UF PhD Student Position in Environmental Education

Potential areas for dissertation work include, but are not limited to:

1.     Examining environmental educators’ perspectives of using AI in EE programs.

2.     Developing and validating a survey instrument to measure educators’ AI literacy in EE.

3.     Designing and implementing educator AI literacy training and assessing outcomes.

4.     Evaluating the impact of educators’ AI literacy on student learning in EE.

5.     Investigating how students themselves can use AI tools to engage with and learn about environmental topics, enhance environmental awareness and foster pro-environmental behavior.

About the Lab: Environmental Education and Behavior Lab is led by Dr. Yue Li, focusing on professional development for environmental educators, interventions to enhance learning and change behavior, and community engagement to address environmental and sustainability challenges. The lab collaborates closely with Florida Project Learning Tree, as well as other research and extension programs in FFGS and interdisciplinary research teams at UF.

Expectations: The student will be expected to complete coursework toward a Ph.D. and to develop a dissertation project related to the above topics. The courses include but are not limited to social science research methods, EE program development, educational technology, and conservation behavior. The student will also be a research assistant and/or teaching assistant.

Anticipated start date: Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Candidate Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong interest in conducting interdisciplinary research that bridges AI and EE.

• A master’s degree in an environmental related field with an emphasis on social sciences or educational research (e.g., EE, educational technology or a related field)

• Proven research skills evidenced by prior research experience and/or publications.

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are desired.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
   

Salary and benefits: The selected candidate will be offered a competitive 12-month salary ($30.000/year), plus health insurance and full tuition waiver for four years. Office space is included, and travel support is available.

To apply: Please submit to Dr. Yue Li a single PDF file containing:

1.     A cover letter outlining research interest and relevant experience

2.     Curriculum vitae

3.     Contact information for three references.

4.     An academic writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis, published paper)

5.     Transcripts of course work (unofficial or official)

Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by April 15, 2025. Applicants invited for an interview will also be asked to submit a mini research proposal.

After the preliminary interview, the top candidate will be invited to apply for official admission to the University of Florida graduate school with the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. 

If you are considering applying for this position or would like more information regarding this position, please reach out to me below. 

Contact Information

Yue Li, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Education

School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

University of Florida

Email: yueli2@ufl.edu

For more information about the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, please visit: https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/.