RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES: 
THE IMPACTS OF PESTICIDES ON AMPHIBIANS AND AQUATIC COMMUNITIES 

The Ecology and Evolution Program in the Department of Biological Sciences at 
The University of 
Pittsburgh has an NSF-funded research opportunity for an undergraduate student 
interested in the 
effects of pesticides on aquatic communities.  The successful candidate will be 
trained in all 
aspects of conducting ecological research as part of a diverse research team 
that examines the 
ecology and evolution of aquatic organisms.  The experience will include 
collecting animals from 
ponds, swamps, and marshes, conducting laboratory experiments and outdoor field 
experiments, 
and the opportunity to conduct independent research with the ultimate goal of 
publishing the 
work.  Previous students have published their work in leading journals 
including Ecology, Ecology 
Letters, and Oecologia.

The research experience occurs from early May through mid-August (12 weeks) at 
the University’s 
research station (http://www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/pymatuninglabs.htm).  
The student 
will attend weekly evening seminars and socialize with other undergraduate 
students, graduate 
students, and faculty from around the country.  During this time, the student 
will be paid $320 
per week and enjoy free housing on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in 
northwestern PA.  
There also are funds available for research supplies and travel to nearby field 
sites (having your 
own vehicle would be very useful).

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as 
undergraduate students 
(graduating seniors are not eligible). Minority applicants are especially 
encouraged.  

Interested students should send a cv (i.e. resume), a list of references, and a 
brief cover letter 
detailing their interests in this research opportunity to Dr. Rick Relyea at 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]  For 
more information about the Relyea Lab, check out:  http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/

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