I am always seeking good applicants for either a Master’s or a Ph.D. position, starting the Fall semester of each year.
I focus on community ecology and the factors that promote species coexistence in space and time, generally in aquatic ecosystems. See my list of publications for an idea of my interests and broad range of collaborations. The area of one’s research can include or combine any number of elements: fieldwork, experimentation, and/or meta-analysis/synthesis.
Ultimately applicants will need to apply to the graduate program at UMBC.
However, I will only consider applicants who contact me directly via email (chris.swan@umbc.edu). In your inquiry please include: 1) a brief introduction; 2) an academic CV; 3) GRE scores if available; and 4) a description of your career goals and how you feel working in my lab will further those ambitions. Your background and interests should align somehow with mine.
UMBC is a culturally diverse campus situated near Baltimore, and within close proximity to Washington DC. Access to transportation is quite convenient, making visiting the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region easy. In terms of natural surroundings, Maryland is often considered “America in miniature” given the large range in ecosystem types ranging from wetlands, swamps and bogs, tidal flats and beaches, to upland forests.
My lab takes seriously this excerpt from the UMBC vision statement: “Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds.”