| Position | Start Date | Institutional Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. (1–2 students, Integrative Conservation Program – ICON) | August 2026 | December 1, 2025 |
| Master’s (1 student, Integrative Conservation Program - ICAS) | August 2026 | December 1, 2025 |
Research Focus
I am seeking motivated graduate students to join my research group on agricultural and environmental sustainability. Students will have flexibility to define specific research questions within broad themes such as:
- Climate adaptation in agriculture and water resources
- Governance of energy transitions and sustainable infrastructure
- Environmental policy and institutional responses to climate risks
- Intersections of climate justice, sustainability, and policy design
Students will have the opportunity to design independent research projects and collaborate across disciplines.
Program Environment
UGA’s Integrative Conservation Ph.D. Program (ICON) trains students to connect ecological, social, and policy dimensions of global environmental challenges. Students will work within a vibrant, interdisciplinary network at UGA, including the River Basin Center, and will have the opportunity to pursue collaborations across ecology, economics, anthropology, geography, engineering, and public policy.
Qualifications
Ph.D. applicants:
- Meet UGA Graduate School admission requirements
- Master’s degree in environmental studies, geography, economics, public policy, or related discipline
- Background or interest in environmental governance, adaptation, or sustainability
- Strong writing skills; quantitative research experience preferred
Master’s applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, policy, geography, or related field
- Interest in environmental governance, adaptation, or sustainability
- Research or policy experience preferred but not required
Applicants from historically underserved groups (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+, women, first-generation students) are strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply
I strongly encourage interested students to contact me before submitting their formal application so that I can provide feedback and discuss potential fit. Please send:- CV (with names of three references)
- One-page cover letter describing your interests, relevant experiences, and fit with the position
to Dr. Sechindra Vallury (sechindra.vallury@uga.edu).