The Wetzel Lab at Michigan State University is seeking prospective PhD and
MS students interested in studying how biological diversity or
environmental variability influences insects and their interactions with
plants and predators. The lab uses field experiments and quantitative tools
to address fundamental ecological questions that are relevant to
agricultural sustainability or climate change. There are currently two main
lines of inquiry in the lab:
1) How does plant chemical diversity influence insect herbivores and their
interactions with predators?
2) How does temperature variability influence interactions among plants,
insect herbivores, and predators? We are interested in understanding how
the increased frequency of high temperature events (heat waves) associated
with climate change is changing the ecology of plants and insects.
I am interested in students who would like to collaborate with me on these
projects as well as students who would like to develop novel projects
related to the ecology of plants and insects in a variable world. Please
see https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com_research&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DyImNmBhKAxfLmI4VYpVPb8tiEAMycP7MUl27raz1yyg&e=3D > for more
information. I plan to take students through the Ecology, Evolutionary
Biology, and Behavior Program (https://eebb.msu.edu/) and the Department of
Entomology (http://www.ent.msu.edu/).
*Qualifications*
Applicants should have a bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in ecology, biology, entomology,
environmental science, or related field. Preference will be given to
applicants with ecological research experience. Applicants should be
interested in learning both field ecology and quantitative tools. A passion
for understanding how nature works and boundless enthusiasm are key assets.
The Wetzel Lab strives to be a safe space for diversity in STEM.
*Funding*
Students in the lab receive a generous stipend, a tuition waiver, and a
travel budget. This financial support comes through research
assistantships, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships.
Students are also encouraged to seek external fellowships through NSF,
USDA, and other sources.
*Plant-insect ecology at Michigan State University*
MSU is an exciting place to study the ecology of plants and insects. The
university has a large and dynamic community of scientists working on
cutting-edge questions about plants and insects in natural and agricultural
ecosystems. Potential collaborators and colleagues can be found in the
departments of Entomology, Plant Biology, and Integrative Biology, and
across the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. The
university has an extensive greenhouse facility and access to field sites
at the MSU Kellogg Biological Station nearby.
Those interested in these positions should read the lab webpage (
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D ) and email me (wcwetzel@msu.edu) with the following.
0) “Prospective student=E2=80=9D in email subject
1) Brief cover letter describing research interests and career goals
2) CV
3) Unofficial transcripts
4) Sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in
preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a
class)
5) Names and email addresses for 3 references
I will begin reviewing candidates on September 15th. Applications are due
to the graduate school by December 1st.
I look forward to hearing from you!