#summer_research

The Zhaxybayeva lab in the Biology department at Dartmouth College (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ecglab/) is pleased to announce an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position to study the evolutionary history of enigmatic, virus-like entities called Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs). As their name implies, GTAs are hypothesized to be used by bacteria as gene delivery systems. The Zhaxybayeva lab uses comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and mathematical modeling to learn more about this fascinating biological system. This internship is ideal for candidates with background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering interested in exploring how computational approaches are used in solving biological problems. The student is not expected to have prior experience working with biological systems. The student will work closely with Dr. Olga Zhaxybayeva and Dr. Shannon Soucy and will learn the basics of genomic analyses, how to utilize high performance computing facilities, read primary scientific literature, and present scientific research. The candidate must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America or its possessions, and enrolled as an undergraduate student in the Fall 2017. Individuals of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The 9-week internship is tentatively expected to begin on June 21, 2017 and end on August 18, 2017. The candidate will receive $4,500 stipend, and will be reimbursed for the costs of lodging and travel to Dartmouth College. To apply, please e-mail the following application materials in a single PDF file to Shannon Soucy ([email protected]) with the subject line “REU” no later than March 10, 2017: 1.    A statement with the following information: a.    Why you are interested in this position. b.    Your future plans after graduation from college. c.    Confirmation of your eligibility for the REU program. d.    Dates you are available to start and end this position. e.    The name and contact information of one person who will serve as your reference. Please arrange the letter of recommendation to be sent to [email protected] directly by your reference. f.    Your email address and phone number. 2.    Curriculum Vitae (or resume). 3.    Transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented prairie? The Echinacea Project is offering several summer research internships for students and soon-to-be graduates. We have diverse potential projects for students with backgrounds or interests in plant ecology, pollination biology, evolution, statistics, conservation, and computer science. In the past, interns have completed projects on a variety of topics including pollination biology, prairie restoration, and plant-herbivore interactions. Housing in western Minnesota is provided and there is a stipend. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to do an independent project as an REU participant. QUALIFICATIONS No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working. You will survey natural plant populations, measure plant traits in experimental plots, hand-pollinate plants, observe & collect insects, and assist in all aspects of research. Applicants must be available to begin in Minnesota in early June. The exact end date of the position in late August or early September is flexible. We welcome and encourage scientists of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, to apply to work with us! MORE INFORMATION Information about our offerings for summer 2017 and the 2017-2018 year are here: http://echinaceaproject.org/opportunities/. APPLICATION DEADLINE Review of applications will begin on February 23rd for REU internships and on March 2nd for other internship positions. The team and I are happy to answer any further questions. Stuart Wagenius, Ph.D. Conservation Scientist Division of Plant Science and Conservation Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022 phone: 847 835 6978 email: [email protected]

The Geber lab at Cornell University seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented assistant for summer 2017 field research in the southern Sierra Nevada (May-July) and lab work in Ithaca, NY (July-August).  We are studying four species of annual plants in the genus Clarkia and their specialist bee pollinators. Our research focuses on how pollinators may impact plant species evolution and coexistence. Our research sites are located in the Kern River Canyon in Kern County, California. The lab rents a house on a property where other labs working in this system are also based in the summer. This field assistant would have a private bedroom, access to a shared bathroom and a communal kitchen, and wireless Internet access. Frequent trips are made into town (Lake Isabella and Kernville) for groceries and other supplies. Successful applicants are expected to assist in data collection, data entry, and flower, seed, and bee collection in the field; work in Ithaca will consist of sample processing and data analysis. The assistant will work a 39-hour workweek. Weather conditions in the Sierras can be very hot and dry (100+ degrees F) in the summer, so assistants should be prepared to work in hot conditions. Applicants must be able to hike up and steep hills for up to 1 mile at a time, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time, and work in proximity to bees and snakes. The work can be very physically demanding and tiring, and the research team typically collects data 7 days a week. A good sense of humor and a positive attitude are essential. Qualifications: 1) Citizenship and availability: applicants must be US citizens and must be available to begin working in California as of May 1, 2017. The exact end date of the position in late August is flexible. 2) Education: some undergraduate education in biology, ecology, or related field, or equivalent experience 3) Experience: experience with and enthusiasm about working outdoors, and/or previous field research experience. Previous experience working with plants, bees, or insects is preferable but not required. 4) Tasks: perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail, daily hiking 5) Personality: interpersonal skills and willingness to live and work in close quarters with other researchers in a house. Compensation: transportation to and from California, a private room with Internet access in the field house, and pay ($13-$15 an hour depending on experience) will be provided. Applicants will be responsible for securing their own housing in Ithaca for July and August. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2017. Applicants should submit: 1) a short (1 page maximum) cover letter describing their qualifications as well as future academic and professional goals; 2) a resume or CV outlining previous work experience and relevant courses (completed or in progress), extracurricular activities; and 3) contact information for two references. Cornell University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Cornell University and we in the Geber lab have a commitment to support equality of education and employment opportunity by affirming the value of diversity. We welcome and encourage scientists of all backgrounds to apply to work with us! http://blogs.cornell.edu/geberlab/ Email to: Monica Geber, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology [email protected]

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) is now accepting applications for its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, "Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region." Our REU summer program runs for nine weeks (June 20 - August 19, 2017) at the U-M Biological Station on Douglas Lake in beautiful northern Michigan. Each REU participant will: -- Work closely with a research mentor on a project of mutual interest. -- Design, conduct, analyze, and report on their research project with guidance from the mentor and the two program co-directors. -- Participate in workshops and group discussions designed to provide the background knowledge and technical tools needed to carry out interdisciplinary scientific research. -- Contribute to the body of knowledge that can help address many of Earth's most important environmental challenges. COMPENSATION: Participants receive: a stipend of $5,000; free room and board at the Station; and a travel allowance. DEADLINE: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Application and details at: *http://lsa.umich.edu/content/michigan-lsa/umbs/en/students/research-opportunities/reu-program.html* <http://lsa.umich.edu/content/michigan-lsa/umbs/en/students/research-opportunities/reu-program.html> The University of Michigan Biological Station is located on Douglas Lake near Pellston, Michigan at the tip of the lower peninsula. Surrounded by more than 10,000 acres of undeveloped university-owned property, Students have quick access to many unique habitats in the region including dune, alvar, bog, and old-growth forest. UMBS also has two atmospheric gas sensing towers for monitoring forest and atmospheric gas. More information is available at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs.

Review of applications will begin on March 20, 2017.  Further information on the program, available mentors and projects, and how to apply can be obtained from the website: www.mobot.org/reu.

An NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at Georgetown University Georgetown University's REU Site program in Environmental Science and Policy in the Nation's Capital is seeking talented and engaged undergraduate students.  This ten-week program will bring a cohort of ten students to Washington, D.C. to conduct hands-on research in environmental science at Georgetown University and to take part in a mini-curriculum that builds research skills and also explores the intersections of science and public policy.  Participating research mentors have expertise in fields including behavior, ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genetics, mathematical modeling of biological systems, hydrology, statistics for environmental and biological studies, and earth science.  See mentor research descriptions on the program web site. Interested students are encouraged to contact potential mentors directly. The 2017 program will run from May 31 - August 5.  Students will be housed on the Georgetown campus and will receive a $5250 stipend plus an allowance for food.  To be eligible, applicants must be U. S. citizens or permanent residents, full-time students as of August, 2017, and available to participate full-time during the program.  We are striving for a diverse group, so students from groups typically underrepresented in STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on February 17, 2017 and will be accepted on a continuing until all positions are filled. For more information on the program and to apply, visit: http://reuenvscigeorgetown.weebly.com/ For inquiries, contact the program manager Dr. Manus Patten ([email protected]), the principal investigator Dr. Matthew B. Hamilton ([email protected]), or co-principal investigator Dr. Martha Weiss ([email protected]).

Applications are now open for our NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program, Models in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics.  The program will take place May 22-July 28 2017 in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. In this ten week program, students will participate in mentored, independent research and receive training in research support skills. “Models” is broadly interpreted to include not only building of theoretical models, but also testing of models (empirical work). More information on projects is available at http://eebreu.ku.edu. Students will be provided with a generous stipend, housing and meals, and travel to the program. Review of applications begins February 15, 2017 and will continue until all positions are filled. Students must have completed one semester of college level work (including community college), must plan to be enrolled in an undergraduate program during the fall of 2017, and be US citizens or permanent residents. Biology, math and computer science majors are encouraged to apply. Former students have been highly successful at continuing on to graduate school and obtaining the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.  Review of applications begins February 15 and will continue until all positions are filled.  Questions may be addressed to [email protected].

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is emerging as an important biofuel candidate in the United States. Our labs (see list of collaborators below) collectively study the ecology, genetics/genomics, physiology and agronomy/plant breeding of Switchgrass. We are seeking a talented and diverse group of undergraduate students interested in conducting a variety of research in Switchgrass biology across the US. Program description: This program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in mentored independent research on the biology of Switchgrass. The program is funded through the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program and is associated with our ongoing interdisciplinary work on the ecology, physiology, and genomic responses of switchgrass to future climate change. Summer students will be immersed in research and learn basic and applied biology through active participation in primarily field-based work. Working as part of our research team, they will contribute to group research projects, design short research projects, and present their work in an end-of-summer student symposium. Each position is supported for 8-10 weeks beginning the first week of June. Students are awarded a $4500 stipend, plus a housing and food allowance, and some funds to help defray the cost of traveling to the designated University. Who Should Apply: Undergraduates that are not in their senior year (typically 1st to 3rd year students), who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying in the U.S. Application process: The application deadline is February 19, 2017. Applicants should submit a 1-page cover letter describing any relevant research experience, along with their motivation for joining our research group, and include a copy of their current transcript (unofficial transcript or screenshots are acceptable). Applicants should also ensure that two letters of recommendation are submitted on their behalf. Only applications that are complete will be considered. Applications and requests for further information should be directed to: Dr. Brandon Campitelli e-mail: [email protected] Subject: Switchgrass REU 2017 For more information regarding this opportunity, and ongoing research, please visit our website: https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/juenger_lab/summer-research-opportunities