After the program

Here’s a quick update on some of the activities of our students since leaving the program.

Cassandra Rivas (2007-2008) and Amery Yang (2008-2009) are both pursuing graduate degrees.

Stephanie Jimenez (2008-2009) recently published a peer reviewed paper based on her REU work.

Jimenez SA, Faulkes Z. 2011. Can the parthenogenetic marbled crayfish Marmorkrebs compete with other crayfish species in fights? Journal of Ethology 29(1): 115-120. DOI: 10.1007/s10164-010-0232-2

Abstract

The parthenogenetic marbled crayfish, Marmorkrebs, has no known wild population, but has been introduced into natural ecosystems in two continents. Interactions with native crayfish, particularly through fighting, could affect the ecological impact of Marmorkrebs introductions. Marmorkrebs have been characterized anecdotally as having low levels of aggression, which could mitigate their potential to compete with native species. We isolated Marmorkrebs and Louisiana red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), then conducted size-matched intra- and interspecific pairings. Marmorkrebs were as likely to win a fight as P. clarkii, although contests between P. clarkii and Marmorkrebs were significantly faster to begin than contests between two Marmorkrebs. These results suggests that Marmorkrebs have the potential to compete with other species on the same level as P. clarkii, which is itself a highly successful introduced species around the world.

Keywords: aggression • crayfish • competition • invasive species • marbled crayfish • Marmorkrebs • Louisiana red swamp crayfish • Procambarus clarkii

UTPA REU application for Summer 2010 now live

The UTPA REU application form is now available here. Some of the form material still needs to be updated, notably the application deadline! It's 3 May 2010. Currently, we are planning on recruiting one student for this summer.

Kawaii is, perhaps, not the impression you want to make

More tips for applying to programs from Bug Girl’s Blog. Includes this classic piece of advice:

Do not print your cover letter for an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates on Hello Kitty paper.

Seriously.

Had it not also come with transcripts attached, I’d think some of you were just messing with me.

Woods Hole REU

The institution: Marine Biological Laboratory

The program: Each undergraduate student will be placed in the laboratory of an MBL research scientist and fully participate in all laboratory exercises and activities. The program will provide a stipend of approximately $4,000 to each student, and room and board for 10 weeks. The program will run from 13 June through 21 August 2010.

Eligibility: Highly motivated rising sophomore and junior students.

Application deadline: 1 April 2010

More information: http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/reu.html

Bioenergy REU

The institution: South Dakota State University

The program: This new interdisciplinary REU site will allow 10 undergraduate students in plant science, chemistry, biology or engineering to learn research skills and to participate in unique research experiences related to biofuels and bioenergy crops. The research projects are divided into three areas: feedstock development, environmental sustainability, and bioprocessing.

• 31 May 31 - 6 August 2010
• $460/week, paid on-campus housing, food allowance, travel expenses

Eligibility:

• US citizenship or permanent resident
• Declared major related to the project of interest
• Sophomore year completed by 31 May 2010
• Interest in research in an multidisciplinary environment.

Application deadline: 15 April 2010

More information: Visit http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/reu_bioenergy or email Dr. Heike Bucking

One slot!

There will be one slot available for a student to join the UTPA REU program this summer.

The application deadline is to be announced, but will probably be around mid- April. Questions can be emailed to Zen Faulkes in the meantime.

Dengue infection research

The institution: The University of Texas-Pan American

The program: Dengue infection rates along the U.S./Mexico border are drastically (many orders of magnitude) lower on the American side, and Dr. Chris Vitek will be looking into possible reasons. Dr. Vitek will be hiring two students this summer.

The summer employment will consist of collecting field specimens, identifying locations of high mosquito activity (the specific vectors of Dengue), lab work to identify mosquitoes, and conducting surveys to assess local exposure to the disease vectors.

• $1,500 pay.
• 20 hours of work per week.
• Travel to Louisiana State University for 3 to 5 days this summer.

Eligibility:

• Students must be a current UTPA student, but they do not have to be registered for the summer.
• Students must have access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Previous research experience, collecting experience, or entomology experience (or class work) is not required but beneficial.

Application deadline: Until filled

More information: Email vitekc@utpa.edu