Dr Nicole Phillips

nicole.phillips@vuw.ac.nz

FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

I have broad interests in the ecology of marine systems, and encourage students to pursue research projects that originate from their own interests. For prospective MSc students I am happy to hash out ideas with you, and provide you with the seed of an idea if needed. Because of the limited time frame of the typical MSc degree, especially the research component, the experience will be much better for both of us if your research is centered somewhere in my areas of expertise. Generally my research has focused on intertidal ecology, benthic invertebrates, their reproductive strategies, larval biology, and questions focused on aspects of dispersal, recruitment and life history trade-offs. Please see my Research page, recent publications, and the work of current students to get an idea of the sorts of research going on in my lab, and the sorts of projects I currently supervise.

For prospective PhD students:

Funding is an important issue! I currently do not have any funding to support new students in terms of tuition, fees, living expenses or stipends. I do have a modest budget to support student research once students are enrolled, however you should examine all possible opportunities for funding, scholarships, fellowships, etc. Please see the links at the bottom of this page for some possibilities, however this list is not exhaustive and you should be creative and resourceful in looking for other sources of funding.

I ask all students that are potentially interested in working with me to email me with the following information:

1) your research interests and experiences (work or otherwise) that you feel have prepared you to undertake a postgraduate degree,

2) your academic record (this can be an unofficial copy of transcripts) including relevant coursework and grades, and

3) at least 1 (but preferably 2) letter(s) of recommendation from former supervisors, teachers, lecturers or employers that can speak to your capabilities and potential as a graduate student.

Please note I request this material for my own personal evaluation of prospective students. By sending me this information you are not in any way “officially” applying to the University. That is a whole other kettle of fish, so to speak. Please see the University’s and School of Biological Sciences’ websites (links below) for application information. IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT there is an additional layer of bureaucracy and you should first and foremost see the Victoria International website about the necessary steps in applying for a graduate/post-graduate degree here.

Expectations for new lab members:

We are all here because we find science fun and exciting. For my part, I will do my best to make sure you have the resources, advice, and support you need to do your research and present your results to a high standard. In return, I expect students that I supervise to work hard, be motivated, and to be active participants in our lab group, the School, and wider scientific community. Communication and interaction with other scientists, students and academics is key to a successful graduate career and your future career after you finish. Therefore, I expect students to give presentations of their ideas and results both formally and informally to the lab group and to the School in seminars, and eventually in national and/or international conferences. These are friendly venues where you will get positive feedback and make valuable connections with other researchers. If all of this does not sound fun and exciting to you, or you don't feel you will be able to fulfill these expectations, please don't ask me to be your supervisor!

Relevant Victoria University websites for potential graduate/post-graduate students:

Postgraduate degrees at Victoria, general info

Postgraduate programmes in Biological Sciences

Victoria Scholarships, general information: this page has many scholarships for both MSc and Phd students, and includes several useful external links to other agencies.

Victoria International, for international students: this site includes links to scholarship information for international students as well as requirements, deadlines, application forms, etc.

Some other useful/entertaining links for potential graduate/post-graduate students:

Scott Keogh's resources and advice for students: this page contains a lot of useful information and links for students including information about writing papers, giving talks, funding resources, etc.Some of this is specific to Australia, but much of it will be generally useful for all students.

Milton Love's So you want to be a marine biologist? This is a great page, a must-read for potential marine biologists and even has a sequel So you want to be a marine biologist? The revenge!

The Elements of Style by William Strunk: Many students have had limited opportunity for writing when they start a graduate programme, but being able to communicate your research clearly and concisely is FUNDAMENTALLY important from here on out, with anything you do. This online version of a classic book on writing is a great resource.

Research

Teaching

Lab Group

CV / Publications

Prospective Students