UCalifornia_SantaBarbara.REU_PlantEvolution

*Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Plant Ecology and
Evolution *at the University of California, Santa Barbara, sponsored by the
National Science Foundation

Apply to join the Mazer lab in summer 2019 as we investigate the process of
natural selection in four populations of the widespread California native
wildflower, Baby Blue Eyes (*Nemophila menziesii*). We’re investigating
wild populations along the length of the state to gain insight into the
effects of rainfall and temperature regimes on the strength and direction
of natural selection on life history and reproductive traits. Participants
in this REU project will spend the summer at UCSB, conducting a combination
of greenhouse- and lab-based activities.

*Eligibility and Preferred Qualifications*

•       U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled as
undergraduates at any U.S. institution (In Fall 2019, you must be enrolled
at your home institution).

•       Students with a strong interest in ecology and evolution; previous
course work in Biology is preferred.

•       Students with a strong desire to obtain hands-on experience in
plant evolution and ecology.

•       We particularly welcome women and members of under-represented
groups.

•       *Start date:  *June 1, 2019 – July 1, 2019 (expected end date will
be 12 weeks later, and there is flexibility in the duration of each
student’s REU.

*What do REU participants receive?*

•       A $7000 summer stipend (for 12 weeks of full-time participation
@$600/week)

•       Housing supplement of $400/month for 3 months

•       The opportunity to conduct an independent research project while
working on an ongoing collaborative project

Experience in a variety of skills, including: plant cultivation and
breeding, data management, image analysis, germination treatments,
hypothesis-testing, statistical analysis, and discussion of the scientific
literature in plant evolutionary ecology.

*To apply:*

Please send the following to Professor Susan Mazer (sjmazer@ucsb.edu) and
Postdoctoral Associate Amber Nashoba (amber.nashoba@ucsb.edu) before March
15, 2019.

•       *Statement of interest*: Please describe why this opportunity is a
good match for your personal, scholarly, and professional interests; why
you believe that you’re a great fit for this project; and how your
perspective and experiences may contribute to the diversity of the
scientific community.

•       *Transcript* (an unofficial transcript is acceptable)

•       *Reference*: The name, email address, and phone number of a faculty
member or mentor who knows you well.