A rich research environment UToledo's graduate program in ecology and organismal biology focuses on both laboratory and field experiences with expert faculty. The Toledo region's diverse ecosystems provide a wide range of research opportunities.
Few universities have the fertile research environment that The University of Toledo offers. Toledo's location near Lake Erie and its diverse ecosystems — from wetlands to savannahs and woodlands — provide a rich laboratory and opportunities for hands-on field work near campus.
Our ecology and organismal biology program focuses on laboratory and field experiences for both M.S. and Ph.D. students in close collaboration with research-active faculty.
Our graduate education and research strengths are in:
Outstanding faculty. UToledo's ecology faculty are prolific researchers and publishers who take pride in advising graduate students. Faculty advisors challenge M.S. and Ph.D. students to develop independent approaches to solving environmental problems, mentor them throughout the research process and encourage students to publish their findings.
Cutting-edge research facilities. UToledo is well equipped with the tools to conduct advanced research, from drones to recently renovated laboratories with the latest technology and resources.
A unique, natural laboratory. The Toledo region offers an ideal environment to study ecology. Its unique natural habitats and landforms — glacial terrains, Lake Erie's fisheries and wetlands, savannas and woodlands — are close to an urban population. This combination allows our graduate students and faculty to conduct relevant research that focuses on current problems facing our environment, including exotic species invasions, nutrient pollution and compromised water quality.
Financial aid. The Department of Environmental Sciences offers tuition waivers and stipends to graduate students working as teaching or research assistants.
Most MS students in ecology and organismal biology continue their studies in professional and Ph.D. programs. UToledo M.S. biology students have been accepted into doctoral programs at:
Alumni of our M.S. and Ph.D. programs in ecology have been hired as or work for:
The research of Ph.D. student Gunnar Kramer, pictured right, helped solve the mystery of the golden-winged warbler's decline. Read more.
Ph.D. student Jessica Sherman Collier's research focused on restoring giant, ancient sturgeon to Lake Erie. She was selected one of 61 finalists from across the country by NOAA Sea Grant for the 2018 Knauss Fellowship. Read more.
"The knowledge and skills I acquired from the UToledo Department of Environmental Sciences allow me to explore and pursue a non-traditional path in the sciences. I design research and engagement programs for NOAA’s national Sea Grant college that have helped communities around the country respond to crisis, plan for the future and be resilient in the face of change."
Dr. Joshua Brown Ph.D. '09
Read about more UToledo ecology graduate alumni here.
Our M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students work directly with expert scientists in the lab and in the field. Each year, our faculty members receive as much as $3 million in research grants and co-author more than 70 publications with student researchers.
Master’s and doctoral students in ecology at UToledo have access to top-notch research labs and tools, as well as the rich, natural laboratory of the Toledo region for field and research experiences.
Faculty in UToledo’s Department of Environmental Sciences also are engaged in diverse public outreach and education activities. An interactive website was developed as part of a research study to provide education tools for high-school students to explore the role of plant litter decomposition in the global carbon cycle.
Our faculty also help solve environmental problems throughout our region. They serve on the Lucas County Soil and Water and Maumee Area of Concern Action committees and assist local nonprofits and government agencies. One faculty member studied the effects of algal blooms on turtles.
