Ph.D. Graduate Research Opportunity: Simulating Individual Deer to Improve
Management

At the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and the Natural Resource
Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, we are working with colleagues at
Boston University and elsewhere to simulate white-tailed deer using an agent-based
approach to improve coordinated management of deer. This National Science
Foundation CNH2-supported project integrates social data, infra-red aerial surveys of
deer, and information from managers to, among other things, create agent-based models
of select individual townships. A separate agent-based modeling effort will occur across
all of Massachusetts and New York. We will assess questions about the means to reduce
damage from deer through coordinated versus individualistic management actions.

A Graduate Research Assistantship is available for a well-qualified Ph.D. student to
develop an independent research project within the context of the broader research. The
project will include an on-site component, working with local stakeholders to ensure
models are representative and address pertinent questions. The Ph.D. student will be
working with Dr. Boone and other project participants to construct and use the agentbased
simulation models.

We seek a well qualified and self-motivated student holding an M.S. degree. Computer
programming experience will be helpful, as will an ability to work effectively in a team
setting. To apply, send the following information by email to Randall Boone: 1) a cover
letter outlining your research interests and experience, 2) a detailed CV, and 3) contact
information for at least 2 academic referees. Members of under-represented groups are
encouraged to apply. Graduate student stipend and tuition fees are available for 3 years,
subject to satisfactory progress in both coursework and research.

Contact:
Dr. Randall Boone
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
1499 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 970-491-1806
Web: RandallBoone.org