FYI
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Rita Melo Franco Santos, PhD
Research Assistant
<https://maps.google.com/?q=Am+Handelshafen+12+%0D%0A+27570+Bremerhaven+%0D%0A+Germany&entry=gmail&source=g>
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS),
University of Tasmania (UTAS),
20 Castray Esplanade,
Battery Point, 7004
Hobart, TAS
Australia
<https://maps.google.com/?q=Am+Handelshafen+12+%0D%0A+27570+Bremerhaven+%0D%0A+Germany&entry=gmail&source=g>
ResearcherID: G-8736-2014
Phone number: +61 0451 644 313
Currículo Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/4572356147467993
CONFRONTING THE CHANGING DIVERSITY PATTERNS OF CORAL REEFS Based at LEC-REEFS
(https://lec-reefs.org/), Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Supervised by Nick Graham, Sally Keith, Gareth Williams (Bangor), Josh Cinner
(JCU) Funded by Envision DTP (UKRI) Application deadline Weds 13th Jan 2021;
Start date Oct 2021
Coral reef ecosystems are in a state of change. Increasingly frequent and
severe disturbances, and escalation of human interactions, are transforming
many tropical coral reefs. At the same time, species are extending their ranges
toward higher latitudes at remarkable pace, with tropical species encroaching
temperate rocky reef environments. Despite these changes to the organisation of
these critical ecosystems, we still rely on classic ecological theories of
diversity patterns that were developed in more stable conditions. These
theories focus on biophysical processes, yet environmental extremes (e.g. heat
waves) and social factors (e.g. distance to markets) have come to dominate
ecological communities on many of the world’s coastlines. This project will
test if latitudinal diversity gradients are changing on coastal reef
ecosystems, with major implications for ecology and conservation. Classic
ecological theories will be confronted with contemporary diversity patterns,
and new theories of diversity patterns will be developed that incorporate
social and environmental variables. By tackling the topic using a
multidisciplinary approach, the project aims to better capture ecological
organisation on contemporary coral reefs. The PhD will provide training in
independent thinking, field techniques, statistical modelling,
social-ecological systems thinking, and scientific writing. With supervisory
and project support at Lancaster University and Bangor University, UK, and
James Cook University, Australia, the project offers unique opportunities for
research and training in coral reef science.
Eligibility
Applicants should hold a minimum of an Honours Degree at 2:1 level or
equivalent in subjects such as Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology,
or Geography. Applicants with Masters degrees, relevant research experience, or
publications will be highly competitive. Exposure to statistical analyses and
social-ecological data desirable.
Enquiries
For further details, or to enquire about eligibility please send a short
statement regarding your background and interest in the project, and a CV to
Prof. Nick Graham nick.graham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
