NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Plant Ecology and
Genomics
We anticipate having funding for one or two enthusiastic students
interested in enhancing their research skills and experience in plant
ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics in the Cruzan lab at Portland
State University in Portland, Oregon.
Successful applicants will become part of a research team working on
dispersal and gene flow in upland prairie plants in Oregon and
Washington under pressure from climate change. Dispersal is critical for
colonization, gene flow, and range expansion ¡V it is one of the most
important but least understood aspects of the ecology of plants. Our
research utilizes genomic techniques to detect the effects of dispersal
over different spatial scales. This is an integrative research program
that includes field work, wet lab preparation of genomic DNA for
next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics processing of sequence data,
and analysis of patterns of gene flow using GIS and landscape genetic
methods. Students will be exposed to a wide range of methods and are
expected to develop an independent research project within the scope of
the larger research program. More information on our research is posted
on our lab web site: https://cruzanlab.weebly.com/.
Students will be fully supported for 10 to 12 weeks during the summer of
2018. Funding is provided from an REU supplement to our National Science
Foundation Macrosystems Biology grant. Housing will be provided on
campus along with a daily allowance for food and a $500 weekly stipend.
The start of the REU is negotiable with optimal start dates between May
1 and June 17.
To apply please email us an updated copy of your CV (including GPA) and
a short (one page) statement of your research interests and experience,
as well as goals for your education and career. Applicants should
arrange to have one or two faculty members provide a letter of
recommendation (email is fine). Students with experience in computer
programming and/or bioinformatics are encouraged to apply. Application
deadline is 29 February 2016. Feel free to email us with questions.
Pam Thompson, Postdoctoral Research Associate: thompson@pdx.edu
Mitch Cruzan, Principle Investigator: cruzan@pdx.edu