The Smith Lab at Willamette University is seeking multiple summer research
students to participate in a 9-week field and laboratory experience from
May 15, 2023 – Jul 14, 2023. Research projects will focus on the ecology,
evolution, and genetics of Yuccas and their yucca moth pollinators
(Prodoxidae: Tegeticula). Students will have the opportunity to select
and design their own research projects within the constraints of the study
system and laboratory resources. Potential topic areas include questions
in bioinformatics, climate change, phylogenetics, plant physiology,
population ecology, and population genetics.
The program will begin with a 2-week field experience in the Mojave
Desert, followed by six weeks in the lab at Willamette University in
Salem, Oregon. Participants will receive a stipend, plus housing, meals,
and travel expenses.
Participants should be currently enrolled as degree-seeking students
at the undergraduate level in a 2- or 4-year institution and should
have past coursework at the college-level in biology or an allied
field. Participants should be prepared to work in a desert environment
during late spring weather, walking up to ten miles per day over uneven
terrain while carrying a backpack.
Interested students should submit an application by March 10 via the
following google form: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FYyuy25oyCpmSfQ7y8&data=05%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C53849153fe4f497ae3c408db13e91fab%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638125664248659380%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AXBrWBrQQmKY9PCOPfghMdqbOHn6tx7fLa%2BHMfWTVvc%3D&reserved=0
The application should include an unofficial transcript, a resume or CV,
the names and contact information for three professional references,
and an essay of not more than 1000 words describing both a proposed
research topic (links to relevant papers and resources are provided on
the application page) and how participating will promote the applicant’s
career goals.
Willamette University is a diverse environment composed of people with
various ethnic, racial, gender identities, and sexual orientations,
including English language learners and large LGBTQ+ and international
student populations, as well as many first generation college students.
Applicants will be required to submit a statement describing how they
will strengthen this community.