Graduate Training in evolutionary ecology at the University of Kentucky

我们建议在肯塔基大学实施一项新的、多学科的环境生物学培训计划，重点是进化生态学。我们的计划将提供现代概念和方法的综合培训的独特融合，教会学生跨学习水平的分析和综合思考。我们的学生将学会利用“理论/实验循环”的两个部分，并在回答一线研究问题时有效地整合它们。拟议培训的主要特点包括：(1)强调在高度互动的研究环境中同行之间的合作；(2)教师和博士后人员的指导--以及为本科生研究人员提供一些指导的机会；(3)由著名科学家领导的短期课程讲习班；以及(4)研究方法方面的创新培训，将接触当代技术(例如分子方法、数量遗传学、实地/半现场实验、建模)与第一年的研究项目相结合。我们建议的GRT项目代表着EPSCoR发起的肯塔基大学进化生态学中心的建立达到了顶峰。所要求的支持，与英国的广泛匹配，将使我们能够增加我们领域中代表性不足群体的个人机会，并帮助满足国家对受过综合培训的环境生物学家的需求。

We propose to implement a new, multidisciplinary training program in Environmental Biology at the University of Kentucky, focusing on evolutionary ecology. Our program will provide a unique blend of integrative training in modern concepts and methodologies, teaching students to think analytically and synthetically across levels of study. Our students will learn to utilize both parts of the "theory/experiment loop" and to integrate them effectively in answering front-line research questions. Key features of the proposed training include: (1)an emphasis on collaborations among peers in a highly interactive research environment; (2)mentoring from both a faculty members and postdoctoral personnel--and the opportunity to provide some mentoring for undergraduate researcher; (3)short-course workshops led by distinguished scientist; and (4)innovative training in research methodology, combining exposure to contemporary techniques (e.g. molecular methods, quantitative genetics, field/semi-field experimentation, modeling) with first-year research projects. Our proposed GRT project represents the culmination of the EPSCOR-initiated establishment of the Center for Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Kentucky. The requested support, extensively matched by UK, will allow us to increase the opportunities for individuals from under-represented groups in our field and to help meet the nation's need for integratively trained environmental biologists.