Evolutionary Ecology of Fishes Laboratory: Joining

Are you interested in joining the lab?

Important Notice: The CSU System has just moved forward the deadline for application to the graduate programs to November 30!!!!

As a Graduate Student

I am looking for highly motivated graduate students. Many students have recently graduated from my lab and have gone on to PhD positions or interesting jobs in Environmental Consulting, Education, Fisheries and Wildlife Management. I am looking for new students who want to join our group.

I work hard and I expect my students to also work hard to achieve their goals. Determination to succeed despite obstacles and to contribute are key characteristics I am looking for.

I am interested in both experimental and theoretical evolutionary ecology. My main interests are in aspects of fish reproduction and parental care, though I am interested in all areas of evolutionary and behavioral ecology. I am open to students interested in these areas and also in the practical application of evolutionary ecology to such issues as fisheries management and aquarium fish husbandry. I will also consider students interested in amphibians and reptiles.

Expectations
Academic Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions

As an Undergraduate Research Student

There are a number of ways that undergraduates can become involved in research in my lab. The most obvious way is to do an undergraduate research project under my supervision (course Bio 199). This might involve lab research, such as breeding fish in an aquarium; or field research, such as observing or performing field experiments on California fishes. Students may obtain 1 or 2 units of credit for Bio 199. Come and talk to me if you are interested. You do not need to have a project in mind: I have tons of things that need investigating.

Other students have come to me as part of the McNair Scholars program.

Also, every year I take one or two Honors students to do an Honors thesis. If you are interested in this, talk to me as soon as possible. Although many Honors students don't start their projects until the Fall semester, I have found that starting in the previous summer gives a student a real advantage (and much less stress!).

As a Field Assistant

For my annual field work in January in the rivers and rainforest of northeastern Costa Rica, I typically take one or two students along as field assistants. These are volunteer positions for which the student has to pay their own way (airfare, room and board) but the experience is unforgettable. Contact me ASAP if you are interested. This is only for highly motivated people who really want to see what field biology is all about. It is not a vacation. It will change your life.

As a Student Assistant

From time to time, I need student assistants to help around the lab. Sometimes these are volunteer positions and sometimes these are paid positions. Contact me if you are interested in such a position. Persistence pays.

I am currently looking for one or two undergraduate research students. These might be (but don't have to be) students interested in the Honors program for Fall 2010, and if so, I want them to begin their research no later than the summer of 2010. If you are interested, contact me.

I am currently considering taking one or two new graduate students for Spring 2010 or Fall 2010. Right now, I am particularly interested in students who might be interested in (a) detailed laboratory studies of cichlid behavior, or (b) applying molecular tools to fishes (e.g., salmon, cichlids, sunfishes). It would be ideal if students interested in the latter already had some training in these techniques.

 

CSUS BIO SCI