Education Internships and REUs Research Apprenticeship
| KBS Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (URA) Program |
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KBS is pleased to announce a undergraduate program that features research internships that are part-time (10-15 hrs/week). This allows you to take a course at KBS during the summer and get some hands-on research experience. The Research Apprenticeship program provides a $1500 stipend and at least half of the costs of tuition and room and board at the Station. The Research Apprenticeship program is 5-10 weeks long, depending on the course(s) taken and the research project. The earliest start date is May 7, the latest end date is August 3.
2012 projects:
The Research Apprenticeship Program is limited to students taking a course in residence at KBS. All of these opportunities have the potential for an independent project, depending on the skill level of the student selected. Download a Research Apprenticeship Flyer Page 1 Page 2 APPLICATION DEADLINE March 15, 2012, 5PM Projects for 2012
Interactive effects of temperature and nutrients on fitness and competition in phytoplankton communities
Life history trade-offs and sexual signaling in frogs and toads Dates: May 15 to early July Mentor: Michael Kuczynski (Dr. Tom Getty's Lab) Description: Male frogs and toads call to attract females, but calling can be very costly; it requires a lot of energy and it increases the risk of being found by a predator. These costs of calling may not be the same for each male however. I utilize field recordings of the calling behavior of gray treefrogs and American toads to determine if males that are unlikely to mate again in future years (old, poor condition, etc.) invest more in current reproduction by increasing their calling effort. The research apprentice for this project will work directly with me assisting in making recordings of calling behavior in the field. Additionally, the apprentice will capture, measure, and tag frogs and toads. Qualifications: The student must be willing to work nights, possibly into the early morning. The student should be interested in working in the field, specifically in swamps and ponds. No prior coursework is required, but the student should have an interest in animal behavior. The student may enroll in any course he/she needs, although ZOL/PLB 440 would be most relevant.
Dates: mid-May to mid-August, flexible schedule Mentor: Liz Schultheis (Dr. Jen Lau’s Lab) Description: The focus of Liz’s research is invasive plant species and how they behave once they are moved across continents. Invasive species negatively impact communities they invade, outcompeting native species and changing ecosystem processes. For this reason, it is important to understand how the relationships between the invader and native community influence the invasion process. Liz’s research addresses how release from natural enemies (like herbivores and disease) may be a key factor promoting invasiveness. This summer Liz will be doing a combination of field surveys, experiments, and greenhouse work to address these questions and collect data on invasive plants across Michigan. Qualifications: The student working with Liz will have the opportunity to learn about common invaders in Michigan and some of the key mechanisms behind invasion. The student will do a combination of field and greenhouse work, and it is necessary that the student enjoys working outdoors. Liz is looking for someone self motivated with an attention to detail. Besides working directly with Liz on her dissertation research there is the opportunity to work on research with other members of the Lau lab throughout the summer and to interact with graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and other undergraduates at KBS. It would be preferred that the student take Field Ecology and Evolution, as this class will greatly help the student in their own experimental design and the dates to not conflict with the major planting time for the experiment.
The effect of diversity on restoration success: ecosystem function and population viability Dates: May 15 – August 10 Mentor: Tyler Basset (Dr. Jen Lau’s Lab) Description: Tyler studies ecology through the lens of habitat restoration, testing ecological theory while learning how to improve the practice of restoration. Studies that are planned or underway involve manipulations of diversity at several levels (functional group, species, genetic) and measuring whether different levels of diversity influence how well restored ecosystems function, and the long-term persistence of the species in the restored communities. These include experimentally sown communities and already established restorations. An intern can expect a mix of work in the field (collecting plant/soil samples, planting seeds/plants, collecting data on plant traits), greenhouse (propagation, watering), and lab work (data entry, weighing/sorting samples). Qualifications: A basic background in plant biology and ecology is important. The only requirement is an innate curiosity for the natural world and an interest in conservation. Experience with, or a desire to learn, insect identification is a big plus. Expect long field days alternating with lab and greenhouse work. Must be independent and self-motivated, but able to tolerate repetitive, menial tasks (e.g., science). Two classes offered Summer 2012 will help an intern gain the most from, and be prepared to contribute to, working with Tyler: Ecology (ZOL/PLB 355, Section 431) and Plant Systematics (PLB 418, Section 431).
The role of mutualisms and intraspecific variation in succession Dates: Mid May to Early August Mentor: Kane Keller Description: Kane's research explores species diversity in prairie communities undergoing succession. A research apprentice would assist with a field experiment studying how different populations of partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata, can alter the composition and diversity of plant and insect species in the community, and how this varies depending on soil nutrient conditions and mutualist availability. The apprentice will help assess the diversity of plants and insects, measure plant traits, examine visitations by mutualist nectar-tending ants, and take samples to examine soil rhizobial mutualists, soil nutrient availability, and plant tissue nutrients.
How do mutualists facilitate plant abundance and distribution? Dates: June to August Mentor: Tomomi Suwa (Dr. Jen Lau’s Lab) Description: What limits species abundance and distribution? Tomomi's work focuses on a classic mutualism interaction between plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, rhizobia. This summer, she will be conducting a combination of field and laboratory experiments to study how mutualists (i.e. rhizobia) and abiotic factors (e.g. soil moisture and light) affect the distribution of native legume species. The apprentice will be involved in setting up a large-scale experiment and collecting plant data in forests near KBS. The apprentice will also gain lab experience in basic microbial techniques and molecular work including DNA extraction and PCR. Qualifications: The apprentice should have basic knowledge in general biology, ecology, and statistics, but it is not required. More importantly, he/she should be a motivated and enthusiastic thinker and learner. Strong interests in ecology and evolution, organizational skills, and a good work ethic. Great background courses for the apprentice who is interested in my project would be Ecology, Ecology Lab, Plant Systematic and Field Ecology and Evolution, but not required.
Female-female house wren aggression: Why are females different than males? Description: Female aggressive behavior is understudied in the field of animal behavior. The student will work with Cara at the Lux Arbor Reserve on a project investigating the differences between male and female aggressive behavior in house wrens. The intern will gain extensive experience handling and banding wrens, measuring nestlings, and taking daily behavioral observations while checking nest sites. The student will also spend several hours a week at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary (http://www.kbs.msu.edu/visit/birdsanctuary) helping with avian care. Required Qualifications: The intern must have a vehicle for transportation around the field site. No special skills are necessary, though if the student has no experience using binoculars they will be expected to practice before the summer begins (binoculars provided). Field Ecology and Evolution or Ecology are the most relevant courses, though the student can take any course that does not meet 5 times a week.
Natural selection through male fitness in milkweeds Dates: May 15 – August 3 Mentor: Raffica La Rosa (Lab website: www.msu.edu/~connerj)
Effects of the Kalamazoo Oil Spill Qualifications: The intern must be prepared to be in the field and enthusiastic about working and wading in rivers. The intern must be able to swim. The student may need to work beyond an 8 hour day when we work in the field. The student should have an interest in learning stream insect identification. This internship is ideal for anyone interested in stream ecology, environmental science or water quality research. The student should take either Aquatic Entomology or Biogeochemistry.
Kin-directed growth as a strategy to maximize inclusive fitness
Mentor: Sara Garnett (Getty Lab) Dates: Mid-May to mid-July
Project Description: In some circumstances, individuals may benefit from adjusting the intensity of competition with kin. This project investigates whether larval amphibians balance competition and cooperation in this way, as well as the factors that influence these changes. The URA will assist with various aspects of setting up the project, including collecting adult toads from local ponds and raising the resulting tadpoles. The URA will also assist with running the experiments, testing the effects of factors such as kinship and available resources on various measures of tadpole growth rate.
URA Qualifications: Previous experience working with amphibians is not required, but applicants should have a biology-related major and be interested in behavior. Patience and attention to detail are important. Previous coursework in behavior (Animal Behavior or Ecological Aspects of Animal Behavior) are a plus but not required. Field Ecology and Evolution (ZOL 440) or Ecology/Ecology Lab (ZOL/PLB 355, 355L) are recommended for this summer.
Ecological effects of personality in juvenile bluegill sunfish Dates: May 15 to August Mentor: Melissa Kjelvik (Dr. Gary Mittelbach's Lab) Description: Apprentice will be working on a variety of projects that build off previous work examining how differences in prey foraging behavior affects predator-prey relationships. Apprentice will work with the supervisor in an aquarium lab to identify whether individuals are bold or shy before stocking them into an experimental pond with largemouth bass (predator). Individual growth, survival, and habitat use will be recorded to determine whether there are costs and benefits to both foraging strategies (bold and shy). Apprentice will also gain experience using common sampling methods to collect fish and zooplankton (to feed fish) from local lakes and the experimental ponds. Qualifications: Prior field experience is not required, but an interest in behavioral ecology and biology-related major is necessary. A desire to work in aquatic systems (on non-motorized boats, using waders, and potentially snorkeling) is required. Handling of fish and aquatic insects will be required. Ecology and Animal Behavior classes strongly preferred. Reliable, responsible, and motivated to learn. Able to focus on tasks (watching and recording fish behaviors during foraging trials) is mandatory. The apprentice can choose to take any of the available KBS courses, but ecology or field ecology is recommended.
Pasture based dairy and greenhouse gas emissions Mentor: Nicole Nelson
Dairy Cattle Pasture Optimization Dates: May – July Project summary: The research combines ecological and agronomic principles to examine the best pasture layout for dairy cattle production and forage yield. Specifically, the research examines how altering the spatial arrangement of alfalfa and other pasture plants affects forage yield and the selectivity of cattle grazing under different grazing intensities. Undergraduates will help collect data on cattle grazing behavior and on plant growth and survival. (about 20 hours/week for 8 weeks) Required Qualifications: I am looking for a motivated student who can pay attention to detail, collect accurate data, be reliable and responsible, and have a positive attitude. Since our schedule is flexible, the student should be able to take any class they choose.
The influence of habitat size and predation on mosquito dispersal and demography Dates: late-May to mid-August
Personality variation in largemouth bass and its ecological consequences Dates: Some flexibility; opportunities exist from early May through August Mentor: Nicholas Ballew (Dr. Gary Mittelbach's Lab) Description: Nicholas is examining the relationship that exists between personality and reproductive success in largemouth bass. Additionally, he is investigating how recreational angling may alter this relationship and cause heavily fished bass populations to adapt to fishing pressure. The intern will gain first-hand research experience in several areas of animal behavior and ecology by working on this project. Potential duties include marking bass so they can be individually identified, characterizing bass personalities in the lab, snorkeling to observe bass nesting behavior in ponds, fishing to determine the catchability of individual bass, and more. Required Qualifications: No specific coursework/knowledge is required in order to be qualified for this position. However, a background in ecology and animal behavior would be beneficial. It is essential that the intern is able to maintain a high level of focus and quality of work when conducting behavioral trials that can become tedious. Also Desirable: Well-organized; Detail-oriented; Good at following directions; Capable of working alone; Enjoys fishing.
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| Last Updated on Monday, 12 March 2012 21:03 |
