Graduate Study in the Valentine Lab

Microbes are key players in the biogeochemical cycles of all the major elements. Most of the research conducted in the Valentine lab focuses on the interactions between microorganisms and their environment (microbial biogeochemistry).  Studies in microbial biogeochemistry are highly interdisciplinary, and intersted students from any field of science will be considered.  Most of the research in the lab employs modern biological and chemical tools, and many of the projects are based in marine settings.

We perform a variety of studies in order to understand biogeochemcial cycling in natural systems, including:


Many of our projects involve field work in either marine or terrestrial environments.  Some of our recent field sites include:

Most students in the lab will have the opportunity to participate in ocean going research.

Funding for graduate work in the Valentine lab comes from a variety of sources including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.  The lab will take one student (at most) to start in the Fall of '04, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply for fellowships.  Links to various fellowship programs are included below:

     NSF: http://www.orau.org/nsf/nsffel.htm
     NDSEG: http://www.asee.org/ndseg/
     Howard Hughes: http://www.hhmi.org/grants/graduate/
     Ford Foundation (minority students): http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pga/fo.nsf
     Hertz Foundation: http://www.hertzfoundation.org/
     Link Foundation: http://www.linkenergy.org/
     NASA: http://education.nasa.gov/gsrp/
     NPSC (women and minorities): http://www.npsc.org/
     Switzer Foundation: http://www.switzernetwork.org/

Graduate students interested in working in the Valentine lab can apply through either Geological Sciences, or Marine Science.  If you are interested in graduate work in the Valentine lab, please contact Dr. Valentine at: valentine@geol.ucsb.edu
 

Last Updated May 2, 2003.