Field Crew Member, The Johnson Laboratory

How does spatial isolation interact with infectious disease to drive the
population dynamics of endangered amphibians?

The Johnson Laboratory (http://www.johnsonlaboratory.com) is accepting a
qualified undergraduate NSF REU applicant for our field crew in the Bay
Area of California beginning in May 13-14 and concluding near the end of
July to early August 2018.

Project details:
This investigation will rely on the use of non-lethal swabbing methods
(skin and buccal swabs) to obtain samples from two threatened amphibian
species (California Red Legged frog, Rana draytonii, and the California
Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma californiense) across the Bay Area of
California that can be tested to assess population genetic structure and
the presence of pathogens (e.g., Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis). Such lines of inquiry will provide insights directly
relevant to the conservation of these threatened species, particularly
with respect to the degree of genetic mixing among populations, quantify
degree of isolation across populations and the effects of population
connectivity on infection patterns. The selected student will gain
valuable experience in field sampling, swab collection, genetic
techniques, and data analysis.

The primary responsibilities of the student will be to collect non-
lethal swabs from amphibian species while being a member of a larger
team performing in-depth field sampling protocols. Field sampling will
focus on amphibians, fish and invertebrates within California pond
ecosystems. This will include performing additional field sampling
techniques including but not limited to: dipnets, seines, visual
surveys, snail parasite identification, and pathogen swabbing. In
addition, this individual will be expected to assist with daily record
keeping and equipment maintenance while staying at a University of
California Reserve System field station located in the South Bay, Blue
Oak Ranch Reserve ( http://blueoakranchreserve.net ). ONLY
undergraduates that will be continuing their education in fall 2018 can
apply.

To apply for our Undergraduate REU position send an application package
that should include (1) a brief (<1 page) statement of interest
detailing how this opportunity would advance your educational goals; (2)
a description of previous research and course-related experiences; (3)
transcript; (4) current CV. Please compile the application package into
a single PDF and email to dana.calhoun@colorado.edu with the position
title (REU application) in the subject line by February 12th, 2018.