Education

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates.

There are many ways for undergraduates to get involved in research in my lab:

  1. Volunteer work in the lab. There is often more work to be done, and if you have some time, we can probably find a place for you. This is great way to see if research is for you, show off your hard-working self to put yourself in line for future job opportunities in the lab, and get ideas for independent projects.
  2. Independent projects for credit, through the Directed Independent Study program. To do research for credit, you first need to show me that you are likely to work hard by getting good grades or working in the lab.
  3. Laboratory assistant positions. These are paid positions which are generally full-time during the summer and part-time during the academic year. A great way to get one of these is to volunteer in the lab, or do a DIS project.

If you want to get involved in research, I have several pieces of advice. First, plan on it taking a good deal of your time. Second, plan to get involved as early in your career as possible. I and other potential research advisers love to see a first or second year student come knocking. If you start now, you can learn to design your own projects, and think for yourself. That way you will be both productive and useful to your lab. Third, if you can, figure out what we do in the lab, and why you might be interested before you come knocking. You don't need to know you want a career in what the lab does, but interest really keeps you going. Most of the actual doing of science is both routine, and it really matters if you do it well. Fourth, be persistent. We may not have room for anyone when you first come by, but if you come back again later, I will be impressed by your gumption.

Courses

In Fall 2017, I am teaching IFS2105 Evolution, Medicine and Evidence, a liberal studies course that emphasizes writing. We will learn about the evidence is that evolution has happened, and how evolutionary thinking is helping the medical profession understand human health and disease.

In Spring 2018, I am teaching a graduate course, Advanced Evolutionary Biology.

I have also recently taught Evolution, Introduction to Biology, and a section of Experimental Biology devoted to meta-analyses of Biomedical data.

I am always on the lookout for new songs to sing in class. Let me know if you have any.