If you're interested in theoretical ecology and evolution and want to join my lab, here's what you ought to do:

• Look over some of my previous work to get an idea of what my research involves and the kinds of approaches I use. You'll be spending a lot of time working with these and similar approaches for quite awhile, so you ought to enjoy working with them.


• Think about what related topics in ecology/evolutionary ecology you want to learn more about over the next five to six years of your life.


• Look around the Duke Biology web site and identify other faculty that are here and how they might help you during your graduate studies. In particular, I hold joint lab meetings with Bill Morris.


• Seriously consider visiting Duke before you apply. Contact me (and other faculty) regarding the best time to visit. Usually, one of our graduate students will be happy to let you crash on their floor. Even if you can't visit, contact me before applying.


• If you like what you see, apply online to the graduate school.


• You might also want to consider admission through the ecology program. However, the graduate student admissions procedure through that program is not clear.