University of Michigan Gillespie Lab — Fully Funded AI for Ecology PhD 2027
University of Michigan
Dr Lauren E. Gillespie is recruiting a Fall 2027 PhD student for her University of Michigan lab in AI-integrated ecology and ecosystem monitoring. Admitted SEAS PhD students receive a conditional five-year package with tuition support, stipend and health insurance. Formal applications close 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The GAIEA Lab develops AI and remote-sensing methods to monitor ecosystems and forecast ecological change. Projects may combine computer vision, data science, field ecology and biodiversity information. Dr Gillespie’s lab says its 2026–27 PhD recruitment cycle is underway and asks prospective students to complete its interest form; applicants must also submit a formal application to Michigan SEAS’s Environment and Sustainability PhD through Rackham.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 19, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
SEAS offers admitted PhD students five academic years of tuition support, GradCare health insurance for five academic years and four summers, and a monthly stipend benchmarked to a 50% Graduate Student Instructor appointment. Funding sources may include fellowships, teaching and research assistantships; the commitment requires full-time enrolment and satisfactory progress.
Eligibility summary
Applicants from ecology, environmental science, computer science, data science, remote sensing and related backgrounds are encouraged. Prior research experience is preferred, while curiosity and capacity for independent growth matter. International applicants may apply under SEAS requirements, including English proficiency where applicable. Admission and funding depend on full-time enrolment and satisfactory progress.
Requirements
Complete the GAIEA Lab interest form linked from Dr Gillespie’s website and connect with relevant SEAS faculty. Apply to the Environment and Sustainability PhD through the Rackham portal by 1 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. GRE scores are neither required nor accepted by SEAS.
Documents required
Formal SEAS application: official academic transcripts, CV of no more than two pages, academic statement of purpose, personal statement, writing sample, and three recommendation letters. English test scores may be required for applicants whose native language is not English. Check the current SEAS checklist.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Dr Gillespie’s GAIEA Lab site and Michigan SEAS Fall 2027 doctoral admissions page checked 19 October 2026. Complete lab interest form on gillespl.com and formal Rackham application via SEAS admissions. Deadline 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Five-year stipend/tuition/health package is conditional on full-time enrolment and satisfactory progress.
Listing-board disclaimer
Prime Scholarship Alerts is an independent listing board, not the scholarship provider, university or funder. We do not select applicants, collect provider application fees or guarantee an award. Verify requirements, deadlines, funding, fees and application instructions through the current provider page before applying.