Ethan Marburger
- @ethanmarburger
- | he/him
Hey Everyone!
First post here. I'll be graduating soon with a Master's degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from NC State and am looking to continue my education at the doctoral level. I've been applying for various international PhD positions that align with my interests, i.e. spatial ecology, AI for conservation, climate change, etc. Similar to applying for my Masters, I expected to get a decent number of rejections before finding the right position but recently it's all been rejections. While I have intermediate experience in each one of the listed fields, I realize there's always room to grow. That being said, I've been taking steps to gain more experience like participating in various wildlife technology workshops, taking a programming courses, and even getting a stats certificate. In a field as competitive as this, I'm just wondering if there is more that I should be doing? If anyone has advice on ways to be a more completive or just advice on applying to PhD's in general it would be greatly appreciated!
4 May 2025 4:14pm
Hi @ethanmarburger, I am probably not the best to give advice here given that it took me nearly two decades to actually finish my PhD, but I'd aim for something that you are really interested in so that you can keep up a high momentum. If you love your project you are more likely to cruise through the 'grind' periods. In terms of networking, WILDLABS is definitely a great place to start! You may well find some connections just looking across the threads here, and reaching out to people that are doing work you are interested in. More broadly, and depending on where you are in the world, you might be able to volunteer or even get some work on projects in your area, which can be a good way to get a foot in the door to larger research projects. You could possibly look at helping out on some analysis of spatial/AI datasets etc, or reach out to not-for-profits and conservation charities and see what they need/you might be able to help with - but try and be as specific as possible so they know straight away what you are after. Just a few quick ideas off the top of my head, and more than happy to discuss further. My best for your search!
Cheers,
Rob
19 May 2025 12:29am
Hi Ethan, It's indeed a competitive area. My advice for you (and anybody else seeking a PhD supervisor)...
- Do background research on each individual potential supervisor and always approach them demonstrating your alignment with their research focus.
- Show that you have read and understood one or two of their key (relevant) papers in your initial email to them.
- Have in mind something relevant to you AND to the potential supervisor, to propose as a topic in your initial email to them. But, remain open to their ideas - there's a good chance they have something that would align with your interests and that would (more) smoothly generate a successful PhD than you might have come up with ;-)
- Write clearly and succinctly.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and highlight any relevant past experience and engagement in the relevant area (briefly).
- Attach a PDF CV.
- Apply for PhD positions in areas where you are qualified.
- Evidence that you have published a good paper, especially as first author, from your Masters thesis would be a bonus.
This is a time-consuming process. But you may end up spending 3+ years working with this supervisor, and vice versa. It's important for all concerned that you (and they) make a good, informed decision.
Good luck in your search!
Alan.
Rob Appleby
Wild Spy