Austin Peay State University is a public institution that was founded in 1927. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,418 (fall 2021), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 196 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Austin Peay State University’s ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities South, 41.
Multiple M.S. Graduate Position in Biology at Austin Peay State University: The Department of Biology at Austin Peay State University (APSU) invites applications for admission to our M.S. program for Fall 2023. We offer both thesis-track and non-thesis track degrees. The program comprises approximately 35 graduate students supported by research and teaching assistantships. APSU (10,000 students) is located in Clarksville, TN, 45 minutes northwest of Nashville and is in close proximity to remnant prairies, numerous parks and public lands, and diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Please indicate if you are interested in the Thesis track or Non-Thesis track program. Because support of a faculty advisor is necessary for admission to the thesis-track plan of study, interested students should communicate with potential faculty research mentors as part of the application process. Support of a faculty research mentor is not required for admission to the non-thesis degree track.
The following faculty are recruiting students for the Fall 2023-24 academic year:
Rebecca Blanton Johansen (johansenr@apsu.edu):
Research focal areas include evolution, phylogeography, and conservation of freshwater fishes and crayfishes. Students may pursue research that examines how environment influences trait variation in fishes, population and conservation genetics of imperiled aquatic taxa, or behavior of fishes providing parental care, among others.
Minimum qualifications include: (1) a B.S. in Biology or a related field, (2) experience working with aquatic organisms and in aquatic environments, (3) excellent written and oral communication skills, (4) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include experience in data collection, management and analysis using statistics. Candidates with preferred qualifications should be able to demonstrate the acquisition and application of their experiences outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Successful applicants will be eligible for GTA support, with potential for additional summer support or support from pending grants. Access to field vehicles and all equipment and supplies for research will be provided. To apply, submit the following in a single PDF to Dr. Rebecca Blanton Johansen (johansenr@apsu.edu) by 15 February 2023: (1) statement of research background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references, and (4) unofficial copy of your college transcripts.
Mollie F. Cashner (cashnerm@apsu.edu):
There will be one Master’s student position open in the Cashner Lab starting in the Fall 2023 semester, with emphasis on North American minnow social behavior, reproductive biology, and/or population genetics. This position is not dependent on an externally funded grant and is eligible for GTA support and additional external funding support. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Cashner by 17th February via email (cashnerm@apsu.edu).
C.M. Gienger (giengerc@apsu.edu):
Ecology and conservation of reptiles. Two M.S. positions available for Fall 2023. Potential projects include quantifying energetics of reproduction in painted turtles, modeling distribution and habitat for helodermatid lizards (beaded lizards and Gila monsters) in the SW US and northern Mexico, link between stress physiology and metabolism in snakes, and geographic variation in body size of small mammals, lizards, and snakes.
Sergei Markov (markovs@apsu.edu):
Research interests include: a) bacteriophage genome annotation; b) molecular hydrogen production by microorganisms and; c) microalgae for biofuels and chemicals.
Gilbert Pitts (pittsg@apsu.edu):
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)comprises the final common pathway by which many variables impact animal reproduction. I am looking for students interested in examining the control and synchronization of GnRH secretion. Students in my laboratory use a variety of techniques such as cell culture, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunoassays and electrophysiology. Students are encouraged to contact me for further information.
Stefan Woltmann (woltmanns@apsu.edu):
Behavioral and breeding ecology of birds associated with forested streams; survey and ecology of imperiled grassland/prairie birds in the region. Ecology of wintering songbirds in Tennessee.
Manisha Gupte (guptem@apsu.edu):
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of numerous metabolic abnormalities including Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Heart Failure. My primary research interest is to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologies in an obesogenic environment. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Gupte at guptem@apsu.edu.
Don Dailey (daileyd@apsu.edu):
My research focus is in understanding the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and host responses using insects as model systems. These areas include but are not limited to investigating mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of resistance.
Austin Peay State University embraces diversity as a core value and as essential for our effective participation in the global community. Therefore, Austin Peay State University (APSU) does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.
Qualifications See: https://www.apsu.edu/biology/graduate/gradadmiss.php for required documents and admission criteria; see the job description for specific skills. Contact Person Contact the faculty member of interest directly via email provided in the job description or Dr. Mollie Cashner, Graduate Coordinator for general questions Contact Phone 931-221-6488 Contact eMail cashnerm@apsu.edu
Salary Tuition and fee waivers; stipends vary depending on source of support, starting at $5600 for 9 months and up, Last Date to Apply 01 / March / 2023