Entomology: Academics
Graduate Student Recruitment
Welcome, we appreciate your interest in the Graduate programs in the Department of Entomology. We have a vibrant group of students, and we feel our graduate program is among the very best available. For potential applicants, we provide some background information.
The Graduate program in Entomology is research focused, and hence the application process is very different from undergraduate programs. While you formally apply to the Graduate School and the Department of Entomology (see procedures below), the success of your application is contingent on your developing a relationship with a faculty member who will serve as your advisor. That faculty member will serve as your mentor throughout your program, and also supply the financial support needed for your research. Hence, it is imperative that you communicate directly with faculty members with interests that match yours, and discuss the possibilities offered in that faculty member's laboratory. Faculty profiles can be viewed in this website, and the Graduate Coordinator is another good source for information on the programs of individual faculty members. All Research and Teaching Assistantships are coordinated through the advisor. Most faculty members will want to meet with you personally as part of the application process (although this is not possible with many international applicants).
While you are making contacts with potential advisors, you can begin the paperwork for your application (although international students in particular might want to wait for positive feedback from a faculty member before incurring application expenses). The application form is done online through the Graduate School. Official transcripts and GRE scores (general tests only) also go to the Graduate School. The status of these materials and your application can be monitored through the Graduate School website. Additionally, three letters of recommendation and a statement of interest should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator (Dept. of Entomology, 413 Biol. Sci. Bldg., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602). A recommendation form is available on the Graduate School website, or if the reference prefers a personal letter can be sent. An assistantship application is available on this website, and it should be filled out if the potential faculty member desires. A resume is also a valuable addition to an application packet. If you have any questions about application, contact the Graduate Coordinator.
The Department of Entomology has rolling admission, and hence does not have application deadlines. Confer with potential advisors about their personal applicant review schedules. However, to be considered for the once-yearly University-wide Fellowship competition, your application form must be submitted prior to January 1, and the entire application package must be completed by February 1. Competition for these Fellowships is stiff, but the Entomology students that we nominate traditionally do well. Only applicants for summer or fall semesters are considered for these fellowships.
As mentioned, you should be contacting faculty members directly. Below are some of the faculty members who are actively looking for students. However, many faculty members prefer not to formally advertise for students, and instead wait for contacts from students who are specifically interested in their research area. Others may be waiting for formal approval of pending research grants. If any faculty member seems a good fit for you, do not hesitate to contact them. Personalize any contacts; a generic contact message will not elicit the desired result.
Robert McPherson:
I am looking for either an MS or PhD student to work on the mechanisms of resistance to stink bug feeding in certain soybean breeding lines. The student will conduct behavioral feeding studies in the lab using small cages for choice and no-choice trials plus field plots to evaluate resistance under naturally occurring field populations.
Contact:
Robert M. McPherson
University of Georgia
Tifton Campus
P.O. Box 748
Tifton, GA 31794
Phone: 229-386-3374
Email: pherson@uga.edu
Phillip Roberts and John Ruberson:
I am looking for an MS student to work on a stink bug management project in cotton.
Contact:
Phillip Roberts
University of Georgia
Tifton Campus
Extension Entomologist
Phone: 229-386-3424
FAX: 229-386-7133
Email: proberts@uga.edu
Michael Toews:
The Department of Entomology has research assistantships available for two graduate
students in the cotton pest management program. This program is geared for
individuals with interests in the development of ecological solutions for pest
management. Potential research project areas include novel methods for insect
detection and monitoring, development of sampling plans, host plant resistance,
and
insect behavior. Applicants do not need previous production agriculture experience,
but should have a B.S. or equivalent in some aspect of biology/ecology. Graduate
students will complete their formal class work at the Athens campus and then
conduct
research at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station located at Tifton.
Contact:
Michael ToewsUniversity of Georgia
Tifton Campus
122 S. Entomology Drive
Tifton, GA 31794
Phone: 229-386-3149
FAX: 229-386-3086
Email: mtoews@uga.edu
(Faculty members other than those listed here are undoubtedly looking for students, so do not restrict your inquiries to this list.)