UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AT THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AT THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM
Three undergraduate research positions are open for Fall 2015 and subsequent semesters at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University for research projects at the intersection of plant ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology. The student filling position (1) will assist with an ongoing investigation of the macroevolution of seasonality in leaf physiology across 25 species of the diverse genus Cornus (the dogwoods). This project will provide experience with fieldwork in the Arboretum, laboratory analyses of leaf chemistry and physiology, and statistical approaches for repeated measures and phylogenetic comparative data. The student filling position (2) will assist with an investigation of constitutive and induced leaf defense physiology in diverse lines of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus). This project will provide experience with greenhouse experimentation, manipulative herbivore and disease assays, laboratory analyses of leaf chemistry and physiology, and statistical approaches for ecological experiments.

The student filling position (3) will assist with an association mapping experiment that seeks to uncover the genetic basis of floral physiology in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus). This project will provide experience with analyses of floral phytochemistry and statistical approaches for mapping phenotypic trait variation to genomic data.
Students in all positions will gain valuable research experience collecting and analyzing data to answer scientific questions. All three positions have flexible hours, but students must be able to be present at least 15 hours per week, in blocks of at least five hours, including participation in weekly lab meetings to be scheduled based on students’ availability. Additionally, given the temporal nature of research on living plants, a minimum of a two-semester commitment is required for positions (1) and (2).
Students in all years of their undergraduate degree are welcome. Research credit is available for Harvard students through OEB 99R and similar courses. Students from other universities should check with their respective home departments for research credit options. Funding is also potentially available for the spring and summer semesters through various sources once students have become established in individual research projects.

To apply, please send the following information by August 15th to
chasemason.evolution@gmail.com :
 A resume or CV listing courses taken, GPA, research experience, etc.
 A brief (<1 page) statement describing your academic interests and career goals, your past research experience (if any, previous experience not required), and indicating the position(s) in which you are interested and why.

For more information on the Arnold Arboretum: http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/ For more information on Dr. Mason’s research: https://chasemason.wordpress.com/