Our laboratory seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of the population and community ecology of native and imported fire ants, their parasitoid flies and pathogens, while simultaneously applying our findings to biological control efforts. The research takes place at the field laboratory, which is not at the main UT campus. Brackenridge Field Laboratory (BFL) is located at 2907 Lake Austin Blvd.
We are looking for several reliable undergraduate volunteers who can come to Brackenridge Field Lab at least 1x per week for 5 hours or more. We are looking for assistance with prepping equipment and supplies for field work and then working through samples after returning from the field. There are opportunities to gain additional skills in GPS/GIS, entomological identification, laboratory methods, molecular research, science communication, and field trips to our sites across Texas. We sample at multiple state parks.
There may be future opportunities to work with and join other research efforts at the lab.
Required
- UT Austin student with interest in biology
- Ability to travel to BFL 1x week and work for a half day
Preferred
- Upper-division biology major (EEB focus is even better!)
- Previous laboratory or field experience
Please send an email to Stavana@utexas.edu with your resume, UT science classes completed, and a short cover letter telling us why you are interested.
We prefer students stay at least 2 semesters with the possibility of staying longer.
Required:
- Cleaning/prepping/storing phorid traps (fly papering traps)
- Cleaning/prepping field supplies & equipment
- Cleaning/organizing laboratory glassware and supplies
- Data Entry
Optional (skills learned after 1st semester):
- Insectory maintenance (maintaining ant colonies and nest care)
- Identification of pseudacteon fly and ant species
- Setting traps in the field with overnight stays at state parks and other sites
- Basic GPS & GIS skills
- Molecular biology
- Spatial Ecology
