REU summer internship in host-parasitoid interactions and global change in
> the Pacific Northwest(Binghamton University SUNY)
>
> Overview:The Prior Lab at Binghamton University SUNY is seeking one
> undergraduate student for a Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU)
> internship this summer. The successful applicant will develop an
> independent project that contributes to NSF-funded research investigating
> how insect host parasitoid communities are altered under global change in
> the Pacific Northwest. Please see the Prior Lab website for the type of
> research projects that we work on (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.priorecologylab.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cd6e057f682f84e88a83508d7c5a988c8%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637195204246316688&sdata=OYwmgMaOaDO8RIlxvRy6wfy94Fb0jEscAeIL7OG7GLU%3D&reserved=0).
>
> We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate student for a
> 10-week full-time, paid internship. The majority of the time (~ 8 weeks)
> will be spent conducting field research in the Pacific Northwest (northern
> Oregon, Washington State, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia), with the
> remaining (~ 2 weeks) in the lab at Binghamton University, NY analyzing
> results and writing a report. Dates are somewhat flexible, between mid-May
> and mid-August 2020.
>
> The selected students will conduct independent research, mentored by Dr.
> Kirsten Prior, in conjunction with an NSF-funded research project:
> Uncovering the role of altered cryptic interactions in driving the
> demographic success of a range-expanding species.? This project focuses on
> how insect communities (oak gall wasps and parasitoids) are altered under
> range expansions. One gall wasp species recently expanded its range from
> mainland western North America to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where
> it’s outbreaking and has become a tree pest. We’re investigating how
> interactions with other gall wasps (competitors), parasitoids (enemies),
> and the host plant (oak) are altered when this species’ expands its range,
> and how these altered interactions facilitate outbreaks. We combine field
> surveys and experiments in the species’ native and expanded ranges, along
> with molecular tools to understand how interactions are altered and
> contribute to outbreaks. There are several independent research project
> ideas that the selected student could develop within this study system, and
> will work with Dr. Prior to develop a project.
>
> Benefits:The selected student will receive a $5000 stipend and housing
> during the 10-week program. Additionally, up to $700 will be provided to
> travel to the Pacific Northwest. There are also modest funds for supplies.
> The student will live in a shared residence with Ph.D. students and field
> technicians. The student will pay for their own food with the use of a
> field vehicle that can be used to get groceries and a kitchen to prepare
> food.
>
> Eligibility:Applicants must be rising sophomore, junior, or senior
> undergraduate students currently enrolled in a degree program. Due to NSF
> funding restrictions, only U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
> are eligible. Students must have a valid passport and driver’s license.
> Applicants should be willing and able to work under sometimes strenuous
> field conditions, work and live will with others, and be able to adapt to
> flexible and irregular hours that are needed when conducting field research.
>
> To Apply:Applications should be submitted to Dr. Kirsten Prior by email (
> kprior@binghamton.edu). Applications are being considered now, and will be
> considered up to?March 27, 2020. Applications should include the following
> documents: (1) letter of interest that describes your educational
> background, career goals, and how this internship will contribute towards
> those goals (4 paragraphs maximum), (2) current curriculum vitae/resume,
> and (3) unofficial transcripts. We strongly encourage undergraduates in
> underrepresented groups in STEM to apply.
>
> Kirsten M. Prior, PhD
> Assistant Professor
> Binghamton University (SUNY)
> Department of Biological Sciences
> Science III, Rm. 106
> (607) 777-4448
> priorecologylab.com
>
> “Kirsten M. Prior” <kprior@binghamton.edu>
>

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