MS Degree Opportunities in Evolutionary Biology at Western Washington University The Biology Department at Western Washington University has openings for evolutionary biology graduate students starting Fall 2025. Many graduate students in the Biology Department are supported by teaching assistantships, which include a stipend and tuition waiver. WWU is located in Bellingham, WA, a coastal city north of Seattle at the base of Mt. Baker in the northwestern part of the state. Interested students should contact potential advisors prior to submitting an application. APPLICATION DUE DATE: Feb. 1, 2025 You can find more information with the following resources: - The Biology Dept: https://biology.wwu.edu/biology-graduate-program - The WWU Graduate School: http://www.wwu.edu/gradschool/App_Reqs_Deadlines.shtml; - Teaching assistant compensation: https://gradschool.wwu.edu/ta-compensation and other information: https://gradschool.wwu.edu/teaching-assistantships - Dr. Shawn Arellano, Biology Graduate Program Advisor: BiologyGradProgram@wwu.edu. Potential Advisors: Jim Cooper: The Cooper lab is currently looking for students interested in working on the evolution and development of fish feeding mechanics. This research integrates experimental studies of development with evolutionary studies of form, function, and feeding ecology. Applicants should have a record of strong academic performance. Previous research experience is preferred, but not required. Inquiries should include a transcript (unofficial is fine) and a statement of interest that explains why our lab is a good fit for you. https://biology.wwu.edu/people/cooperw5 Craig Moyer: My interests are marine microbiology and geomicrobiology focusing on molecular approaches for exploring microbial diversity, community structure and ecological interactions. Presently, my lab and I are focused on the study of iron-oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria acting as the ecosystem engineers in microbial mats found at strong redox boundaries, including seep, spring and vent habitats. We are also examining the evolutionary divergence of surface and deep subsurface Zetaproteobacteria in hydrothermal systems. https://biology.wwu.edu/people/cmoyer Dan Pollard: Evolution of gene expression and cellular aging in yeast. The Pollard lab is a collaborative research group studying the natural variation of cell biological processes with a focus on regulation of gene expression and cellular aging. We are motivated by understanding how cells vary and evolve but also how this knowledge can be applied to medicine. For example, our research on natural variation in mRNA physical properties informs questions about why some individuals make more protein in their cells but also how to optimally design mRNA vaccines. The system we use is S. cerevisiae, or "brewer's yeast". We are seeking graduate student candidates with an interest in developing statistical and bioinformatics skills. Graduate and undergraduate students typically work collaboratively in teams on projects and there are opportunities to develop new research directions. Please email me (pollard@wwu.edu) if you are interested in joining our team. https://wp.wwu.edu/pollardlab/prospective-students/ Chris Templeton: Avian communication, cognition, and behavioral ecology. Our research group is interested in understanding animal communication and cognition from behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. Much of our research uses birds as model systems and ongoing work includes local field projects examining the alarm call communication networks of chickadees and other songbirds, tropical fieldwork examining duet function and learning in neotropical wrens, and local field and lab studies examining how anthropogenic noise pollution impacts animal communication and cognitive processing. Our research team is inclusive and collaborative and welcomes students wanting to work under one of these projects or develop their own related research questions or study systems. https://biology.wwu.edu/people/templec2 Matthew Zinkgraf: Research in the Zinkgraf lab is focused on the ecological genomics of undomesticated forest trees. To accomplish this research, we apply an interdisciplinary approach that utilizes methods from computational biology, genetics/genomics, molecular biology and forest ecology. Ongoing research in the lab is concentrated around three main projects. First, investigating the genetic regulation of wood formation in Populus by understand how epigenetic modifications at specific genes can alter gene expression and regulatory networks. Second, elucidating the molecular mechanisms between woody tree species and beneficial microbial symbioses. Third, creating genomic resources for Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), and apply these resources to understand patterns of genetic variation. https://biology.wwu.edu/people/zinkgrm Daniel A. Pollard, Ph.D (he/they)  Associate Professor  Western Washington University  Dan Pollard (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)