Graduate research in the lab focuses on theoretical and applied aspects of natural disturbance, landscape dynamics, vertebrate community and population dynamics, abiotic controls on landscapes and biodiversity, and ecosystem management. Most students integrate use of quantitative tools (GIS, remote sensing, computer simulation, and statistics) and field studies. The lab accepts students that we have the financial resources to support or that have arranged prior funding. We encourage lots of interaction and cooperation among all of us in the lab. The most competitive students for these positions have: courses or experience in quantitative tools and field methods, experience in ecological research and publication, demonstrated good intellect via GRE scores and undergraduate GPA, have an insatiable appetite for understanding how ecological systems work, and want to be contributors in the field of ecology.