We have several graduate research opportunities at the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University in (1) Web-based GIS and community environmental monitoring and (2) Complexity science and modeling of coupled human and natural systems.
(1) Web-based GIS and community environmental monitoring: Opportunities to research aspects of community environmental monitoring, information sharing, social capital, open source software and web-based GIS systems exist at the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. This work is associated with a project sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Environment to develop and implement a web-based geographic information system (GIS) to support information sharing and collaboration for environmental monitoring in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This is an Open Source prototype system that provides online tools for experts and lay users to support water quality monitoring within the GTA. We are seeking excellent Masters candidates with combinations of skills in GIS, computer programming, web development and interests in issues such as community based monitoring, water quality, information sharing and interoperability, social capital and public participation.
[Contact: Dr. Martin Bunch. See below for financial support and other information]
(2) Complexity science and modeling of coupled human and natural systems. We are seeking excellent Masters and PhD candidates to explore the modeling of complex coupled human and natural systems, and the application and uses of such models in the context of (e.g.) watershed management, climate change adaptation and risk management, adaptive management and ecosystem approaches, and human health and well-being (ecohealth). Successful applicants will be associated with a collaborative initiative (with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Canada) to develop capacity in spatially explicit modeling of complex adaptive systems at the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Applicants should speak to their background and skills in GIS, modeling, computer programming as well as their substantive interests in applying these skills.
[York faculty: Dr. Martin Bunch, Dr. Peter Victor, Dr. Justin Podur. Environment Canada researchers: Dr. Kaz Higuchi, Dr. James MacLellan. See below for financial support and other information]
Financial support for graduate students at York University
York provides competitive student funding to our top full-time students. The following typical amounts are offered to graduate students in the form of scholarships and assignments such as graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships or research assistantships. We expect to able to increase this amount by an additional $2500 for Graduate students associated with the projects above.
TYPICAL FUNDING OFFERS FOR 2009-10
Master’s Student Funding
A Y1: $14,000 Y2:$10,000
B+ Y1: $10,000 Y2:$10,000
Doctoral Student Funding
A** $22,400
B+** $19,400
** Years 2 to 4 at least $19,400 per year
Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University: Information on the Faculty of Environmental Studies and its Masters and PhD programs can be found at http://www.fes.yorku.ca
Contact: Interested applicants should contact Dr. Martin Bunch [bunchmj@yorku.ca, 416.736.2100 x:22630]