Theses · Internships · Field training
Opportunities for BSc, MSc Theses and Internships
The LEC - Lab for Ecology & Conservation regularly offers opportunities for BSc and MSc theses, as well as curricular internships, within its ongoing research and conservation projects.
Students may be involved in fieldwork, ecological monitoring, data collection and analysis, wildlife surveys, statistical analyses, and the development of independent research projects. Activities are often carried out in collaboration with research institutions, protected areas, and national and international conservation partners.
Island conservation
Conservation of the Aeolian Wall Lizard
Within the framework of the European project LIFE EOLIZARD, dedicated to the conservation of the Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei), thesis and internship opportunities are available on a variety of topics related to island ecology and conservation biology.
Potential topics
- population monitoring and demographic analyses;
- spatial ecology and habitat use;
- impacts of invasive species on island biodiversity;
- evaluation of conservation actions and management strategies;
- ecological and demographic data analysis;
- science communication and conservation outreach.
Activities may include fieldwork in the Aeolian Islands and direct participation in conservation actions implemented within the LIFE project.
Movement ecology
Biologging and Animal Tracking in Amphibians and Reptiles
The lab develops and applies innovative biologging and animal-tracking techniques to investigate the ecology and behaviour of amphibians and reptiles.
Potential activities
- VHF radiotelemetry;
- use of accelerometers, magnetometers and GPS devices;
- movement ecology and space-use analyses;
- activity patterns and behavioural ecology;
- development and validation of tracking methodologies for small vertebrates;
- applications of biologging technologies to wildlife conservation.
Students will have the opportunity to acquire practical and analytical skills that are increasingly valuable in the fields of movement ecology, wildlife monitoring and conservation science.
Other possible paths
Interested in other projects?
Beyond LIFE EOLIZARD and biologging, the lab works on several projects involving conservation, invasive species, population genetics, eDNA, trophic ecology and biodiversity monitoring.
How to apply
Get in touch with a short description of your interests
Students interested in joining the laboratory are encouraged to contact us with a brief description of their scientific interests. Research activities and thesis topics are defined according to the student's interests, available timing and the ongoing projects of the laboratory.