The Ervin, Wallace, and Welch Labs at Mississippi State University are looking for graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) interested in studying plant ecology, evolution, and/or systematics. This group has a record of attracting federal funding from the NSF, USGS, and EPA. This group uses a wide array of approaches ranging from field collection and experimentation, to molecular approaches including next-generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. ** The Welch lab is currently studying adaptive evolution at the level of gene expression in sunflowers. Specifically, we are trying to understand the role that transcribed microsatellites may play in generating adaptive variation. Our approach combines population genetics, quantitative genetics, and functional genomics. We have also recently initiated collaborative work that is allowing us to study gene expression variation at microsatellite encoding loci at the interspecific level. ** Current research projects in Ervin's lab include development of landscape-scale species distribution models as means of evaluating current hypotheses about plant species invasions and projects related to general conservation ecology of plants in southeastern US ecosystems. ** Current research projects in Wallace's lab include systematics of Acmispon (Fabaceae) and evolutionary ecology of legume-rhizobium relationships. Additionally, GRA funding is available to support students interested in herbarium curation and use of the collection for studies of Southeastern flora. ** Funding for students may also be provided through teaching assistantships within the department. We are looking for students to start at any time in 2013. Information on Graduate Students in the Department of Biological Sciences is available at http://biology.msstate.edu/degrees/graduate/ ** Please contact Gary Ervin (gervinATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu), Lisa Wallace (lisawallaceATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu), or Mark Welch (welchATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu) for more information. Also, a CV that includes information regarding prior education and research experience would be appreciated, along with a statement of studentsÂ’ specific research interests. ** For more information about the Wallace, Ervin, and Welch Labs, please visit our websites: http://lw404.biology.msstate.edu/, http://garyervin.net/, http://markwelch.net/Welcome.html **
