This project aims to disentangle biotic and abiotic factors contributing to extinction, colonization, and persistence dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems of Jamaica by utilizing the recent (Quaternary) fossil record. Research opportunities for undergraduates will involve all or some of the following:
1. Fieldwork collecting fossil vertebrate assemblages in caves along the southern coast of Jamaica.
2. visiting museum collections in the United States.
3. Learning how to identify fossils and perform laboratory analyses.
4. Performing computational data analysis.
5. Designing STEM lesson plans for primary school and secondary school audiences.
A major goal of this project is the creation of inquiry-based STEM lesson plans based on the experiences and lessons learned from this research. The lesson plans will be published online as OERs (Open Educational Resources) and distributed to teachers and educators that we work with in Jamaica and Texas. Additionally, there will be opportunities for you to participate in STEM camps and other outreach activities that utilize these lesson plans, both in Jamaica and Texas.
Throughout this project, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), Outreach Coordinator (OC), graduate students, and local collaborators in Jamaica. You will gain experience in multiple aspects of the project, including: data collection (fieldwork and lab work), data analysis, scientific publication, lesson plan development, and community outreach.
To apply you will need to submit answers to a short questionnaire that asks about your interest in the position, how the position aligns with your career/academic goals, and information about relevant coursework, experiences, and other skills. You will also be asked to supply a CV or resumé and contact information for one academic reference.
Please send any questions you have to the project PI mkemp@austin.utexas.edu andthe project Outreach Coordinator megan.oquin@austin.utexas.edu
Additional Information:
• Ideally early in undergraduate career (i.e., can commit to multiple semesters of research)
• Paid, course credit, and capstone/thesis positions available.
For more information about ongoing research in the lab, please visit the Kemp Lab website: www.thekemplab.com
Apply here: https://forms.gle/yWchbT4j6Nhqr4nb8
We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on February 18, 2024.
Preference to candidates who meet some or all of the following qualifications:
- Interested in STEM education, paleontology, geology, ecology, biology, archeology, etc
- For students who are interested in performing fieldwork: Able to hike with equipment and/or sandbags
- For students who are interested in performing fieldwork: Comfortable working in potentially dark and/or confined spaces we might encounter at our field sites
- Experience using Excel, R, and/or other data management/statistical programs, or an interest in learning them
- Attention to detail
- Relevant coursework and/or lab work experience (including coursework/experience in STEM education)
This is an ongoing project, however an ideal candidate could commit to multiple semesters of involvement.
Responsibilities may include: participating in paleontological excavations in Jamaica, collaboratively creating STEM lesson plans, participation in the planning and leading of outreach events (such as STEM camps) in Jamaica and Texas, data analysis and management, specimen identification, photographing specimens, reading scientific papers relevant to the project, participating in the publication of data.
