MSc Student in Environmental DNA in New Zealand Lakes

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated student for a Masters project on using environmental DNA (eDNA) to study lake biodiversity. This project, a collaboration between Queen’s University (Canada) and the Cawthron Institute (New Zealand), is part of Cawthron’s ‘Our Lakes, Our Future’ programme (https://ourlakesourfuture.co.nz/).

Lakes face increasing pressure from multiple stressors, but we lack methods to effectively identify and prioritize them for mitigation, often hindering restoration efforts. Our team aims to develop a world-leading approach for measuring lake health that includes cultural and ecological values.

 
We will create new tools, including robust eDNA methods, to assess biodiversity and food webs, producing an effective approach to evaluating lake health beyond traditional water quality metrics. 

The successful candidate will use eDNA to explore innovative methods to monitor biodiversity and changes in New Zealand lakes, informing and enhancing ecosystem health management.

Please find the full student advertisement here:

https://qe3research.ca/2024/09/23/grad-student-for-olof-project/