faculty list of projects - UMass Amherst · Molecular genetics/mycology of plant pathogenic fungi ... DNA extraction, PCR ... lab experience is preferred, however, coursework in biotechnology

PROJECT 1

Faculty name

Li‐Jun Ma

Faculty lab website (if available)

http://www.umass.edu/comparativegenomics/index.html

Name of person to directly oversee apprentice

Li‐Jun Ma

Position of person overseeing apprentice

Faculty

Title of project

Understanding genome variation using next‐gen sequencing

Description of project

Members of the F. oxysporum species complex exhibit extraordinary genetic plasticity

and cause some of the most destructive and intractable diseases across a diverse

spectrum of hosts, including many economically important crops such as banana, cotton,

canola, melons, and tomato. This USDA funded research project employs the next

generation sequencing technology to study the sequence variations among a group of

selected genomes.

Qualifications of student

Highly motivated students with some computational background

Number of work hours per week

5‐10 hours per week

Are you looking for a particular type of student?

Honors thesis project

independent study credit

Could this project be extended into an honors thesis?

yes

PROJECT 2

Faculty name

Geunhwa Jung


http://www.umass.edu/turfpathology/


Geunhwa Jung


Faculty

Title of project

Molecular genetics/mycology of plant pathogenic fungi


The turf pathology lab is looking for a motivated independent research student interested

in mycology and plant pathology to work on projects involving microbiology, molecular

genetics, and bioinformatics of the plant pathogen Sclerotinia homoeocarpa. The student

would be required to perform the following duties: DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, gel

electrophoresis, culturing and propagation of fungi, and other lab duties. Prior relevant

lab experience is preferred, however, coursework in biotechnology and/or microbiology

may suffice.


Molecular technique experiences are preferable but not required.




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 3

Faculty name

Joe Elkinton


[email protected]


Gina Davis


Postdoc

Title of project

Population dynamics and chemical ecology of hemlock woolly adelgid


The hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive insect from Japan that is killing hemlock trees

throughout the eastern United States, including trees here in Amherst. We have been

studying the fluctuations in density of this insect and its interaction with its hemlock host

in order to understand why it kills some trees but not others. Part of this effort involves

quantifying the terpenes and other volatile compounds that hemlocks produce to defend

themselves against attack. Another part of the project involves releasing a beetle

predator from the Pacific Northwest that preys on the adelgid and may reduce its density,

so that it no longer kills trees.

The student would learn how we estimate the density of different life stages of the

adelgid in the field and may also learn how to identify and quantify terpenes and other

volatiles in hemlock foliage via gas chromatography.


interest in ecology or conservation biology

some training in biochemistry




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 4

Faculty name

John Stoffolano



Dr. John Stoffolano


Faculty

Title of project

Effect of adipokinetic hormone on crop muscle contractions in flies


The crop or storage organ of fies has recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of

blood sugar levels. It is very similar to that of humans. Adipokinetic hormone in insects is similar to

glucagon in mammals and is involved in putting carbohydrates back into the blood from glycogen

stored in the fat body. Adipokinetic hormone has been shown using various molecular techniques

to be produced in intrinsic cells in the corpora cardiaca of flies and these cells send neurons down

to the crop pump 4 where they terminate and apparently stimulate that part of the crop, which

then pumps sugars stored into the crop up into the midgut where it enters the hemolymph or

blood, thus restoring low levels of blood sugar. This project is something that a student can

complete with few complications and it would make a great honor's thesis. I have had significant

success with honor students and all of them have gone onto good graduate schools and there

research has resulted in a publication.

The student would be trained at doing microdissection and the use of a neurohormone to study

a physiological event. The student would also learn how to search and read the literature,

communicate with researchers throughout the world concerning their research, and learn how to

write a scientific paper. The student will also learn how to raise their own research animals and

how to schedule and feed them for their part of the research.


First of all, the student must be highly motivated and independent. Secondly they must

be dedicated to this project. They must get along with other students in the lab. Currently

I have 4 undergraduates working in the lab. One doing an excellent honor's thesis and 3

others working on independent projects. Finally, the student must be inquisitive and

imaginative when it comes to designing and completing their research. If the student likes

working in my lab. and working on this type of project I can provide the student with a

summer position working in the lab. Students doing honor's theses can benefit because

they can get most of the research done during the summer giving more time to class work

during their senior year.




3rd or 4th year student



yes

PROJECT 5

Faculty name

Sheila Patek


http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/pateklab/home


Patrick Green


Graduate student

Title of project

Aggressive Signaling in Mantis Shrimp


Patrick is a first‐year graduate student who will be initiating a research project on

aggressive signaling in mantis shrimp. This research follows from the observation that

mantis shrimp can inflict fatal injury to competitors and will compete aggressively over

limited protective cavities. Patrick is testing the hypothesis that one area of the mantis

shrimp appendage (the meral spot) is a signal of mantis shrimp strike force, and that

mantis shrimp respond to this signal in a reliable way. Eventually, this research may lead

to an investigation of how signaling changes under conditions of human‐induced ocean

acidification, which is known to weaken crustacean exoskeletons.

This project will involve behavioral observations, force transducer measurements,

identifying and handling mantis shrimp, and possibly analyzing CT scans of mantis shrimp

appendages. The apprentice will likely care for mantis shrimp, including feeding and

water quality care. Since the project is relatively new, the apprentice may also be an

intricate part of developing methods of the study.


Previous research experience, especially in behavior and/or marine animals, is preferred

(but not necessary). An ability to work collaboratively while also closely following

instruction will help the research progress efficiently. Behavioral research necessitates

strong organizational skills and a patient, cooperative demeanor. Finally, a desire to work

closely with other lab members, including attending (possibly presenting at) lab meetings

and reading substantive background literature.




Anyone!


unpaid


possibly

PROJECT 6

Faculty name

Elizabeth Dumont


http://bcrc.bio.umass.edu/ummnh/


Katherine Doyle


Other

Title of project

Vertebrate skeleton preparation


The Natural History Collections contain more than 300,000 specimens of mammals, birds,

invertebrates, plants, fishes, reptiles and amphibians. These specimens represent a large

sample of the world's biodiversity with an especially strong representation of local flora

and fauna. The Collections are heavily used in numerous organismal laboratory courses,

serve as the raw material for hundreds of graduate and undergraduate research studies,

and draw attention from local and national organizations and governmental agencies.

We currently have a back log of skeletons that need to be cleaned, cataloged, and

installed into the collections. While the work can be tedious at times, students will learn

about vertebrate diversity, basic anatomy, and the skeletal differences between major

vertebrate groups. Students will also learn standard curatorial procedures employed by

collections and museums world‐wide.


Interested students must be able to work independently and be detail‐oriented. Most

specimens are in the early stages of preparation so students must be able to deal with

strong odors and be willing to get their hands dirty.




Anyone!



no

PROJECT 7

Faculty name

Benjamin Normark


http://people.umass.edu/bnormark/lab/Home.html


Benjamin Normark


Faculty

Title of project

Armored scale insect molecular systematics and evolution


Several projects are available using DNA sequences and/or morphological characters to

investigate the evolution and ecology of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae).

Problems include inferring phylogeny, species boundaries, and population sizes. Armored

scale insects have bizarre biology ‐‐ extreme sex dimorphism, unusual genetic systems

like paternal genome elimination and parthenogenesis, dependence on maternally

transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria ‐‐ and are also enormously important as invasive

economic pests. We are constantly discovering new species. Students start by preparing

DNA and microscope slides, and move on to a PCR‐ and sequencing‐based independent

project if they wish to.


Minimum qualification: Bio 100 and 101 (taken or currently enrolled). Desirable

qualifications: enrollment in PlSoilIn 397T (Molecular Systematics Lab); very fine motor

skills (useful especially for slide‐mounting tiny insects); a strong interest in evolution,

systematics, insects, biodiversity discovery, invasive species, and/or horticultural pests.




Anyone!


paid


yes

PROJECT 8

Faculty name

Elizabeth Dumont



Dan Pulaski


Lab technician

Title of project

3D modeling and engineering analysis of mammal skulls


Evolutionary biologists often look to differences among isolated populations of the same

species for evidence of divergence that may represent adaptations. The goal of this

project is to assess the mechanical function the skulls of shrews from populations that

have been isolated on islands off the coast of France for several hundred to several

thousand years. This is just a small part of a large collaborative project headed by

investigators at the Muséum Histoire naturelle in Paris. Our contribution will be to build

three‐dimensional (3D) models of the shrew skulls from CT scans, and then analyze and

compare the structural strength of those models using engineering software. (Just to be

clear, we will be doing some really neat analyses using computers, but we won't be going

to France).

Students learn how to create 3D models from CT Scans and analyze them using

engineering software. The process of building the models will require students to learn

the detailed anatomy of the skull. They will not necessarily learn all the anatomical names

(unless they want to), but they will become very familiar with the details of skull shape.

On the technical side, students will receive training in Mimics, an image segmentation

package, Geomagic Studio, a 3D model editor, and an engineering analysis program called

Strand7.


Students must have a strong interest in anatomy, biomechanics and evolution, and have

successfully completed the Intro Bio series. Good performance in Evolution and prior lab

experience would be a plus.




2nd year student



yes

PROJECT 9

Faculty name

Bethany Bradley



Bethany Bradley


Faculty

Title of project

Identifying sources of U.S. invasive plants


There are thousands of non‐native plant species introduced to the U.S., and several

hundred have become problematic invasive species. My lab seeks to forecast invasion

risk at landscape and regional scales using tools from spatial ecology and biogeography.

This project will explore online herbaria and other published records to catalog the

estimated introduction date and source of introduction for problematic invasive species.

Improving our understanding of how invasive species arrived and spread in the past will

help us to predict risk associated with future introductions.

This project will rely on the student's skills with data searching and discovery, and may

include some trips to regional botanical gardens and herbaria to search through records

as needed. The student will also be taught some basics of working with geographic

information systems (GIS) and background in invasion ecology.


Intellectual curiosity and tenacity. Computer literacy and interest in biogeography.

Willingness to call/email contacts for further information unavailable online.




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 10

Faculty name

Bethany Bradley



Bethany Bradley


Faculty

Title of project

Mapping plant invasions in Western Massachusetts


Satellite remote sensing is a tool often used to map vegetation characteristics across

landscapes. My lab seeks to forecast invasion risk at landscape and regional scales using

tools from spatial ecology and biogeography. This project will collect preliminary field

data on the timing of spring green‐up for several invasive plants in western

Massachusetts, with a goal using those data to train remotely sensed imagery. We

hypothesize that earlier onset of plant growth in invasive species will make them possible

to map using remote sensing.

The student will learn to use GPS for field surveys, and how to convert collected field

records into a geographic information system (GIS). The project may also entail some

introduction to remote sensing data processing and analysis, as well as background in

invasion ecology.


Interest in learning about biogeography. Familiarity with GPS units and comfort with

computers a plus. Plant identification skills also a plus.




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 11

Faculty name

John Stoffolano



John Stoffolano


Faculty

Title of project

Impact of the salivary gland hypertrophy virus on house fly adults


The salivary gland hypertrophy virus is a new virus of house fly adults and causes

hypertrophy of the salivary glands and cessation of egg development. Only a handful of

research papers have been done on this virus. Our lab. is currently working on the virus.

We have the virus and the fly colony to do the research. One of the important questions

is further document how the virus affects various tissues. At the same time we need to

know how the virus impacts normal salivation, thus the spreading of the virus to infect

other flies. The house fly is the major vector of several human food pathogens, especially

E coli, thus any effort to control its reproduction and/or feeding is important and

circumvents the use of insecticides that are environmentally disastrous.

The student will learn how to handle the virus (not pathogenic to humans), inject the

virus into non‐infected flies, and dissect out infected salivary glands and retrieve the virus

for storage and later use. The student will learn how to access the literature, contact

other researchers in the field, plan an experiment, and write up a scientific paper on their

research.


The student preferably is a junior in search of an honor's thesis. All of my previous

honor's students have gone on to major universities for graduate studies and all have

become authors on the paper of their research. The student should be highly motivated,

self‐directed, independent worker, persistent, and really committed to doing a successful

research project. I am looking for someone that also wants to stay in the Amherst are for

the summer and I can pay them to continue to work on their thesis during the summer.

This way they have a major start on their thesis with less pressure during their senior

year.




Honors thesis project



yes

PROJECT 12

Faculty name

Lynn Adler


http://people.umass.edu/lsadler/


Lynn Adler and Jared Kelly


Lab technician

Title of project

Extracting alkaloids: Effects of urbanization on natural selection


This position would be an opportunity to gain hands‐on research experience, and would

be best for a practicum or workstudy student. Such positions in the lab often lead to

subsequent independent projects for motivated students.

I conducted a 3‐year field study asking how urbanization changes natural selection on

plant traits through changes in plant‐insect interactions, including herbivory and

pollination. In the field, we tracked perennial plants (Gelsemium sempervirens) for 3

years, measuring floral damage, pollination, floral size/shape, chemical defenses, and

plant reproduction each year in several sites that are either near housing developments,

or in large tracts of forest.

One of the traits that we are very interested in is the production of defensive chemicals

that could deter floral damage but also reduce pollination. In the field we collected leaves

for chemical analysis, and I am looking for 2‐3 students who would be trained in

extracting these compounds. This is a repetitive but critically important process since we

only have one sample from each plant (for which we have collected so much other data).

I am looking for students with an interest in this research area who are mature and

responsible, and who are highly attentive to detail.

I can offer paid positions to students with workstudy funds, or practicum credits.


I can accept students at any point in their college career. Preference will be given to those

with an interest in pursuing ecology research.




Anyone!

paid or unpaid


no

PROJECT 13

Faculty name

Lynn Adler




Annie Leonard


Postdoc

Title of project

Effect of floral compounds on bee health


Studies of plant‐herbivore and plant‐pollinator interactions have been of central importance in

understanding the factors that shape plant and animal performance and patterns of natural

selection and coevolution. Although plant‐herbivore and plant‐pollinator interactions have often

been studied separately, they are linked by a common theme, consumption of plants. For

example, we generally think of bees as mutualists that benefit – and benefit from – their

interactions with plants, but bees can also be broadly considered herbivores that consume plant

nectar and pollen. Nectar and pollen are the primary food items of the majority of bees, but in

addition to sugars and protein, these food sources also frequently contain plant secondary

compounds. Secondary compounds can directly reduce herbivore performance while providing

indirect benefits by reducing predation or parasitism; however, the impacts of secondary

compounds on bee pollinators are almost entirely unknown. Bees, like herbivores, are also part of

a food web that includes both host plants and natural enemies. Parasites are strongly implicated

in the decline of both managed and wild bees, but the impacts of secondary compounds in

mediating plant‐bee‐parasite interactions remains an almost unexplored frontier.

Students will join an ongoing project asking how common floral defense compounds affect

pathogen loads of infected bumble bees. Students will be trained in basic bee handling protocols

including rearing, preparing pathogen inocula, dissecting bees and counting pathogen cells from

gut samples.

Depending on the interests and background of the student, this project could be appropriate for

independent study, practicum, or a paid workstudy position.

Qualifications of studentStudents can be at any academic level, but should be highly motivated, independent, reliable and

detail‐oriented. Preference will be given to applicants interested in careers in ecology, animal

behavior, chemical ecology, or related fields.

Although no one in the lab has been stung (yet), students who are highly allergic to bee stings (or

seriously afraid of handling bees) should not apply.Number of work hours per week



Anyone!


paid or unpaid


possibly

PROJECT 14

Faculty name

Jeff Podos


http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/podos/


Dana Moseley


Graduate student

Title of project

Song Learning and Preferences by Sparrows


This position is part of a project to study how young birds learn their songs or preferences

for songs. The undergraduate will work with two‐year‐old birds that have been trained

with song models and are maintained in the lab. The position requires that the student

be comfortable working with and caring for live animals. Tasks include feeding the birds

and maintaining clean housing spaces for the animals. I especially need someone to help

for an hour or two on either Saturday or Sunday*. In addition to bird care, there are

opportunities to work with data collected in spring 2010 and summer 2011 from these

birds. The student would track how birds learn and practice their songs over time and

compare learned songs to the training models. Students would use Microsoft excel and

two sound analysis programs (Audacity and Signal) to measure song learning.

The work is volunteer (unpaid) and would require 2‐5 hours a week depending on the

motivation of the student. This position is great for students who want to get started in a

lab and get hands‐on experience with animals and data. Students early in their college

career would be considered and encouraged to apply. More senior students would be

able to focus more heavily on the data analysis portion if so inclined.



Familiarity with Excel and basic computer use,

Safe lab protocols,

Ability to work independently but ask questions when needed,

Ability to learn new protocols quickly ,

Interest in the project.




Anyone!

unpaid


no

PROJECT 15

Faculty name

Tobias Baskin


http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/baskin/


Heidi Rutschow


Postdoc

Title of project

Misregulation of a key cell cycle protein


The student will help us study the accumulation of a protein called cyclin B1;1, which is a

key regulator of the cell division cycle. My laboratory studies how plants produce organs

with specific shapes. One approach we use is developmental genetics, isolating plants

with misshapen (i.e., fat) roots. Previously we found that the cell division zone (meristem)

of one of these mutants, called radially swollen 4, accumulates huge amounts of

cyclinB1;1. This might happen because of cell cycle arrest but many other lines of

evidence show that the cell cycle continues. It appears that the in the mutant the

regulation of the protein somehow goes wrong, and we want to track this down.

For the above work, we scored the abundance of the cyclinB1;1 by using a reporter

construct that we crossed into the mutant background. We have recently obtained an

antibody against this cyclin. The student will isolate protein, run it on a gel, and use the

antibody to determine the relative abundance of the cyclin B1;1 (by doing a so‐called

western blot). This can be done not only for the mutant mentioned above but for others

as well. In this way, we can learn to what extent this cell cycle regulatory protein might

also influence mechanisms that control plant shape.


Prior lab experience is not required but desirable. Enthusiasm and reliability are

essential. Free time in your schedule for the after 10:30 am is important, preferably in a

couple of large blocks.




Anyone!


paid


yes

PROJECT 16

Faculty name

Paige Warren



Paige Warren


Faculty

Title of project

What makes an urban bird?


The rapid urbanization of the world has profound effects on global biodiversity and

urbanization has been counted among the processes contributing to the homogenization

of the world’s biota. A comparative approach of urban biota is needed to produce

comparable methodologies to understand, preserve, and monitor biodiversity in cities.

Our project asks the question: “What makes an urban bird ‘urban’?” and with that, “Are

the same kinds of birds found across the world’s cities?” We have compiled a list of

species occurring in 10 cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We need to

collect information on the life history characteristics of these species. We will use this to

compare the kinds of birds species found in the 10 cities.

The undergraduate researcher would use a variety of literature sources to compile a

database of the traits or characteristics for bird species in our list. We will use Excel for

the database, and both paper and online sources. The student should be comfortable

using excel and possess a basic knowledge of bird biology (ideally a course in Ornithology

or Behavior). We will provide training in using the online sources. A motivated student

could participate in the analysis and develop a senior thesis from the work.


Experience working with Excel or similar spreadsheets

Coursework in ornithology or animal behavior




3rd or 4th year student


paid


possibly

PROJECT 17

Faculty name

Paige Warren


http://www.umass.edu/urbaneco/


Michael Strohbach


Postdoc

Title of project

Planting more trees, but where? Assessing the potential for new street trees in Boston.


We are looking for a lab assistant to help with a project about urban greening in Boston

(http://www.umass.edu/urbaneco/). As part of the project we are studying the potential

for an increase of the tree canopy in the city and the resulting ecological benefits.

Duties for the potential assistant would include a GIS analysis of the street tree inventory

of Boston and the development of a rule sett for the placement of new trees. This is a

great opportunity to extend your GIS skills.


‐ basic skills of ArcGIS, Excel and/or R

‐ interest in data processing




Anyone!


paid


PROJECT 18

Faculty name

Sam Hazen


http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/hazen/


Scott Lee


Graduate student

Title of project

Plant biofuel genetics


A recently discovered microbe, Clostridium phytofermentans, can directly convert a

broad range of biomass sources directly to ethanol without expensive thermochemical

pretreatment. The Hazen lab has developed a high throughput ethanologen bioassay

using C. phytofermentans to measure ethanol production from various plant species.

We seek an undergraduate to assist with various tasks in the laboratory relating to this

project.

Plant cultivation: soil preparation, harvesting.

Processing plant samples: grinding, weighing, dispensing and packaging.

Microbiology: anaerobic culturing of Clostridium with plant biomass.

Analytical chemistry: sample preparation and analysis using high performance liquid

chromatography.

Level of instruction and responsibility will depend on the student's interest and activity

with project.


Enthusiastic, cordial, honest, diligent, competent, reliable and punctual.




2nd year student

unpaid


possibly

PROJECT 19

Faculty name

Sam Hazen




Gina Trabucco


Graduate student

Title of project

Plant biofuel genetics ‐ 2


We modified a family of plants to down regulate a lignin biosynthesis gene to improve

biofuel‐processing quality. The plants require genotypic characterization as well as

observations of growth patterns and other mutant phenotypes.


project.

Plant cultivation: soil preparation, watering, harvesting.

Molecular biology: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis.

Monitoring patterns in transgenic plants: recording stem height, stem/leaf phenotypes


with project.

Unpaid position can be independent study for credit.






2nd year student

unpaid


possibly

PROJECT 20

Faculty name

Sam Hazen




Dominick Matos


Graduate student

Title of project

Developmental and Growth Dynamics of Plants


We seek to understand the fundamental mechanisms of vascular development and

rhythmic growth in grasses. We are utilizing a number of imaging based assays to conduct

these investigations.


project.

Plant cultivation: soil preparation, harvesting, sowing, transplanting, and watering.

Phenotyping: plant dissection, staining, image acquisition by microscopy.


with project.

Unpaid position can be independent study for credit.






2nd year student

unpaid


possibly

PROJECT 21

Faculty name

Kevin Griffith


http://www.bio.umass.edu/micro/faculty/griffith.html


Kevin Griffith


Faculty

Title of project

Engineering soil bacteria to produce biofuels


Society relies on the use of fossil fuels to meet its ever increasing energy demands and efforts are

underway to develop alternative forms of energy including biofuels. Genetic engineering and

synthetic biology allow researchers to engineer microbes to produce a variety of biofuels including

ethanol, butanol, isobutanol, and fatty alcohols. Recent studies have shown that the soil

bacterium Bacillus subtilis is capable of fermenting sugars to produce ethanol and the pre‐cursor

to isobutanol, 2,3‐butanediol. B. subtilis is an attractive system for biofuel production because it

is a genetically tractable, several of the biosynthetic pathways leading to biofuel production are

known, and large‐scale industrial fermentation protocols have been developed.

The goal of this project is to engineer strains of B. subtilis and optimize growth conditions to

facilitate the over‐production of a variety of biofuels. Key regulatory pathways will be disrupted in

order to re‐direct the flow of carbon through biofuel biosynthetic pathways. Important enzymes

that are absent in B. subtilis will be taken from other organisms and engineered for use in B.

subtilis to produce strains that are able to produce specific biofuels like isobutanol. Since biofuels

are often toxic to microbes, it will be necessary to evolve strains of B. subtilis that have increased

resistance to these by‐products. Students working on this project will have the opportunity to

conduct independent research and learn a variety of techniques in microbiology, molecular

biology, and biochemistry.


Undergraduate research is an important component of my research program. Students

typically join my research program after their freshman or sophomore year and continue

to conduct research in my laboratory until graduation. No prior research experience is

required; however, students should have the dedication, desire, and available time to

devote to the research project.




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 22

Faculty name

Bruce Byers



Bruce Byers


Faculty

Title of project

Female mate choice and Prairie Warbler songs


We plan to compare singing by male Prairie Warblers to the singers' nesting success, in

order to identify features of male singing that females might use when choosing a mate.

The current phase of the project involves making measurements of recorded songs.

When that is complete, we will build a statistical model to determine the song features

that best predict nesting date.


1. Interest in animal behavior and communication.

2. Willingness to commit 10 hours per week to the project.

3. Meticulousness.




Anyone!



yes

PROJECT 23

Faculty name

Sheila Patek


http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/pateklab/


Sheila Patek


Faculty

Title of project

Laboratory assistant in biomechanics/bioacoustics laboratory


This paid position is more of an assistantship than a focused research experience. Patek

is looking for someone to help with running the lab and providing assistance with ongoing

research projects (e.g., literature searches, database entry, making figures, data

collection). The other tasks include running errands, helping with animal care (aquarium

cleaning, feeding animals), photocopying, etc.

The student would learn about how a university research lab is run and would receive

training in aquarium animal husbandry, literature searches, database management,

digital image analyses, and other data analysis/presentation skills.


‐ Experience in at least ONE of the following areas: engineering, physics, biomechanics,

evolutionary/functional morphology, general biology or marine animal care

‐ Organized, detail‐oriented, dependable and willing to learn new skills

‐ Computer prof




Anyone!

paid


no

PROJECT 24

Faculty name

Rolf Karlstrom


www.bio.umass.edu/biology/karlstrom/KarlstromLab.html


Maggie Shen


Lab technician

Title of project

Zebrafish Transgenics


The lab is making a number of transgenic zebrafish lines that express fluorescent proteins

(GFP and RFP) in specific cell types. These lines serve as important tools as we study the

molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide neural and pituitary development. This

project is to use PCR‐based genotyping to identify adult zebrafish that carry the

transgenes of interest and then to set up genetic crosses to establish F1 and F2

generations. The student will also characterize these transgenic lines by documenting

fluorescence at different stages of the life cycle (embryo, larva, and adult) using a

confocal microscope.


Responsible, conscientious person. Some lab experience preferred, but we will train you

in the necessary techniques.




Anyone!


unpaid


yes

PROJECT 25

Faculty name

Rolf Karlstrom


www.bio.umass.edu/biology/karlstrom/KarlstromLab.html


Mary Catanese


Graduate student

Title of project

Mechanisms of Pituitary Growth in Zebrafish


In the Karlstrom lab we are interested in Sonic Hedgehog(Shh) signaling and use zebrafish

as a model system. This particular project examines the role of Shh in the developing

zebrafish pituitary gland. Our focus is on endocrine cell addition and growth in the

pituitary gland along with a potential role for Shh in cell proliferation. The student will

work with a Ph.D. student on her dissertation research. The techniques involved in the

project include immunohistochemistry using antibody labeling and in situ hybridization.

The project additionally relies upon confocal imaging and cell counting in order to

quantify the effects of Shh.


We are looking for a responsible conscientious person who can learn to work somewhat

independently. We will train the student in the needed techniques, but some lab

experiences is desired.




Anyone!


unpaid


yes

PROJECT 26

Faculty name

Rolf Karlstrom


www.bio.umass.edu/biology/karlstrom/FishFacility.html


Judy Bennett


Lab technician

Title of project

Zebrafish Aquaculture


An assistant is needed to help the UMass fish facility manager in a project to investigate

parameters of zebrafish health and disease. This project is to investigate whether and

how a bacterial pathogen can be dealt with in a recirculating system. The student will

help disinfect and move a small recirculating zebrafish system. The major tasks will

involve moving fish, tank cleaning and scrubbing, and reassembly of system in another

facility. The student may help develop PCR‐ or culture‐based assays for detecting the

bacterium in the system so that effectiveness of the process can be monitored. Position

can remain open with additional tank and cleaning duties on a separate system.


Responsible conscientious person who can take on some independence. We will train in

specific techniques but some lab experience is desired.




Anyone!

unpaid


no

PROJECT 27

Faculty name

Lynn Adler




Nicole Soper Gorden


Graduate student

Title of project

The ecology of chemical defenses in flowers

Description of projectFlowers are in a constant battle to attract organisms that help them (such as pollinators) while deterring organisms that

damage them (such as florivores, which eat flowers). Flowers have several traits that serve for attraction (color, size, nectar

production, etc), and can also have traits that serve as a deterrent (e.g. flower chemical defenses). Although researchers

have spent hundreds of years studying leaf herbivores and leaf defenses, very little research has been done on florivores

and flower defenses.

This project will look at how flower attractiveness traits and flower chemical defenses affect insects that interact with

flowers, and whether damage by florivores induces chemical defenses in flowers. This summer, we manipulated

pollinators, florivores, and nectar robbers (which steal nectar without pollinating) and measured how insects interacted

with the plants. We also collected many samples that need to be processed to measure chemical defenses in flowers and

leaves, determine pollen production, and estimate plant reproduction.

This position is for a lab technician assistant whose job is to help process samples collected over the summer. Duties

include:

•�Basic chemical extractions of chemical defenses from flowers and leaves (procedures will be taught and are relatively

simple)

•�Counting and weighing seeds

•�Counting pollen from pollen samples

•�Estimating flower color (using a computer program)

•�Entering data into Excel and proofing data that has already been entered

•�Possibly helping with greenhouse work

The successful candidate(s) should be comfortable using Excel and other basic computer programs, be able to complete

frequently‐repetitive tasks, be familiar with the use of basic lab equipment, be comfortable working with chemistry, and be

able to work independently and meticulously. In return, you will learn data management skills, lab safety protocols, how to

use ImageJ to estimate color, methods of determining plant fitness, two methods of chemical extractions, and methods for

counting pollen, as well as becoming familiar with the process of research and experimental design.

This position is offered for credit (no pay) for ~ 2 students to work 10‐15 hours each a week (depending on the number of

credits taken). There is also the possibility of an independent project for a particularly interested student who has been

doing a satisfactory job with the basic work. This independent project would either be a greenhouse study growing plants

to determine the heritability of flower color in Impatiens capensis or a greenhouse study determining if damage to flowers

by scissors is equivalent to damage to flowers by insect florivores.

PLEASE NOTE: I like to interview students before hiring them. There is only one week between when applications are due

and when I have to hire someone, so make sure you include your availability for a short meeting (usually 30 min or less)

between January 30 and February 6 in your application. It would also be helpful if you could email me with your availability


Interest in the project and/or in plants, insects, ecology, or evolution

Familiarity with Excel and basic computer use

Safe lab protocols

Ability to use basic lab equipment including microscopes, pipettes, scales, etc.

Interest in doing basic chemical extractions, and comfort using mild to moderately

dangerous chemicals

Ability to work independently but ask questions when needed

Ability to do meticulous and sometimes repetitive work

Ability to learn new protocols quickly




Anyone!


unpaid


possibly

Documents

faculty list of projects - UMass Amherst · Molecular genetics/mycology of plant pathogenic fungi ... DNA extraction, PCR ... lab experience is preferred, however, coursework in biotechnology