The Quantitative Spatial Ecology, Evolution, and Environment (QSE³) IGERT is an NSF-funded program at the University of Florida that started in Fall 2008. QSE³ involves students and faculty from 10 programs and departments (Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, Geography, Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, Forest Resources & Conservation, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Infectious Diseases & Pathology [Veterinary Medicine], Computer & Information Science & Engineering) at UF and outside clients from state, federal and international agencies. The program focuses on the critically important and conceptually unifying theme of spatial dynamics, covering topics such as evolution and spread of emerging pathogens; the causes and consequences of shifting species distributions; and conservation of species in patchy habitats. To tackle these critical issues, graduate students must acquire an arsenal of tools from the disparate fields of mathematics, biology, geography, and statistics. We seek to train scientists who embrace a new philosophy about quantitative tools, who can speak to colleagues from different disciplines, and who can function as part of intellectually diverse teams by bringing different tools to bear on shared problems.

The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program seeks to train scientists and engineers to address the global questions of the future. Through the use of innovative curricula and internships, and by focusing on problem-centered training, these programs give their graduates the edge needed to become leaders in their chosen fields.

A project description (PDF) and a project summary (PDF) provide more information on our IGERT program. For further information or questions concerning our IGERT, contact Ben Bolker, bolker@ufl.edu.