Central Michigan University | Dr. Peter Kourtev

Dr. Peter Kourtev's lab - info for prospective students

Graduate students: I am currently not looking for graduate students. I might have positions open on my pitcher plant or my autumn olive projects later this year or in 2011. When positions do open, I am looking for highly motivated students that have an interest in microbial ecology. Graduate students in my lab work with environmental microorganisms and have to learn and apply (unless they already have experience) a variety of techniques ranging from classical microbiology, microbial physiology and state-of-the-art molecular microbial ecology.

Graduate students requirements:

Bachelor of science in a biological science (required by our graduate program).
GPA during undergraduate study ≥ 2.5-4.0.
GRE scores of at least 1000 (recommended by our graduate program).
(optional but preferred) Some research experience as an undergraduate in a field that is related to the project you would like to work on: microbiology, plant sciences, ecology.
(optional but preferred) Desire to work both in lab and in field (yes, sometimes it rains outside) conditions.

If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Science in my lab, email me the following materials (or those of them you have):

One-page letter of interest, including your professional goals.
GPA and GRE scores (if you cannot digitize those, mail them to me under separate cover).
A CV, including list of related courses taken and the names and contact information of at least three references.

Undergraduate students: Currently I am not looking for undergraduates to work in my lab (all positions are taken). I anticipate that some new positions might open in the fall of 2008. If you are interested, contact me by email to arrange a meeting or come see me during office hours (found on my Home Page). Undergraduate students in my lab generally work on their own projects (which might be portions of projects undertaken by the graduate students). You will learn and apply a variety of techniques from classical microbiology, microbial physiology to current molecular microbial ecology.