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=3D2117446
Application link:  https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/49413

schenk@ohio.edu

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