Graduate Studies Opportunity (Master\u2019s level) with University of British Columbia
\nand
\nAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada<\/p>\n
April 2022 \u2013 March 2024<\/p>\n
This is an exciting opportunity for a student interested in climate change and its effect on biological systems \u2013 particularly those involving agricultural pests and their management to protect crops.<\/p>\n
The project work aims to summarize i) historical records of agricultural insect pest population densities in selected crops; and ii) historical weather data. Using these summaries and statistical and mathematical procedures, cause and effect relationships will be sought. The central question is whether there is an association between weather variables (e.g. degree days, maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall) and pest temporal occurrence and density. With such an association, the student will project implications for pest control needs into the future, and anticipate changes in population dynamics for other insect pests.<\/p>\n
In addition to academic competency, the successful candidate will have a good work ethic, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to use good judgement in choosing appropriate research directions within an area of science having little foundation. While not essential, a Class 5 driver\u2019s license will allow the student to drive a Government of Canada vehicle for research work. Preference will be given to a Canadian citizen.
\nThe student will receive a stipend ranging from $23,100 – $24,900\/year, plus expenses for work-related travel. All course work will be carried out at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and a significant amount of the work will take place at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada\u2019s Research and Development Centre in Agassiz, BC.
\nThe town of Agassiz is 1.5 hours from Vancouver, and within walking\/biking distance to the research centre, offers affordable accommodation in private houses or apartments, and has a variety of shops and services (e.g. pharmacy, grocery, bakery, caf\u00e9, pub, etc.). There are many outdoor activities in the area. Agassiz is 8km from the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs.<\/p>\n