Graduate Students
We are currently soliciting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Interested students should contact Dr. Franklin (rbfranklin_at_vcu_dot_edu) to discuss their interests before applying. With this initial email, provide the following: (i) a brief description of your research interests and career goals, (ii) a resume/CV highlighting any relevant experience, and (iii) unofficial transcripts / list of relevant course work.
Prospective graduate students may apply to either the M.S. program associated with the Department of Biology (Application Deadline: January 15th) or to the Ph.D. program in Integrative Life Sciences (Application Deadline: January 10th). I encourage interested students to contact me well in advance of these deadlines so we can discuss potential projects.
Applicants should be independent and highly motivated, with academic research and/or field experience in microbiology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or a related field. Students are funded through a combination of research grants, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships. In addition to departmental facilities, students have access to the VCU Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, the VCU Center for Environmental Studies, and the Rice River's Center, located nearby on the James River.
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Undergraduates
Several opportunities exist for motivated undergraduates to become involved in research activities taking place in the lab. Students may work as volunteers, participate in VCU's work-study program, earn credit by way of independent study courses (BIOL 391, BIOL 492, or 495), or conduct summer research through a variety of VCU programs. Prior coursework in biology, chemistry, or life-science required.
