The Wetzel Lab at Michigan State University is accepting applications from prospective PhD and MS students interested in studying how biological diversity or environmental variability influences insects and their interactions with plants and predators. The lab uses field experiments and quantitative tools to address fundamental ecological questions that are relevant to agricultural sustainability or climate change. There are currently two main lines of inquiry in the lab:
1) How does trait diversity within and among plant species influence insect herbivores and predators? We are especially focused on diversity in plant chemistry among individuals within a population. 2) How does temperature variability influence interactions among plants, insect herbivores, and predators? We are interested in understanding how the increased frequency of high temperature events associated with climate change is changing the ecology of plants and insects. I am interested in students who would like to collaborate with me on these projects as well as students who would like to develop novel projects related to the ecology of plants and insects in a variable world. Please see http://wetzellab.com <http://wetzellab.com/research> for more information. I plan to take students both through the Department of Entomology (http://www.ent.msu.edu/) and the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program (https://eebb.msu.edu/). *Qualifications* Applications should have a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, entomology, environmental science, or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with research experience, a broad understanding of ecological principles, and knowledge of plant-insect interactions. Applicants should have strong quantitative skills or an interest in learning them. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. A MS is not necessary for PhD applicants, but it could be helpful. The Wetzel Lab strives to be a safe space for diversity in STEM. *Funding* Students in the lab receive a generous stipend, a tuition waiver, and a travel budget. This financial support comes through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships. Students are also encouraged to seek external fellowships through the NSF, USDA, and other sources. *Plant-insect ecology at Michigan State University* MSU is an exciting place to study plant-insect ecology. The university has a large and dynamic community of scientists working on cutting-edge questions about plants and insects in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Potential collaborators and colleagues can be found in the departments of Entomology, Plant Biology, and Integrative Biology, and across the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. The university has an extensive greenhouse facility and access to field sites on campus and at the MSU Kellogg Biological Station nearby. *How to apply* Prospective students interested in applying should read the lab webpage ( http://wetzellab.com and http://www.ent.msu.edu/directory/will_wetzel) and email me (wcwet...@msu.edu) with the following. 0) "Prospective student” in subject line of email 1) Brief cover letter describing research interests and career goals 2) CV 3) Unofficial transcripts 4) Sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a class) 5) Names and email addresses for 3 references Applicants who email me by November 1st will be given preference. This will allow time for us to discuss potential projects before applications are due to the graduate school on December 1st. I will schedule informal Skype interviews with the best candidates to discuss potential projects in more detail. -- William Wetzel Assistant Professor Department of Entomology Michigan State University http://wetzellab.com
