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EEB Undergrad Newsletter
November 14, 2007

Do you have comments or suggestions for improving the newsletter? Let us know! E-mail us at eebadvsr@email.arizona.edu

Important Dates & Announcements

5) Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School seeks judges for science fair 

6) Summer Study Abroad Opportunity: Conservation Biology in Namibia 

7) Student Chapter, Tucson Herpetological Society needs help with Reptile Discovery outreach program 

11) EntryPoint! 2008 Internships (for students with disabilities) 

12) Introduction to Cancer Research Careers (ICRC) Program 

13) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (funded by the National Science Foundation)

14) DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program

15) Career Links and Resources- American Institute of Biological Sciences

Important Dates & Announcements
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Thanksgiving recess- No classes Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, November 25.
Last day of classes and laboratory sessions- Wednesday, December 5
Reading Day- No classes or finals on Thursday, December 6.
Final examinations begin- Friday, December 7.
First day to file Grade Replacement Opportunity(GRO) for Winter Session- December 12.
Final exams end- Friday, December 14.
Fall Commencement- Saturday, December 15.
Winter Session classes begin- Monday, December 17.
Last day to file GRO for Winter Session- Tuesday, December 18.

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Advising Appointments and Walk-In Times
Appointments - To make an appointment with an advisor, please call 520-621-1588. Please have your name, student ID, and reason for an appointment ready for the desk to make the appointment with you. The person making the appointment is not an advisor.
Walk-In times are available Wednesdays from 10 – 3:30.

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1) UBRP (Undergraduate Biology Research Program) Applications Online

The Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) is an educational program designed to teach students science by involving them in biologically related research. Students are paid for their time in the lab where they develop an understanding of scientific method and receive a realistic view of biological research. They also acquire the tools necessary to be successful in post-graduate studies in biology should they choose careers related to biology or biomedical research. UBRP demonstrates how the resources of a major research university can be brought to bear on undergraduate education.

Eligible Students: Eligible students are UA undergraduates enrolled in a minimum of seven credit hours who are in good academic standing and who have an interest in biological research. Students who already have a bachelor's degree, and are working on a second bachelor's degree are eligible to apply, however, they must be in a degree program (i.e. students who are not degree seeking and are simply taking the prerequisite courses to apply to medical school are not eligible). To be paid for the experience, a student must be an American citizen or permanent resident or, in the case of foreign nationals, hold a visa allowing him/her to work in this country.

Application Process: Students are added to the program once a year--at the beginning of the summer. Applications for the summer 2008 positions will be available on-line October 10, 2007. They should be submitted on-line by February 1, 2008 at 4:00 pm. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.  While no students are barred from applying, students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in science and math courses will be given preference. Only students who have completed a summer in the lab are eligible to apply for the academic year positions. Students are notified of their status (accepted or rejected) prior to spring break. Students accepted into the program are responsible for identifying a faculty sponsor by using the list of participating faculty on the UBRP website. Students then make appointments to interview with one or more faculty members who have interests most closely related to their own. Each faculty member makes the final decision about which students s/he will involve in his or her lab.  Once a match is made between the faculty member and the student, the faculty member provides the UBRP office with the account number from which matching funds will come for the student's support. The student is required to attend a two day orientation, May 19 and 20, 2008, which covers program policies and procedures, laboratory and biosafety training, research ethics, and more. A separate mandatory payroll meeting will be held in March 2008 at which payroll paperwork is completed and payroll policies are reviewed.  Students are expected to work full time for a minimum of 12 weeks during the summer. Students SHOULD NOT enroll in summer session classes because University policy restricts students enrolled in even a single credit hour to working only 30 hours per week. Students interested in continuing to work in the lab through the academic year must be willing and able to commit to working 15 hours per week.
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2) EXROP (Exceptional Research Opportunities Program) Summer 2008
Each year the University of Arizona selects students for a summer research experience working with a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator under the auspices of the EXROP Program.  HHMI investigators are superb scientists who head topflight laboratories in institutions all over the country.  The goal of EXROP is to increase diversity within the ranks of American science professors.  

Eligible students are outstanding undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds or groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. The selected student will spend 8 – 10 weeks doing research in the HHMI investigator’s laboratory during the summer of 2008. Students receive round trip transportation to the host lab, housing, and a stipend of $4,500.

Applications can be obtained from the UBRP office in Life Sciences South, room 348 (and a PDF of the application is attached to this message).  The deadline for applications is NOVEMBER 30. Selected applicants will be interviewed the week of December 3 and selection will be made by December 7, 2007. 

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3) Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)

Description:

• Unique research, mentoring, financial and academic opportunity for underrepresented minority students who have interest and potential to pursue careers in biomedical research
• Training and financial support for the last two years of enrollment at the University of Arizona
• Financial benefits including: tuition and fees support; health insurance; monthly stipend
• Funding to attend national scientific meetings and to seek a summer research experience outside the UA
• Outstanding faculty from Colleges of Science, Medicine, Agriculture & Life Sciences, and Social & Behavioral Sciences with active and well-funded research programs to provide research guidance and intensive mentoring to participants
• Overall mentoring provided by Professor Marc Tischler, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics
• Assistance with preparation for the Graduate Record Exam, and applying to graduate schools and for graduate fellowships by Associate Dean Maria Teresa Velez, Graduate College
• A seminar series for trainees to meet outstanding minority scientists from other institutions and interact amongst themselves and with other UA faculty mentors

Eligibility:

• Belong to a minority group underrepresented in the sciences and applied mathematics (Hispanic, Native American, Black-African-American, Pacific-Islander [ethnic origins from Hawaii; Guam; Samoa])
• Completion of AT LEAST one semester at the U of A and registered full time at the U of A at the time of application
• Have either 3 or 4 semesters remaining at the UA at the time of entry into the program commit to spending the two summers and three or four academic semesters in the program
• Citizen or non-citizen national of the United States or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence
• Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a biomedical research career via a Ph.D. degree
• Be able to begin in the program June 1 of the year of application at the time of application
• Major at the U of A in: Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics (or Biochemistry), Chemistry, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, General Biology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Nutritional Sciences, Physiology (Physiological Sciences or pre-major), Psychology, or Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences - (exceptions will be considered)
• 38 units completed at the time of application and 56 units completed by June 1 of that year
• Overall GPA of at least 3.0 at UA plus any other grades from a 4-year institution

Deadline to apply: February 1, 2008.
More information can be found by visiting http://www.biochem.arizona.edu/marc/

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4) Students for Organ Donation seeks motivated leaders

Leadership opportunities are available now with a student run, non-profit organization. Students for Organ Donation are looking for motivated leaders willing to dedicate themselves to increasing awareness and educating the campus and Tucson community about Organ Donation. No experience or knowledge about
organ donation is required. Our last two Presidents have gone on to medical school and reported discussing this unique experience thoroughly in their interviews. All positions are available. Applications are available at
www.uaod.org .  For additional information please contact Robert at uaorgandonation@gmail.com.

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5) Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School seeks judges for science fair
Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School is currently seeking judges for their science fair.  It is currently scheduled for January 30, 2008 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  We are located just south of Valencia Rd and Interstate 10, in Littletown, behind the Pima Air and Space Museum.  This is an especially great opportunity for pre-service teachers or science majors.  Please contact Ava M. Bemer at 520-545-4929 as soon as possible if you are interested in participating.
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6) Summer Study Abroad Opportunity: Conservation Biology in Namibia
Conservation Biology in Namibia, Field Studies in Developing Countries (RNR 495A/595A) is a six credit course and will be offered in Summer I, running from May 26 through June 29, 2008.  This course is open to Undergraduate, Graduate and Non-degree students.  Take a five week expedition in Namibia’s extraordinary Namib Desert and experience real field research in Africa.  For more information contact: Dr. Hans-Werner Herrmann, hwh@u.arizona.edu or Taylor Edwards, taylore@u.arizona.edu .  An information session will also be held November 13, from 5 to 7 PM in Bio5 room 103.  Applications are available at The Office of Study Abroad & Student Exchange, (520)626-9211 or online at www.studyabroad.arizona.edu .  You earn direct University credit, also for Bio or EEB majors, this course would count towards upper division units required for your major.
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7) Student Chapter, Tucson Herpetological Society needs help with Reptile Discovery outreach program

The student chapter of the Tucson Herpetological Society is trying to develop an outreach program called Reptile Discovery. Reptile Discovery will be a program that brings kids, grades 3rd through 8th grade, from schools in Tucson onto the UA campus. They will spend approximately three hours in a real UA lab/classroom with volunteer undergraduates learning about the reptiles and amphibians of the Sonoran Desert. They will rotate through a series of stations taught by undergraduates with topics covering:form and function, anatomy, conservation, venomous creatures, and identification of herps living in and around Tucson. The program will serve many purposes such as giving kids an awareness and appreciation for the herps of the Sonoran Desert through hands-on education, as well as introduce them to the idea of college and the possibilities that they might not realize the have.

We NEED students from any discipline to help in anyway they can. If anyone is interested, please contact Kelly Donithan at kellyd1@email.arizona.edu.

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8) Goldwater Scholarship  
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship provides $7,500 per year for educational expenses to sophomores and juniors majoring in math, science, and engineering. The purpose of the award is to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers and advanced degrees in these fields. The foundation awards up to 300 Goldwater Scholarships nationwide; UC Berkeley can nominate four students for the award.
Eligibility requirements

• full-time sophomore or junior (planning one or two more years of full-time undergraduate study)
• U.S. citizen, resident alien or U.S. national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• upper quarter of class (usually a minimum 3.5 GPA)

Selection criteria
Selectors seek students who demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in math, science, or engineering; display intellectual curiosity and intensity; and possess potential for significant future contributions in their chosen field. It is expected that Goldwater scholars will pursue advanced degrees. Students who plan to study medicine are eligible only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in private practice. Typical fields of study include, but are not limited to, applied science, astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, entomology, environmental science, genetics, geology, mathematics, microbiology, neurobiology, physics, zoology, and all fields of engineering.
Application requirements
Applicants must submit the following:

• a completed on-line application
• a two page essay discussing a significant issue or problem in the chosen field of study
• three letters of recommendation from 1) a faculty member who can discuss the nominee’s career potential; 2) a faculty member in the nominee’s field of study; and 3) another individual who can attest to the nominee’s potential
• a high school transcript
• a current college transcript

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9) Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke FoundationGraduate Scholarship Program will award approximately 40 scholarships to seniors and recent graduates planning to attend graduate school for the first time starting in fall 2008.  http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=Grad&_redir=750
Award
Each award covers a portion of educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, required fees, and books for the graduate degree chosen. The amount and duration of awards vary by student based on the cost of attendance and the length of the graduate program as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum available per student per year of study is $50,000 and the maximum length is six years. 
Getting Nominated
Students interested in this scholarship must be nominated by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty Representative at their institution. Please see the list of designated faculty representatives . Students may not apply directly to the Foundation for this program. 
Application Guidelines and Materials
Please click on the Application Materials link above to access the online application, nominee guidelines, and parent financial information forms.

Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2008 competition is March 14, 2008. (Please note that most colleges will have ealier internal deadlines. Contact your faculty representative for this information.)
Program and Application Inquiries
If you have questions about the Graduate Scholarship Program, please call 1-800-498-6478 or email jkc-g@act.org .
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10) Maryland Sea Grant Education: Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer Fellowships http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/Education/REU/
Maryland Sea Grant's summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates opportunity, funded by the National Science Foundation, is providing funding for 13 undergraduates to spend 12 weeks working on a research project with a scientist/mentor at either the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory or the Horn Point Laboratory. Stipend $3700, housing included and travel support will be provided.
Students from science interests within and beyond biology, who are either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, are invited to apply. Underrepresented groups in marine science are also encouraged to participate.
Applications are due February 15, 2006. We encourage you to refer to the website listed above, which contains program details and application instructions. Please read the information at the website thoroughly—it has lots of important information.
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11) EntryPoint! 2008 Internships (for students with disabilities)

Description: ENTRY POINT! is a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), offering outstanding internship opportunities for students with disabilities in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and some fields of Business.  To meet the challenge of the competitive global economy in the new millennium, private industry and government research agencies must expand the pool of technical talent.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has developed unique partnerships with IBM, NASA, Merck, NOAA, Google, Lockheed Martin, CVS, NAVAIR and university science laboratories to meet their human resources needs. Working with its partners, AAAS identifies and screens undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business, and places them in paid summer internships. The ENTRYPOINT! program includes opportunities in private industry and government agencies. Students with disabilities can apply their skills in a real-world setting in competitive summer internships.  These internships are particularly valuable because of the availability of mentoring and assistive technology, facilitating the entry and advancement of individuals with significant disabilities into competitive employment and research at all levels.

Eligibility:

• Full-time undergraduate or graduate student, with a disability, majoring in a science or engineering field. Some fields of business are also considered.
• B average or better
• U.S. citizen or right-to-work permit

Deadline to apply: applications accepted throughout the Fall 2007 semester.
For more information, please visit: http://ehrweb.aaas.org/entrypoint/index.htm/

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12) Introduction to Cancer Research Careers (ICRC) Program

Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the largest component of the National Institutes of Heath (NIH), is the nation’s premier biomedical research facility and a world leader in cancer research.  NCI recognizes the importance of identifying, training, and mentoring talented researchers from populations underrepresented in science and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Toward this end, the NCI has designed the Introduction to Cancer Research Careers (ICRC) Program.  The ICRC Program sponsors highly-qualified students on an all expense paid, two-day visit to the NCI located in Bethesda, Maryland.  ICRC participants will have the opportunity to tour the facilities of the NCI and the NIH, listen to and network with research fellows, and potentially interview for an internship with NCI Investigators.  This program provides participants with the opportunity to experience the NCI first-hand and personally interact with the world’s leading cancer researchers.

Successful candidates for the ICRC Program will have a strong academic record, demonstrated research experience, and a commitment to a career in biomedical, behavioral, or population science research.

ICRC participants will receive:

• Transportation/airfare to and from Bethesda
• Hotel accommodations
• A daily expense allowance
• NIH campus tour
• NCI laboratory tours
• Valuable student internship workshops and information sessions
• The opportunity to engage in one-to-one interviews with NCI principal investigators seeking to fill both summer and 1 to 2 year research internship positions
• If selected for an internship, summer housing and travel will be provided (see Program Details for additional information).

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate, Post-Baccalaureate (within two years), or Graduate Student of an accredited U.S. college or university
• GPA of 3.2 or higher and good academic standing
• Demonstrated research experience
• Available in 2008 for a full-time summer internship (recommended length 10 weeks) OR 1-year post-baccalaureate internship
• United States citizen or permanent resident (green card), or a I-551 stamp in your passport
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older by February 10, 2008
• Must provide the name and email address of two references.  ICRC will send an electronic request on your behalf to the persons indicated when your application is submitted.  It is strongly recommended that you follow up with these individuals to ensure prompt submission of reference letters.  Applications lacking the two letters of reference will not be reviewed.
• Member of an underrepresented population OR financially disadvantaged background (see below).  *To be considered eligible for the ICRC Program, you must indicate in your Application Cover Letter whether you are a member of an underrepresented population OR financially disadvantaged OR both.
• Participation in the winter visit is required to be considered for the program.

Deadline to apply: November 26, 2007. For more information, please visit: https://icrc.nci.nih.gov/

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13) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (funded by the National Science Foundation)

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities across the nation for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program.  An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.  Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

Students may apply to REU programs in a variety of areas, including molecular biosciences, genomics, genetics, neuroscience, astrobiology, and more!  Stipend, awards, and compensation vary by site.  Eligibility and deadlines vary by site.

For more information, please visit the NSF REU homepage: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/ and the REU Biology Research Sites list: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5047

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14) DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program

Description: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is accepting applications from all eligible college and university students to participate in a summer research experience at federal research facilities. The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. Students who demonstrate long-term goals aligned with the mission and objectives of the Department will have the opportunity to conduct research in DHS mission-relevant areas at various federal research facilities. The goal of this program is to prepare a diverse, highly talented, educated, and skilled pool of scientists and engineers to address HS-STEM issues. 

Participants will receive a stipend of $500 each week (or $5000 for 10 weeks). Transportation expenses for one round trip between your current address and the assigned federal research facility, with some limitations, will be covered. The award does not cover moving expenses to your hosting facility. You must be able to participate for 10 consecutive weeks.

Eligibility:

• You must be a U.S. citizen as of the application deadline
• You must be designated as a junior or senior at an accredited four year U.S. college or university when you return to school in Fall 2008
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university located in the United States or its territories as of the application deadline
• You must be studying in a HS-STEM field with an interest in one of the homeland security areas listed on our website
• You must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale, averaged over all U.S. institutions including Fall 2007 grades if enrolled during that term
• Participants will receive a stipend of $500 each week (or $5000 for 10 weeks). Transportation expenses for one round trip between your current address and the assigned federal research facility, with some limitations, will be covered. The award does not cover moving expenses to your hosting facility. You must be able to participate for 10 consecutive weeks.

Deadline for applications: December 17, 2007
For more information, visit: http://www.orau.gov/dhsinternships/

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15) Career Links and Resources- American Institute of Biological Sciences
This website provides information on AIBS member societies and organizations, both of which can be helpful places to search for jobs, internships and graduate opportunities.  The information is divided into information categories and provides information on what type of information is organizations provide on their web site, http://www.aibs.org/careers/mso_career_links.html .
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16) PhD Graduate Opportunities in EEB, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is seeking highly-motivated PhD applicants for academic year 2008-2009. We have over 40 faculty members and 60 PhD students who have a diverse range of interests and expertise, studying topics that range from microbes to mastodons, tropics to tundra, and gene evolution to ecosystem ecology (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eeb/).  EEB is ranked among the top ten graduate schools in the USA in EEB.
 
PhD students are guaranteed five years of funding, which consists of a mix of fellowships, Graduate Student Instructorships (GSIs), and Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRAs).  Students are initially assigned two faculty advisors of their choice but can switch as research interests develop.
 
Applications are due December 1, 2007.  We encourage you to contact individual faculty members in your areas of research interest.  Students apply through the Rackham Graduate School (web site).  Details for applications to EEB are available at our web site
(http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eeb/) and you can contact our EEB Graduate Coordinator, Ms. Julia Eussen (eeb.gradcoord@umich.edu), or call her at 734.615.7338.

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17) PhD Graduate Opportunities in the Butterfly Genetics Group, Univ. of Cambridge

Applicants are encouraged for a PhD studentship(s) in the Butterfly Genetics Group at the University of Cambridge to begin in October 2008 funded by the Leverhulme Trust (see http:// heliconius.zoo.cam.ac.uk/pg_opps.php).

The following are possible research areas:

Color pattern genetics and Evo-Devo
We are interested in the genetic and developmental basis of colour pattern evolution in Heliconius butterflies. Heliconius offer exciting opportunities in this field because they have bold patterns with known function in the wild and which show huge diversity between closely related populations. Mimicry is also common, whereby relatively distantly related lineages converge on a common pattern - in effect independent evolutionary experiments. We have obtained some exciting data showing that the same genes control patterns in different lineages - see Joron et al., (2006). This offers exciting opportunities for comparative projects to discover how just a few genes can control both divergent and convergent patterns. The important thing to note here is that we are studying very recent evolutionary novelty (unlike much of the evo-devo literature on traits like body plan) - so are much closer in time to the key evolutionary changes.

Bioinformatics
We are generating large amounts of both genome and transcript sequence data for different Heliconius species (see www.butterflybase.org). Genome information from closely related species offers exciting opportunities for comparative analysis and especially identification of evolutionary patterns in sequence evolution (see recent Nature paper, Nov 2007 on 12 Drosophila genomes for an example of this on a massive scale!). Here we are particularly interested in transcriptome sequence data from developing wings and its relevance to colour pattern evolution.

If you are interested then you should first get in touch with me (Chris Jiggins, c.jiggins@zoo.cam.ac.uk) and send: (1) CV. (2) Details of 2 or 3 Referees - also ask them to email me their references. (3) A cover letter describing your interests, and what you would like to work on.

Students from the EU and Overseas must send their applications to the Board by 21 December 2007 at the latest.

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18) Graduate Studies in Ecology and Evolution at Vanderbilt University

The Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University seeks interested and highly motivated graduate students to join a group of laboratories with complementary research interests focusing on ecological and genetic mechanisms of evolutionary diversification.
Ongoing research investigates all stages of diversification (population differentiation, reproductive isolation, speciation, phylogeneticradiation) and several fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes (adaptation, ecological specialization, symbiosis, social interactions).

Online application to the graduate program is free.

Our group occupies a modern (2002) building complete with our own DNA sequencing facility, numerous environmentally controlled rooms, and an adjoining state-of-the-art greenhouse. Vanderbilt researchers enjoy the participation of excellent undergraduates, the resources of a thriving medical center and full access to a supercomputing facility. Our beautiful campus is located in the heart of Nashville, a friendly and inexpensive city situated amidst the lush rolling hills of biologically diverse middle Tennessee. Graduate students receive generous stipends and are trained in a highly interactive scientific community.

The research interests of the Ecology & Evolution faculty are listed below. Please note that all faculty are actively recruiting new graduate students:

PATRICK ABBOT (patrick.abbot@vanderbilt.edu) � social evolution, symbioses, molecular evolutionary genetics in insects and microbes

DAN FUNK (daniel.j.funk@vanderbilt.edu) � ecological specialization and speciation, phylogenetics, herbivorous insect biology

DAVE McCAULEY (david.e.mccauley@vanderbilt.edu) � population biology, population structure, local adaptation in plants and insects
           
ANTONIS ROKAS (antonis.rokas@vanderbilt.edu) � phylogenetics, molecular evolution, comparative genomics, origins of multicellularity, evolution of genetic pathways in fungi

Additionally, we are presently conducting a faculty search for an evolutionary ecologist.
For further information on research and graduate study at Vanderbilt, please consult our departmental web page at: http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/biosci. Specific questions can be directed to any of the above faculty.

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19) M.S. Graduate Position: Evolutionary Ecology of Insects: Univ. of Florida

A research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Christine W. Miller to explore the evolution of behavior and morphology in the leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) in Florida and/or Panama.  This position would be excellent for a student interested in animal behavior, plant-insect interactions, phenotypic plasticity, and/or sexual selection.  Integration of field projects and laboratory experiments is an important aspect of this work.  Additional information about this research program can be found at: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Christine_Miller.htm.

Applicants should be enthusiastic, motivated, independent, and have previous biological research experience.  Interested prospective students should contact Dr. Christine W. Miller (cwmiller@ufl.edu).  The successful student would become a part of the graduate program in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida (http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html and http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/grad/). Application materials should be submitted by February 1, 2008.

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20) Graduate Fellowships at the Ecological Genomics Institute, Kansas State Univ.

Program Overview:

Research in the EGI works to link responses of living systems to environmental change at the genetic level.  The overarching goal of this research initiative is to identify the genes that are involved in organismal responses to the environment.

This Ecological Genomics Institute takes advantage of existing strengths at Kansas State University in genetics and genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology to answer cross-cutting questions that lie at the interface of genomics and ecology. This collaborative research effort crosses disciplines (genetics and ecology) and departments (Agronomy, Biology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Computing and Information Science).  In addition, the EGI takes advantage of experimental manipulations at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site.

Research and education opportunities exist for Graduate Students to work towards a MS or PhD degree in this large collaborative and interdisciplinary effort. More information about the Kansas State University Ecological Genomics Institute research groups can be found at www.ksu.edu/ecogen.  Twenty eight faculty with interests spanning the diversity of disciples within ecological genomics are involved in the ecological genomics institute. KSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

For more information on how to apply, visit our website at:http://www.k-state.edu/ecogen/recruit.GradStudentsApplication.html and/or e-mail the chair of our Course and Curriculum Committee, Dr.Jeremy Marshall (cricket@ksu.edu). The deadline for Fall 2008 admission is 15 January 2008. 

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21) MS Graduate Positions in EEB at the College of William and Mary

The Biology department at the College of William and Mary is recruiting new Master's students in ecology and evolutionary biology, to start in Fall 2008.

We offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program wherein students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. This is an ideal program for undergrads who are thinking about graduate schools but may not be quite ready to apply to a high- profile Ph.D. program or are looking for broad training in ecology and related fields for work in consulting or resource management.

With a low student to faculty ratio (approximately 8-10 new students each year with 23 full-time faculty), we can offer an intimate and highly personalized research and education experience rarely attainable at larger universities. Also, our graduate students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities.

Most of our faculty have funding from NSF, NIH, HHMI and other organizations. Many of us are actively looking to take on new MS students next year. General information about our program is available from the department website: http://www.wm.edu/biology/gradcurriculum.php

Applications may be submitted at any time. However, please note the following specific deadlines for receipt of the application forms and materials:

• February 1 - to be guaranteed consideration for admission into our programs in August with the financial support of a teaching assistantship.
• July 1 - to be considered for August admission into our programs.

Applicants are required to:

• Complete an application form.
• Provide at least three letters of recommendation.
• Send official transcripts of all college work. Please note that we require applicants to have completed a year of organic chemistry. On occasion, these courses could be taken while in our graduate program. 
• Supply official results of the Graduate Record Examination general aptitude test (ETS codes: William & Mary - 5115; Biology - 0203). 
• Supply official results of the Graduate Record Examination subject test in Biology or the alternative GRE in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology  (ETS codes: William & Mary - 5115; Biology - 0203). We do not require the Biology subject GRE but strongly recommend this for students without a traditional Biology background. Please contact Dr. Gilchrist (see below) if you have questions about this.
• Complete the Department of Biology's Supplemental Form. This form should be returned to Dr. George Gilchrist at the address given below. 
• If you were educated outside the U.S. and English is not your first language, supply official scores for the TOEFL exam (ETS codes: William & Mary - 5115; Biology - 0203).

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Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology | The University of Arizona

BioSciences West 310 | 1041 E. Lowell St.| P.O. Box 210088 | Tucson, AZ 85721-0088 | 520.621.1588

© Copyright 2007 The University of Arizona. All rights reserved.