🔬 Lab: Antunes Plant & Soil Ecology Lab

📅 Start Date: Winter/Spring 2026
📍 Location: Algoma University (Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada)

🌍 Research Focus

Two M.Sc. students will investigate:

• Boreal forest resilience to wildfire, climate change, and invasive species.
• Mycorrhizal symbioses and their role in plant-soil-microbe-songbird interactions.
• Field experiments, molecular ecology, and biodiversity analysis to inform adaptive forest management.

🎯 Key Objectives:

• Assess how disturbances reshape boreal ecosystems at landscape scales.
• Bridge fundamental ecology with conservation policy (collaboration with Ontario Forest Research Institute & Indigenous communities).
• Combine fieldwork, lab techniques, and statistical modeling (e.g., R).

✅ Preferred Qualifications

• 4-year Honours degree in Biology/Ecology (min. 75% average).
• Interest in soil-plant-microbe interactions or disturbance ecology.
• Skills in fieldwork, microbial ecology, or data analysis (assets, not required).

📋 Expectations

• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage with policy-makers and Indigenous partners.
• Present at conferences and contribute to science-policy dialogue.

💰 Funding & Support

• $22,000/year stipend + tuition coverage (domestic rates for U.S. citizens).
• Fieldwork/lab training + networking with leading ecologists (e.g., Dr. Stephen Mayor).

📩 Application Process

Submit to Dr. Pedro Antunes (pedro.antunes@algomau.ca) with subject line:
“M.Sc. Application – Mycorrhizal Ecology – [Your Name]”
Include:

• 📄 CV (with 3 references).
• 📑 Unofficial transcripts.
• 📝 1-page statement (research interests & career goals).

⏳ Rolling deadline—apply ASAP for Winter/Spring 2026!

🌲 Lab & Location Highlights

• Algoma University: Small-campus vibe with boreal forest fieldwork access.
• Collaborators: Ontario gov’t, Indigenous communities, and international networks.
• Lab Culture: Inclusive, policy-engaged, and passionate about soil biodiversity.

Encouraged to Apply: Students eager to blend ecology, molecular tools, and conservation. Questions? Email Dr. Antunes!