The Pymatuning Lab of Ecology is pleased to again invite applicants to our summer undergraduate research program that is open to Pitt undergraduates interested in pursuing research toward a career in ecology or evolutionary biology. The program provides support for students to be in residence at the field station for nine weeks over the summer to work with faculty on a semi-independent research project. No prior research experience is required, and applications from students for whom this would be a first experience in research are encouraged. Student participants will receive free room and board at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology for the nine weeks of the program. At the end of the program, each participant will receive a stipend of $3,000.
Students in the program will be expected to be able to devote their full effort (i.e., 40 hours/week) to the program and their project. This means that participants must plan to be in residence at the Pymatuning Lab (aside from weekends and holidays) and should not have other conflicting time commitments (e.g., classes, other employment, volunteering, or fellowship commitments) during the nine weeks of the program (June 2 - August 2) .
During the first week of the program, we will run a research workshop to provide the students with an initial cohort experience and a solid footing in the process of conducting scientific research. During this first week, and each subsequent week, the students will also (1) attend a weekly “journal club” meeting, where they will discuss a paper relevant to the topic of that week’s talk in the PLE’s evening seminar series, and (2) meet one on one with their faculty mentor about their research project. During each of weeks 2 – 9 the students will also (3) meet twice a week as a cohort, with a program mentor. Aside from these structured times, the students will be free to carry out their projects while in residence at PLE. At the end of the nine weeks, each student will present a research talk and write a research report.
The application deadline is Monday, February 26, 2024. To apply, complete an application form at https://form.jotform.com/220473290132042. Within the form you will be asked to upload your undergraduate transcript in high resolution PDF (saved as lastname_firstname_transcript.pdf), your resume or Curriculum vita (CV), (saved as lastname_firstname_CV). Two letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your science and/or research progress in college are also required.
Please ask letter writers to save files as yourlastname_letterwriterlastname_letter and to email letters to cori.zawacki@pitt.edu by the application deadline. **Please give your recommenders notice NOW that you intend to apply!**
Please contact Dr. Cori Richards-Zawacki (cori.zawacki@pitt.edu) with any questions.