Cornell University

Title: REU – Tracking invasive species in a cup of water

Website: https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/ 

Description: Aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to global biodiversity. In this project, the selected students will participate in a summer research project aim to obtain population information of invasive species by retrieving DNA from environmental water samples (environmental DNA – eDNA). The proposed experience covers all aspects of environmental DNA research including field collections, laboratory processing, computation and data analysis, and presenting results. To complete their research, students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including ultra-clean laboratories and on-site DNA sequencing/bioinformatics capabilities.

Location: Dept. Ecology and Evolution. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Start and End dates: 5/15/2019 – 8/15/2019

Fellowship positions available: 1

Are the dates flexible? Yes

Eligibility and Requirements: GPA 3.0 and above

Summer Stipend: $500.00/week; plus a meal allowance of $100.00/week (Cornell dining plan is available for the summer)

Other services provided: The research would likely be on a main campus (not at a field station), and so meals would not be provided (although a university cafeteria meal plan might be available). Housing will be provided.  Airfare/ mileage is provided. Research materials or equipment are provided. We have career development / awareness activities in place. There are other weekly educational opportunities on-site for students e.g. seminars