FULLY FUNDED M.SC. IN GEOGRAPHY: MARINE BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION IN TRADITIONAL WATERS OF MIAWPUKEK FIRST NATION

We seek a student for a marine biodiversity and traditional knowledge education project in cooperation with Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) and DFO, beginning in May or September 2024 at Memorial University, NL.  The student will work with MFN Marine Forestry Guardians and MUN and DFO scientists to describe marine biodiversity in Bay d’Espoir and nearby parts of the marine territory of Miawpukek First Nation.  The student will help Guardians to describe deep and shallow water marine biodiversity information through a variety of sampling methods, and combine this with multibeam sonar data to make predictive maps of biodiversity.  The student will also work with Guardians and others at MFN to map Indigenous knowledge of marine biodiversity in these waters.  The student will spend extended periods of time living in the community and working with Guardians, as well as participating in a intensive ROV-based research cruise.   Required skills include a quantitative background in marine biology or ecology, or in community-based science with Indigenous communities.  Previous experience with GIS systems, acquiring or processing acoustic or underwater video data and/or experience working with the public and/or with Indigenous groups will be highly advantageous.  Preference will be given to Indigenous students, especially those from Miawpukek or Qalipu First Nations. 

For more information, please contact Evan Edinger (eedinger@mun.ca) or Katleen Robert (Katleen.robert@mi.mun.ca) with a CV and cover letter stating your main interests in this project.

Closing date: Nov 15, 2023.

Prospective start date: May or September 2024.