Graduate assistantships are available in Fruit Entomology lab in Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia for students to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Entomology starting Summer/Fall 2024.
The primary goal of the research projects is to investigate biology and ecology of economically important insect pests of blueberries including spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) and use that information to develop sustainable monitoring and management programs. The research will include both laboratory and field studies to: 1) investigate pest phenology and its interaction with host plants, 2) assess effectiveness of monitoring and management technologies, and 3) evaluate potential risks associated with management strategies. This research is part of a multi-regional project which will offer the graduate students unique opportunities to collaborate with a large team of researchers from multiple states across the United States. Additional opportunities will be available to gain experience in extension and outreach programs.
Interested applicants may contact Dr. Ashfaq Sial (ashsial@uga.edu) for more information. For full consideration, send a single PDF file containing: 1) statement of research interests and career goals, 2) current CV including contact information for three references, and 3) GRE and TOEFL scores (if applicable).
The University of Georgia (UGA), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). UGA is currently ranked among the top 15 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
