[Entm-beu] Fwd: FW: PhD Opportunity - Applied Insect Ecology, Mississippi State University

Thu Feb 5 12:40:17 PST 2026

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Teresa G. Gold <Teresa.Gold at ag.tamu.edu>
Date: Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Subject: FW: PhD Opportunity - Applied Insect Ecology, Mississippi State
University
To: Teresa G. Gold <Teresa.Gold at ag.tamu.edu>
Cc: Miller, Andie <acm1161 at msstate.edu>

Forward on behalf of Dr. Andie Miller

*************************************************************************

*From:* Miller, Andie <acm1161 at msstate.edu>
*Sent:* Thursday, February 5, 2026 12:41 PM
*To:* Teresa G. Gold <Teresa.Gold at ag.tamu.edu>
*Subject:* PhD Opportunity - Applied Insect Ecology, Mississippi State
University

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Please circulate this funded PhD opportunity in Applied Insect Ecology at
Mississippi State University.

*PhD Graduate Research Assistant – Applied Insect Ecology*

The Insect Ecology Lab at Mississippi State University seeks a motivated
graduate student to pursue a PhD in Life Sciences with a concentration in
Entomology, focusing on applied insect ecology. The lab investigates the
ecology, behavior, and population dynamics of agriculturally and
ecologically significant insects through laboratory and field research. We
emphasize independent, student-driven projects within a supportive and
collaborative environment and are committed to mentoring students to
achieve their full potential while encouraging initiative, creativity, and
professional growth.

*Project Themes*: The lab’s flagship project focuses on the population
ecology of the fall armyworm *(**Spodoptera frugiperda**)*, examining
strain-level variation in dispersal, host use, and responses to management.
Students may also pursue independent projects in other insect systems
exploring population, behavioral, and dispersal ecology; host interactions
and nutritional ecology; natural enemy and beneficial insect dynamics;
pathogen–host interactions; and/or field population dynamics of invasive or
emerging pests. Projects can incorporate laboratory, field, and molecular
or analytical approaches depending on student interests.

*Qualifications*: We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and
self-directed student with a strong interest in applied insect ecology.
Successful candidates will take ownership of their research while
collaborating effectively with the lab team and external partners. Desired
experience includes insect rearing, laboratory and field data collection,
molecular or analytical techniques, and quantitative analysis skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective written
and oral communication abilities are essential. Students will gain
experience in ecological experimentation, colony maintenance, molecular and
analytical approaches, and quantitative data analysis, with opportunities
to present and publish results.

*Funding and Support*: Funding is guaranteed for three years and includes
tuition, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. *The expected start
date is August 1, 2026.*

*About the Department*: The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant
Protection brings together entomologists, plant pathologists, and weed
scientists in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Faculty and
students engage in applied and fundamental research across diverse insect
and plant systems. The department has a strong legacy of entomological
excellence and prepares students for careers in academia, extension, and
industry.

*Location*: Starkville offers abundant outdoor recreation, a lively student
community, local restaurants and festivals, and was voted the “Best Small
Southern Town” by USA Today in 2024 & 2025.

*To Apply*:  Review of applications begins* February 13, 2026*, and will
continue until the position is filled. Submit the following to
*acm1161 at msstate.edu
<acm1161 at msstate.edu>*:

·        CV

·        Brief statement of research interests

·        Transcripts

·        Contact information for three references

Best regards,

Andie

*Andie C. Miller, Ph.D.*

*Assistant Professor - Insect Ecology *

*Dept. Agricultural Science & Plant Protection*

Clay Lyle Entomology Building 129

Starkville, MS, 39795

C: 219.307.3685

<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/73a9168bd3b64d10aba00b4d23dd06d9@msstate.edu?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=bwmEmailSignature>

Book time to meet with me
<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/73a9168bd3b64d10aba00b4d23dd06d9@msstate.edu?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=bwmEmailSignature>

-- 
Christiane Weirauch
Professor & Chair
Department of Entomology
University of California, Riverside

Ph: 951-827-5707 (Office)
Email: christiane.weirauch at ucr.edu
https://profiles.ucr.edu/christiane.weirauch
<christiane.weirauch at ucr.edu>
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