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

Hi Ethan, It's indeed a competitive area. My advice for you (and anybody else seeking a PhD supervisor)...

1. Do background research on each individual potential supervisor and always approach them demonstrating your alignment with their research focus.
2. Show that you have read and understood one or two of their key (relevant) papers in your initial email to them.
3. 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 ;-)
4. Write clearly and succinctly.
5. Demonstrate enthusiasm and highlight any relevant past experience and engagement in the relevant area (briefly).
6. Attach a PDF CV.
7. Apply for PhD positions in areas where you are qualified.
8. 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.

Great questions @LeaOpenForests !

I don't have concrete answers since I am not a stakeholder in any project in particular. Based on experience with research on the potential for a similar one-stop-shop for science metrics, I would suggest that there is no simple solution: different actors do need and have different views on presenting and viewing impact. This means possible gaps between what one group of actors need and what the other is willing or able to produce. One can hope, search and aim for sufficient overlap, but I don't see how they would necessarily or naturally overlap.

Still, I would guess that if there are dimensions of overlap, they are time, space and actor-networks 

I have posted about this in a different group, but I love boosting the impact of my communication through use of visuals. 

Free graphics relating to conservation technology and the environment are available at:

1. National Environmental Science Program Graphics Library

   Graphics below of a feral cat with a tracking collar and a cat grooming trap are examples of symbols available courtesy of the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, nesplandscapes.edu.au.

2. UMCES Integration and Application Network Media Library

Hi Norah! 
This is a great concern! Kudos! 
Climate change data especially for such a long time can help us answer a lot of questions including the few listed below:

1. How has the climate variability affected the trend of species in the ecosystem? (You can choose to study a specific specie of animal or plant) and respond on their increase and (or) extinction.
2. How has climate variability affected or supported the survival rate of introduced species?
3. Climate variability is one among many factors of invasion, how is the invasion rate in your ecosystem?
4. You can also answer on the general topic of your ecosystem’s health with the data! 
   
   I would love to read a paper from the data you have! Very resourceful! 
   Break the leg!