The evolution of freeze-tolerant alpine insects  

Two fully-funded PhD scholarships 

Massey University Manawatū New Zealand  

 

Alpine insects in Aotearoa-New Zealand have converged on the same unusual evolutionary strategy for surviving the cold; they freeze solid and survive. Microbes can change how and when insects freeze, potentially providing benefits that are shared by unrelated host species. These projects will determine whether three separate alpine insect lineages have independently arrived at the same solution by each producing unique ice nucleating agents (classical convergent evolution), or whether they all employ the same gut microbes to do the job (horizontal transfer).  

 

______________________________________

INVERTEBRATES AUSTRALIA 🪲

Web: www.invertebratesaustralia.org

LinkedIn: @invertebratesaustralia

Facebook: @invertebrates.australia

Instagram: @invertsau

X: @invertsau

___The evolution of freeze-tolerant alpine insects

Two fully-funded PhD scholarships

Massey University Manawatū New Zealand

Alpine insects in Aotearoa-New Zealand have converged on the same unusual evolutionary

strategy for surviving the cold; they freeze solid and survive. Microbes can change how and

when insects freeze, potentially providing benefits that are shared by unrelated host species.

These projects will determine whether three separate alpine insect lineages have independently

arrived at the same solution by each producing unique ice nucleating agents (classical

convergent evolution), or whether they all employ the same gut microbes to do the job

(horizontal transfer).

This programme is part of a collaboration between scientists at Massey University and the

University of Otago, supported by the New Zealand Royal Society Te Apārangi. The team:

Mary Morgan-Richards and Steve Trewick (Te Taha Tawhiti), Patrick Biggs (School of

Veterinary Science) and Craig Marshall (University of Otago). See our review

paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/1/89

Project 1 will test the hypothesis that NZ insects are dependent on associations with ice+

microbes and that this is an essential element of their freeze-tolerance. You will investigate the

association between microbiome and temperature of crystallization (Tc) in cockroaches.

Project 2 will test our novel hypothesis that sharing of gut microbes has led to the same freeze-

tolerant phenotype of so many NZ alpine insects. You will use DNA and mRNA sequences to

compare microbiome communities and ice+ activity of gut.

The scholarship is a tax-free stipend of NZ$35,000 per annum for 3 years plus tuition fees

paid for 3 years. To apply you will need a good first degree from an internationally recognised

university (minimum upper second class BScHons or MSc) in an appropriate subject. A

completed research project, dissertation, or thesis of at least 30 credits or a minimum of 25%

of your honours or master’s degree, with a B+ or higher grade.

You should have a background in Ecology/Biology/Evolution/Entomology, good statistics

skills (preferably R) and an interest in microbiomes. A good grasp of experimental design and

ability to work outdoors, independently, in a laboratory and as a part of a research team are

welcomed. English language proficiency and excellent communication skills are required.

Apply by email to Mary m.morgan-richards@massey.ac.nz with an

application letter telling us about yourself, your relevant skills and when you

can start. Include your CV with links to your publications and/or thesis and

contact details for two referees. Email Mary if you have questions.

Find__________________________

Dear everyone –

Interested in a Graduate Assistantship?

The Energetics Lab <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.energetics-lab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4d5dd8361bc446be358008dd0d4b93f3%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638681340457866354%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FQCWHTLQoEMWD4HVzyPaLgakbxd0hTnbfe5Fy%2BFT%2FK8%3D&reserved=0> (Giroud) is now accepting applications for a motivated individual interested in obtaining a Master in Biology at Northern Michigan University starting in the Fall of 2025. The project aims at studying the effects of microclimates on hibernation and life-history traits in the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel. More information about the Laboratory and about the position can be found at: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.energetics-lab.com%2Fin-the-news&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4d5dd8361bc446be358008dd0d4b93f3%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638681340457890354%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vFBWp9pUhu7Dm03CVsNpNJDDl%2F9uZwyBxauRcD%2FhKG8%3D&reserved=0

Looking forward to your motivated applications!

The Pinou Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.wcsu.edu%2Fpinout%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C87de0484dddc43bb546308dd0af1880e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638678754699257432%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CxKkBiuGlXZ%2B02ZiblFBxcV7nxmxUjUJP33ZlkKaRg0%3D&reserved=0) at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in Danbury Connecticut is seeking a MS student to work on co-evolutionary relationships of sea turtle epibionts and hosts. The NSF funded graduate student should be prepared to spend more than half their time at the Yale ??? Peabody Museum of Natural History where they will concentrate on sorting, identifying and photo-documenting marine turtle epibionts, primarily barnacle crustaceans. The successful candidate should have demonstrated coursework or field experience in general invertebrate zoology, and is interested in museum curation. The student will be expected to pursue a thesis focusing on barnacles and their role as epibionts. The interested candidate should be able to commute between Danbury and New Haven at least once a week, and funds to cover this commute will be provided in addition to a research stipend. Interested applicants are encouraged to email Dr. Pinou by December 15thoutlining research experience and names of 3 references along with your CV.  All interested candidates are encouraged to apply to the WCSU MS IBD program by December
15th: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wcsu.edu%2Fbiology-msbiodiversity%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C87de0484dddc43bb546308dd0af1880e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638678754699276476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NfvgvEw6KtrFMqESWSAdbiVUpToXvTOeEvbqbhD7alA%3D&reserved=0.

Theodora Pinou, Professor & Chair of Biology Programs H. G. Dowling Herpetological Collection Faculty Curator Department of Biology Western Connecticut State University
181 White Street, Danbury CT 06810
E-mail:Pinout@wcsu.edu
Phone: 203-837-8793
Fax: 203-837-8875
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.wcsu.edu%2Fpinout%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C87de0484dddc43bb546308dd0af1880e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638678754699288191%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MqlyKWrN8CEHT4pczR5CgpMuz4FugkU%2Bf539Z1iP%2Fbg%3D&reserved=0

Theodora Pinou <pinout@wcsu.edu>

 Boyce Thompson Institute

My name is Megan Truesdail, and I’m the Education and Outreach Lead at the Boyce Thompson Institute. I hope this email finds you well!

I’m excited to announce that applications for our 2025 summer NSF & USDA-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs are now open! We’re reaching out to you as a contact in your institution’s biology, entomology, or plant science department, believing you might know students who would be interested in this opportunity at the University of Connecticut. We encourage you to share this information with any students you work with or colleagues who might have interested students in their networks. To keep you informed, we plan to send one or two more reminder emails about the application deadlines. However, if you’d prefer not to receive these updates, please let me know, and I’ll remove you from our communication list.

You can find our 2025 REU poster here. You may also head to https://btiscience.org/education-outreach/research-internships/ to learn more about the program and how to apply! Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would be interested or colleagues who could help spread the word. 

We host two REU programs: our Plant Genome REU and Programmable Plant Systems REU through the Boyce Thompson Institute on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY. We are using NSF’s ETAP application portal, making it easier for applicants to apply to both our programs and other REU programs nationwide. We will be opening our Programmable Plant Systems REU application soon. Students can sign up on our website to receive a notification when that application is live!

This is a paid 10-week educational research opportunity with a $7,000 stipend, free housing on Cornell’s campus, up to a $700 travel reimbursement, and an $850 meal stipend. Our program runs from June 2, 2025, until August 7, 2025.  We host a series of professional development opportunities for the students throughout the summer, including sessions in science communication, bioinformatics, and STEM graduate and career pathways. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in research or STEM careers who want to continue building their research and professional skills and tap into a more extensive network of plant scientists and engineers. Applications are due February 1, 2025. 

I am happy to answer any questions about the program! Please feel free to reply to this e-mail or contact me at mlg235@cornell.edu. We are also available to connect with any prospective applicants who have additional questions. 

Let me know if you want us to mail copies of our poster to you to post around your campus or department—I’m happy to do so! 

Warm regards,

About “Research Experiences for Undergraduate” programs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are National Science Foundation-funded research programs aimed to give undergraduate students hands-on and meaningful experience conducting research at a partnering host institute. USDA funds a similar program called REEU, or Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates. These paid opportunities provide each student with an independent research project, professional development opportunities, insight into graduate school and career pathways, and allow them to work closely with a research and/or faculty mentor. To learn more: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu or https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development

About Boyce Thompson Institute: Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is a premier life sciences research institution and world leader in plant research located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus. BTI scientists conduct investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture, and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health. For over 23 years BTI has been inspiring undergraduates to discover how a career in research can have a positive impact on our world. To learn more: btiscience.org

I am seeking a research associate to assist with environmental DNA
metabarcoding data analysis. The successful candidate will work on
various projects utilizing environmental DNA in aquatic environments by
running bioinformatics pipelines, quality control checks, performing
statistical analyses and assisting with writing papers. The candidate
will be included as a co-author on associated publications. This position
can be fully remote or located in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The Glass Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglasslab.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443035999076%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aXc%2BXAxYXvCzKTMDb4Gtif5%2FQtvGLl2x%2FHCWX%2BSTAok%3D&reserved=0) is housed in the Department of
Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uaf.edu%2Fcfos%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443036135410%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=euyXKuFMMRRxZDTRX1%2F7vSkjJyCSMHVj2PI3ivU5gXk%3D&reserved=0. The mission of The Glass Lab is
to integrate genomic tools, an evolutionary perspective, and Indigenous
science to sustainability manage and conserve marine organisms for
Alaskan coastal communities. The Glass Lab values a culture of inclusion
and embraces a wide range of perspective and experiences. We support
intersectional diversity and work-life balance.

Start Date:January 2025 or as soon as possible

Salary and Benefits:$33.82/hour, working up to 37 hours/week. This
position is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation
until July 2025. There are opportunities to assist with grant writing
for continued funding. Candidates are eligible for medical, dental and
vision, as well as a Tax-deferred Annuity or Roth retirement plan.

Qualifications:M.S.  degree in biology, evolution, genetics,
bioinformatics, or other relevant discipline; or equivalent experience
with a B.S. degree. Experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA
metabarcoding), bioinformatics, statistical analysis and coding in R
or Python is essential. A willingness to learn, attention to detail,
and a strong work ethic and communication are highly valued.

Contact:For more information, contact Jessica
Glass(jessica.glass@alaska.edu).To apply, email the following: 1) 1-page
cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant
skills; 2) CV; 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information
for 3 references. UAF values equity, diversity and inclusion and we
especially encourage applicants from underrepresented or historically
excluded groups to apply. This position is only open to U.S. citizens
or green-card holders.Applications will be accepted until November 15th.

Jessica R. Glass, PhD
Assistant Professor, Fisheries
she/her

University of Alaska Fairbanks
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Department of Fisheries
2150 Koyukuk Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775
jessica.glass@alaska.edu
+1 907 474 6524
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglasslab.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443036149703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DDFh3PYPu470mIw67hhrsDx7uRowZ7OuHbW8%2BWl41Js%3D&reserved=0

Jessica Glass <jrglass@alaska.edu>

https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/fallfrontiers2024/

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship- Assessing Climate-Driven Impacts on PFAS and Microplastic Contamination in Southeastern Wetlands through Alligator Biomonitoring

STARTING DATE: January 2025

CLOSING DATE: The position is open until filled. Applications will be evaluated starting in October.

DESCRIPTION:  The James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center at Clemson University is recruiting a highly motivated M.S. student interested in exploring environmental contaminants in wetlands and wildlife. Our overarching goal is to model how projected climate change impacts may influence contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) (i.e., perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and microplastic) in wetlands and waterways in coastal South Carolina. This position will work closely with a Ph.D. student integrating environmental CEC data with tissue concentrations in alligators. There is an opportunity to develop additional research objectives beyond modeling outputs, which could include alligator-derived data. Project activities will include laboratory sample analysis of alligator tissues, water, and sediment for PFAS and microplastic, assisting with sample collection in the field, data integration and analysis, and mentoring undergraduate students.

The prevalence of CECs in South Carolina’s surface waters and biota is poorly understood. While aquatic invertebrates, finfish, and shellfish are commonly used to monitor contaminants, top predators like alligators may better reflect the long-term fate of CECs due to their higher trophic level, longevity, and body size, making them effective sentinel species for human health risks. Concerns about CECs are heightened by climate change, which may alter contaminant distribution and exposure. By combining alligator CEC data with climate variables and habitat selection, we aim to assess how climate influences CEC discharges and microplastic deposition, identifying coastal wetlands most vulnerable to these threats. The student will 1) conduct an in-depth literature review, 2) collect necessary climate change data from various sources, and 3) model climate influence on discharges and deposition of CECs into coastal wetlands to identify systems most at risk through the integration of modeled CEC exposure and vulnerability of coastal wetlands to climate change.

The student will be working toward a graduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University (Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (MWFR, M.S., Ph.D.) (clemson.edu)). Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/about/ ) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will take classes on the main campus and conduct fieldwork along South Carolina’s coast near the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, located on the 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony property, which is dedicated to research and education. Hobcaw Barony is 5 miles north of Georgetown, SC, and 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Temporary housing in cottages is available on-site while you conduct research. Clemson University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, or disability. We encourage applications from minorities, women, veterans, and all other qualified applicants.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in wildlife, ecology, or a closely related field. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. A strong interest and/or experience in climate change, GIS, ecological modeling, and contaminants of concern. Interest in policy, wetlands, statistics, and publishing is a plus. This project is supported by many collaborators and engages undergraduate students who assist with sample analysis. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work as part of a dynamic and diverse team is critical.

STIPEND: $23,000 plus tuition waiver.

The Ecology Graduate Program at Penn State has assistantships are available Fall 2025. Faculty have funding to recruit in the following areas and others:  invasion biology, theoretical ecology, microbiome science, agroecology, aquatic ecology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, ecohydrology, global change ecology, and ecotoxicology.  Learn more at: Ecology | The Huck Institutes (en-US) including a list of faculty, admissions requirements, and a list of known projects recruiting this year in the apply now tab. Or contact Jason Kaye (jpk12@psu.edu), the program chair, directly.