Course-Based Master of Science (MSc) in Population Medicine - Recreation, Dogs and Blue-Green Algae - Drs. Binyam Desta and Jane Parmley

Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph

Advisors

Project Overview

We are recruiting a new course-based master’s student to complete their required major project as part of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) funded study examining how harmful algal blooms affect freshwater recreation and dog owners in Ontario.

The MSc student conducting this research will:

Be supervised by Drs. Binyam Desta and Jane Parmley
Participate in a defined Master’s project (scoping review + data mapping)
Receive a small Graduate Research Assistantship (~$5,500)

Program Details

Start date: September 2026
Funding: Graduate Research Assistantship (~$5,500)
Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Open until filled.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Required Education Level and Background

Applicants must meet the academic standards for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph. Selection of the successful candidate will be based on a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, career goals, and referee assessments.

Who should apply

Prospective or incoming course-based master’s students in Population Medicine or related fields
Background or interest in public health, environmental studies, recreation, or social sciences
Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Application

Candidates are invited to submit:

A cover letter outlining motivation, relevant experience, and career goals
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Unofficial transcript
Names and contact information for two academic or professional references

If you have questions about this graduate opportunity, please direct them to

Please email your application to Dr. Binyam Desta (bdesta@uoguelph.ca). Use the subject line: Master’s Application: Blue-Green Algae Project.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our institution.