Careers and Research in Ecology & Evolution

A Weekend Workshop For Undergraduates (2011)

We are pleased to announce the second annual weekend workshop for undergraduates interested in the fields of ecology and evolution. This workshop exposes undergraduates to a diversity of research questions and techniques and also provides them with an opportunity to learn about academic and non-academic career opportunities in these fields.  The workshop features research talks by faculty from Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto as well as a variety of as well as round-table discussions on: 

(1) applying to and selecting a graduate school;

(2) pursuing an academic career (what to expect in graduate school and beyond);

and

(3) pursuing non-academic careers in ecology and evolution (panel featuring professionals working in government and private industries).

All of our panels will feature experts with a diverse array of experiences and opinions about opportunities in Canada and abroad.

The workshop aims to meet two goals:  (I)  Provide students with general information about research and career paths in ecology and evolution (E & E) and how to pursue them successfully;  (II) Provide students with specific information about graduate opportunities in Canada's only Department of Ecology & Evolution at the University of Toronto.  Moreover, the workshop provides a fantastic opportunity to meet other highly motivated E & E students from across Canada and to interact with a myriad of faculty, graduate students, and practitioners from outside of academia (e.g., people working in conservation biology, museums, government agencies, and science writing).

Eligibility: This workshop is intended for students with a deep interest in ecology and/or evolution who are near the completion of their undergraduate degree. Preference is given to students that will graduate in 2012. We encourage any student who meets this description to apply (see the link below to apply). Admission is on a competitive basis. Students from all universities are welcome to apply.

Cost: There is no registration fee to attend the workshop but the workshop is only open to successful applicants. Moreover, out-of-town attendees will receive food and lodging as well as a limited travel stipend. In other words, we anticipate that there will be little or no cost to participate in the weekend workshop for the successful applicants in most cases.

Where: The workshop is hosted by the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto.

When: The workshop will begin the evening of Friday Sept. 23, 2011 and conclude mid-day on Sunday Sept. 25, 2011. On-line applications must be completed by April 1, 2011 (late applications may be considered). 

Application: Please click here to complete the on-line application. The application deadline has been extended to JUNE 15, 2011 (late applications may be considered). Successful applicants will be informed by June 30, 2011. 

Questions: Contact Professor Aneil Agrawal (a.agrawal [at] utoronto.ca)