Prospective Students
We are looking for independent, motivated scientists to join our group. Please contact Dr. Fierst for more information. Include a brief description of your previous research experience as well as current and future research interests.

Our research covers a wide variety of topics but our successful students usually:
1) Love evolution and genetics
2) Are eager to learn computing and bioinformatics
3) Are interested in reading and discussing scientific literature
4) Are responsible and self-motivated
5) Are excited about collaborating with other students
6) Are committed to contributing to our lab community

For more information on how to apply to the Biological Sciences Graduate Program, click here.

Lab Mission and Expectations
Our lab mission is to produce exciting scientific discoveries in an interactive, supportive intellectual community.

My mission as the lab head is to: 1) produce high-quality research; and 2) provide excellent training and intellectual development for early career researchers in scientific research, computation and evolutionary genetics.

I expect lab members will:
1) Respect one another! Treat other people's time, space, energy and stuff as though they were yours.

2) Participate in lab meetings, seminars, discussions and social events. We build and create our community and we can only do that by showing up. Don't worry if you feel like you don't have anything to say. It takes a while to get comfortable and process scientific communication.

3) Help each other. Similarly, don't be afraid to ask for help. We can often clear up problems and misunderstandings quickly by addressing them directly.

4) Establish goals and keep written records of daily activities. Progress in science and graduate school is often incremental. Written records help you keep track of your progress towards small and large goals.

5) Practice empathy. Some days everything is going great, other times you feel stuck. Being kind to each other helps a lot during the stuck times. 

6) Take responsibility. Graduate school is a period of intense personal and professional development. Where you end up and how you get there is up to you.

7) Communicate. Open and consistent communication is key to maintaining a smoothly running, happy lab environment.