The Schenk Lab at Ohio University is seeking an undergraduate student to conduct research this summer funded by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The student will conduct research on the evolution of flowers over the course of 12 weeks starting in May. The position will be in person in Athens, Ohio.

The REU student will conduct an independent research project to answer the question: are re-evolved stamens reproductively viable? The student's project will investigate whether pollen is viable when stamens re-evolve from staminodes (= infertile stamens). We hypothesize that once stamens re-evolved, either (1) pollens are inviable, (2) pollen viability is maintained through time at a level comparable to those in surrounding stamens, (3) pollen viability increases over time so that stamens evolve to increase reproductive output, or (4) pollen viability decreases over time as stamens become more staminode-like. To answer the above question and test the hypotheses, the student will be using a pollen-viability stain to count the proportion of inviable pollens in preserved flowers and then use a time-calibrated phylogeny that is produced as part of an NSF funded proposal to determine pollen viability and how it has changed through time. The goal is to have the student complete sampling and analyzing the data within the 12-week program, with the broader goal of publishing the results.

The 12-week project comes with a $7,200 stipend to cover housing (the REU student will have to secure housing) and food. Eligible applicants must be enrolled, either part-time or full-time, in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree. Furthermore, candidates must hold U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or be a U.S. permanent resident. Please note that individuals who have attained their bachelor's degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are typically ineligible to participate. Interested applicants should submit an online application that consists of a resume/CV, a cover letter that expresses their interest and addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of two references to: https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/49413

Review of application materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by April 15, 2024.

For more information, see:
Schenk Lab website: https://schenklab.weebly.com/
Environmental and Plant Biology at OU: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/plant-biology
Our NSF funding: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2117446
Application link: https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/49413