Expectations and Mentoring Style |
I am always interested in working with motivated graduate students with interests in conservation and field-oriented ecological research. My mentoring style is one of guided independence - that is, I will help my students in any way I can to reach their research goals, but have high expectations of the effort they will put into their projects on their own. I encourage students to think broadly about directions of research that will expand both theoretical and applied understanding.
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How to Apply |
If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the Haase Lab, we highly recommend checking out our Current Research and reading publications from the lab to determine if and how our work interests you. I will post funded opportunities in my lab as they arise. Inquiries regarding positions should include a C.V., including undergraduate GPA and GRE scores, and a brief but well developed description of research directions of interest. Those interested in projects outside of those posted below should be warned that securing funding will be required!
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M.S. Positions |
Two (2) M.S. graduate assistantships are available in our lab starting in August 2027 (Fall Semester). Although the specific thesis research topics are open, successful applicants will be expected to engage in field-based research related to the impacts of commercial cave use on tricolored bats in Texas. The objectives of this project are to assess the effects of noise, light, disturbance, and environmental conditions on hibernation energetics, thermoregulatory behavior, roost use, and movement of tricolored bats in Longhorn Caverns State Park. The project will require two month-long field seasons during the winter in Texas coordinated with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Travel costs, including housing, will be provided while in the field. The assistantships include a tuition waiver and a 9-month stipend during the academic year, with responsibilities split between a teaching assistantship during the fall semester and a research assistantship during the spring semester. Students may also opt for a summer field position with our lab conducting local bat surveys for summer funding, allowing students to receive a 12-month stipend. Minimum qualifications include: (1) a B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Conservation, or a related field, (2) rabies vaccination and experience handling bats, particularly in winter, (3) experience in R/R studio and strong quantitative skills, (4) excellent written and oral communication skills, and (5) ability to work long hours under challenging and physically demanding field conditions. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the acquisition and application of their experiences outside of a traditional classroom setting. To apply, submit the following in a single PDF to Dr. Catherine Haase ([email protected]) by December 1, 2026: (1) statement of research background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references, and (4) unofficial copy of your college transcripts. Additionally, to be considered by the APSU College of Graduate Studies, applicants must submit required materials by 1st March 2027 for official admission to the Biology M.S. program. Please see: http://www.apsu.edu/grad-studies for instructions, required documents, and note special instructions for the Biology program. For more information about the graduate program in Biology visit: http://www.apsu.edu/biology/graduate. |
Undergraduate Positions |
Our lab often has openings for motivated undergraduate students that want to gain research experience. We expect undergraduates to be very committed to their work in the lab. If you are interested in working with our lab, please contact Dr. Haase with your research interests, a list of references, your CV, and what you hope to gain from interacting with our lab. |
Science is better with a diverse team.
We believe that good science does not just benefit from, but requires diversity to address scientific problems from unique perspectives. Consequently, we embrace and respect all aspects of our lab members’ identities including age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our lab members who they are. As a lab we vow to challenge ourselves and each other to understand and correct any inequities we may discover and gain a better understanding of ourselves during this purposeful process.
We believe that good science does not just benefit from, but requires diversity to address scientific problems from unique perspectives. Consequently, we embrace and respect all aspects of our lab members’ identities including age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our lab members who they are. As a lab we vow to challenge ourselves and each other to understand and correct any inequities we may discover and gain a better understanding of ourselves during this purposeful process.