NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Evolution of
Biodiversity across the Tree of Life
We are looking for 8 undergraduate students to participate in hands-on
research in biodiversity science and receive training in cutting-edge
techniques and analysis in evolutionary biology for 10 weeks during the
summers of 2016-2018.
Students will learn research techniques that include DNA sequencing and
computational analysis of genetic and genomic data, morphological
measurements and phylogenetic analysis, and microbiology and
next-generation microbial sequencing. Scientific projects to be conducted
by the students include the morphological and ontogenetic variation in an
African rodent, population genetics and blood meal identification of a
parasitic catfish, coevolution of feeding morphology and taste receptors in
fish-eating birds, Assessing genomic information to identify lichens,
testing the causes of organismal diversification in the most species-rich
lichenized fungi, wing morphology and dispersal ability in New Zealand
water beetles, geographic variation in a widespread mullet fish, and
diversity, evolutionary history and specificity of symbiotic microbes
associated with turtle ants.
In addition students will receive career mentoring in a diversity of STEM
fields, gain experiences in public outreach and science communication,
receive training in ethics/responsible conduct of research, and participate
in a diversity workshop to help overcome bias in science.
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/reu
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/2018-reu-program-offerings
Students will be provided a stipend, dormitory housing, and assistance with
travel costs.
Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and an
undergraduate during the entire period. We especially encourage students
from groups traditionally underrepresented in science to apply.
To apply, please send complete the online application:
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/reu
Applications close April 22, 2016.
Please direct any questions to Emily Hallock (ehallock@fieldmuseum.org).
Please share widely.