Questions about Ph.D in zoology/conservation biology field?

N

Nature123

Member
Hello! I know that I'm thinking a ways ahead, but I do plan on getting my Ph.D. So far I know that you have to pick a thesis and research it (be it a species of animal, how a species effect the environment, population, etc.). But, you would also need grants. How exactly do you get a grant and where would you apply to?

Also, the topic I'm most interested in, would it be possible to conduct your thesis outside the country you live in? (For me, the US) I'm very interested in the animals that live in Asia and Africa, and I'd love to conduct research in South Africa or India. Would it be possible to do your thesis on any of the animals there? I heard that you would also need to try and get good contacts who might be able to help you get a job there. Does anyone know how would I go about meeting and possibly start chatting with zoologists in South Africa to help me get a step ahead? It would also be like a dream to be able to live in South Africa after I'm done with schooling and get a permanent job.

Thanks for looking!
 
I plan on doing something very similar. I'm currently a junior in high school and would love to do my Ph.D in zoology with the research thesis in U.S./European zoos and Thailand, researching the frequency and scope of EEHV1 in the two settings. However, I'm also curious as to how you get grants to pursue your chosen research project. So I look forward to the responses on this thread! Thanks for starting it!
 
@nature
I am from Europe, so I know the systems here best, but to my knowledge it should be rather similar in the US.

Normally, the funding is provided by your thesis supervisor. Nothing to worry about. The catch here is that the scope and topic of the project is given by your boss. In rare cases students come up with there own idea. You need to find a Professor who is willing to be your supervisor and help you with the grant applications. For a project to win a grant it needs to be scientifically sound (that usually requires preliminary data, just an idea rather never gets money) and to come up with something like that is pretty hard for an undergraduate student.

How far have you progressed in your studies? I would recommend to talk to PhD students and PostDocs and also Professors at your university. Usually if you keep your eyes and ears open you get a good understanding how universitary research works while doing your bachelor and master thesis.

There are labs in the US and in Europe who do research abroad. Meaning you collect data in the field and do the analysis and write up back home. It should not be to hard to find them going through the scientific literature or using google for your specific interests.

@loxo
There is a lot of research going on with EEHV right now and by the time you finish your undergraduate studies those questions will hopefully be answered. Furthermore that research would requiere a degree in molecular biology, virology or veterinary medicine. A degree in zoology would not help you much there.

@both
I can only recommend to talk to relevant people at your local university. Try to do internships in research labs as soon as possible. That all will broaden your horizon and lets you find out what you like to do and what not early.
 
nanoboy said:
I posted an article from The Economist about Bitcoins on another thread, and I came across an article at the bottom of the page on PhDs. It is a must-read for anyone contemplating doing a PhD.

Doctoral degrees: The disposable academic | The Economist
Click to expand...

Thanks for that link nanoboy, it does raise some important points. I think the comparison between number of PhDs graduating and new professorial postions created is a bit misleading, as many graduates go on to work in non-university organisations (business, government departments, charitable foundations, etc - even zoos) anyway. Certainly it will depend on the field of research.

I think one of the key things to remember when doing a PhD is to maximise the experience, by doing lots of "extracurricular" stuff too, such as short courses, volunteering, conferences, teaching, assisting in other work, etc, to get skills that can't be gained just by writing a thesis. Having said that, publications are the main thing that academic employers are looking for, so maximising output in good journals will make you more competitive.
 
The best way to look at getting a "Piled higher & Deeper" is to think of it as a unique contribution to a field of science.
There is another way to gain a PhD its not the common route & requires three unique contributions (published & reviewed) not just the one as most do. It's refered to as PhD by publishing. I see this as an entry for actual hands on, experienced & skilled folk into the world of research.
Its practicle if you have industry placements, facilities, land, animals, experience, knowledge, skills etc, that Universities/researchers use. Often these schools or a supervisor will approach with the offer of a PhD, knowing it will strengthen their own tenure over what you can provide them with.
Doing three papers may not be an easier route for everyone, but it is another option for those who are more practical, or who already work in the field.

Cheers Khakibob
 
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