Northern
cryosphere focused M.Sc. and Ph.D. positions in the Department of Geography and Planning at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada.
I
am a new assistant professor of physical geography at Queen’s University currently in search of graduate student candidates for M.Sc. and Ph.D. positions in what will be my northern research laboratory. Students will be sought for Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 start
dates but other opportunities such as research or field contracts may begin prior to that point, if it is of interest to prospective students. The deadline for applications to Queen’s University is January 31st but the deadline is flexible assuming
students contact me to express their interest.
For
students who do not want to pursue projects in my laboratory, I would still be happy to touch base if any of our work is of interest or even for other purposes such as advice with respect to schooling in the natural sciences. I am also very interested in graduate
supervision of northerners and particularly those who may have a unique interest in studying Labrador where most of my work takes place. I am from central Labrador (HVGB) and am of mixed Inuit ancestry, I have tried to be aware of the unique challenges of
working in northeastern Canada and the difficulties present for those pursuing graduate studies.
My
main research area has been on environmental change in Labrador with a focus on the region’s climate, its glaciers and its permafrost. In the future, I am hoping to continue working in those three fields but will be pursuing work related to ecology and northern
infrastructure development as well. Recently, my field research projects have been in northern Labrador in the Torngat Mountains National Park and in and around Nain, Nunatsiavut. I have some potential projects in progress for prospective students at either
an MSc or PhD level but am open to other alternatives if an interesting project is suggested in the general area relevant to the natural sciences in the region.
Sample
of current and future graduate student opportunities and projects
[1]
Ecological impacts of multidecadal changes in prostrate shrub cover and height in the Torngat Mountains National Park and adjacent areas of northern Labrador. [MSc or possibly PhD project; Co-supervision]
[2]
Distribution, characteristics, historical and future changes in peatland permafrost in coastal Labrador from Cartwright, NL to Nain, NL. [1 MSc and 1 PhD project]
[3]
Snow characteristics and distribution across mountain ecotones and landscapes in eastern Labrador. [1 MSc and/or 1 PhD project]
[4]
Historical and future changes in permafrost distribution in the Labrador region of northeast Canada using spatial modelling. [1 MSc and/or 1 PhD project]
[5]
Influence of experimental snow removal on ground freezing across a variety of Labrador ecozones. [1 MSc and/or 1 PhD project]
[6]
Landscape viability for infrastructure development and hazard assessment in Labrador’s coastal regions [possibly MSc project]
[7]
Landscape change and environmental impacts of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in central Labrador [possibly MSc project];
For
potential students
The
ideal candidate for a MSc project would currently be pursuing a degree in geography, environmental studies, environmental science, biology and/or other natural science areas and would be comfortable with potentially participating in fieldwork in remote areas
of Labrador during the summer and/or winter. Depending on the project, knowledge of geographic information systems would be considered an asset but openness to development of additional skills is necessary. Due to the nature of fieldwork, students will be
required to undertake training for remote and wilderness first aid, handling of firearms and UAV certification.
The
ideal candidate for a PhD project would currently be pursuing a graduate degree (MA/MSc) in a field related to the natural sciences (although not strictly obligatory) and would be comfortable with working outside in the field in remote areas of Labrador during
the summer and/or winter. Knowledge of geographic information systems and statistics would be considered an asset but openness to development of additional skills is once again necessary. Due to the nature of fieldwork, students will be required to undertake
training for remote and wilderness first aid, handling of firearms and UAV certification.
Financial
support
Standard
financial support provided by Queen’s University’s Department of Geography and Planning includes guaranteed minimum graduate stipends of $14,000 per year for master students (maximum of 2 years) and guaranteed minimum $18,000 per year for doctoral students
(maximum of 4 years). These stipends are guaranteed assuming that the prospective student provides service as a teaching assistant (TA) throughout their time at Queen’s University. Additional support linked to research grants will be provided for specific
assistance on ongoing research projects but this will be project specific and will be negotiated at a later date though it will be approximately $5,000 per year.
If
applicable, MSc and PhD students can receive additional/contributing financial support by applying for external funding from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program (http://bit.ly/2B5F58g),
the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (http://bit.ly/2Tl2Os0),
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (http://bit.ly/1HJBkn1)
and the Northern Scientific Training Program.
Note:
International students may not qualify for all of the funding opportunities listed above so it is important to consider other potential funding opportunities which may be available for international students.
For
additional information regarding these opportunities please contact:
Dr.
Robert G. Way,
robert.way@queensu.ca,
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
A
curriculum vitae, sample publication and/or university transcript may be requested from prospective students depending on the project and academic level (MSc vs PhD).
Also
see the following information for indigenous students considering Queen’s:
http://bit.ly/2TigJzb
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