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A research assistantship is available from the Marine Policy Program in the Graduate College of Marine Studies at (CMS) the University of Delaware for a qualified student-applicant interested in policy-focused research related to commercial vessels collisions with north Atlantic right whales along the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts.  The project is directed by two Marine Policy faculty members: PI, Jeremy Firestone, and Co-PI, James Corbett.  Working with a Canadian collaborator, the NOAA-NMFS funded research project is modeling ship traffic spatially and temporally, by vessel class along the Atlantic coast using spatial and port-specific data.   The investigation will expand regionally-specific insights to enable better assessment of the collision risk between ships and right whales.   Additional funds are being sought for other right whale policy research; and other funds may be available for policy research related to ongoing projects on ballast water and invasive species; air pollution from ships; and offshore wind power development.  Motivated individuals with experience; education in policy, science and/or economic disciplines; and a strong interest in interdisciplinary policy-focused research, are encouraged to apply for admission to the CMS Marine Policy program. See www.ocean.udel.edu/graduate/admissions.html.  A background in statistics and/or GIS is highly desirable.  Research Assistantship funds include tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.  Ph.D. and master’s applicants will be considered.  The CMS Marine Policy Program also offers at least one graduate fellowship each year; and CMS offers college-level fellowships as well.  Awards are based on academic record, GRE’s, and demonstrated interest in the program

The CMS Marine Policy Program prepares students for successful careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.  Ongoing research in the Marine Policy Program addresses various aspect of marine affairs, including: domestic and international marine law and policy; maritime transportation; invasive species; protection of marine fauna (including marine mammals) and flora, environmental and natural resource economics, management of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (including the development of offshore wind power and aquaculture), and coastal zone management.  

The Marine Policy program admits Master’s and Ph.D. students for the Spring and Fall terms.  Fall 2006 applications must be received NO LATER THAN March 1, 2006, but early application submittal is recommended for those individuals who wish to be considered for the research assistantship or a fellowship.  For more information about the Marine Policy Program, see our website at http://www.ocean.udel.edu/graduate/marpol/marpol.html.

For further information on the whale strike assistantship, contact Professor Jeremy Firestone, Marine Policy Program, Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, tel: (302) 831-0228, email: jf@udel.edu