF INTERESTED. Applications will be reviewed when received. Pre-application questions are welcome (see contact information below).
To apply, please submit a single PDF including a cover letter, vitae, one-page statement of research interests with emphasis on how this opportunity aligns with career goals and interests, and complete contact information for three references. For additional information, please e-mail Dr. Ray Iglay at ray.iglay@msstate.edu (Subject: “ABM PhD”) or call 662-325-5933 and leave a detailed message. The position is slated to begin fall semester 2025 (August 16, 2025), but the start date is negotiable to earlier summer. Please check out this website for additional information regarding current projects, students, and staff. Drs. Kristine Evans and Mel Boudreau of the QuEST lab will also be involved with this project. Links to their lab are under About Us, Lab Collaborators.
Comments