Genes to environment

Genes to Environment Ph.D. Program Funding Opportunities for 2015

NAU’s Genes to Environment Ph.D. Program, initially funded by the National Science Foundation’s Integrative Graduate Education, Research, and Traineeship Program (IGERT), was funded in a slightly modified form through the support of NAU’s Provost’s Office; the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences; and the Graduate College through the 2015-2016 academic year. Currently, there are no more funding opportunities anticipated under this program.

Eligibility

New and returning doctoral students will be recruited into the program for the 2015-2016 academic year. Support consists of one year of stipend funding, including summer support, or ~$19,500 per calendar year with full tuition and insurance coverage, along with a supply/travel budget.  Students are eligible to apply for a second year of support with preference given to students who complete the two required activities (see below) and incorporate the genes-to-environment theme into demonstrable research achievement. Please note that faculty cannot simultaneously mentor more than two funded Genes to the Environment program graduate students. Also, students are not eligible for support in more than two years.

Program details

The program involves research and coursework with a genes-to-environment theme.  Minimally, all successful applicants will be required to enroll in two semesters of the Merriam-Powell Research and Design Seminar (BIO698, 1 credit) and one semester of the Genes-to-Environment Theory Class (BIO599, 3 credits). Depending on the background of the student and the topic of their research project, genetics or statistics/modeling courses may be encouraged.

Deadline

UPDATE Deadline Extended to:  January 21, 2015.

How to apply

Applicants to the program should submit a two-page Genes to Environment essay to Drs. Gehring and Whipple (contact information below). This essay should address how the applicant’s research interests are a match to the theme, how the program would benefit them, and what strengths they would bring to the Genes to Environment program.

If your Forestry, Biology, or SESES PhD program applications are complete and include at least two letters of recommendation, we can obtain the other materials we need (GRE scores, letters of recommendation) from those sources.  If you have not submitted letters of reference for those applications, please have letters sent to Drs. Gehring and Whipple.