A PhD assistantship is available for Fall 2017, in Randy Mitchell's laboratory at The University of Akron. A portion of the student's research must focus on empirical exploration of the effects of ecological context (pollinator sharing) on pollination biology and mating system of Mimulus ringens in Ohio and Wisconsin. Beyond that requirement, there is substantial freedom to develop and explore many aspects of the general topics of pollination, and mating systems. The student's research will be part of a joint project coordinated with Jeff Karron at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Dorset Trapnell (University of Georgia), Emmanuelle Porcher (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle) and Celine Devaux (Université de Montpellier). This collaborative research will use empirical and theoretical investigations to test the hypothesis that interactions with co-flowering species alter the evolutionary tradeoff between outcross siring and selfing. This position includes TA support, and, pending funding, two years of RA support and summer stipend. The Integrated Biosciences PhD program at the University of Akron is a unique interdisciplinary PhD program where biology is at the interface of research that cuts across traditional departmental boundaries. IB PhD students take a synthetic approach in their research and education, and gain skills and training in how to work across fields of study. For this project, interdisciplinary connections to mathematics, geography, or statistics are promising possibilities. Learn more about the Integrated Biosciences program at https://www.uakron.edu/ib/ . And learn more about the Department of Biology at https://www.uakron.edu/biology/ .
The University of Akron is a state university located in the heart of Akron, Ohio, near the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). The Biology Department emphasizes collaborative and integrative research, including the PhD program in Integrated Bioscience, and a MS program in Biology. Facilities include a 400+ acre field station, greenhouse, and live animal research center. We have excellent relations with the CVNP and local metroparks, which provide access to over 40,000 acres of potential field sites within 40 miles. Our graduate students have been successful in finding employment in their specialties, including work as professors, consultants, field technicians, government agents (e.g., EPA, Department of Natural Resources), park naturalists, and so forth. The Biology Department has a strong program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Areas of interest for graduate research include: life history evolution, mating systems, aquatic ecology, pollination biology, wetland ecology, physiological ecology, isotope ecology, behavioral evolution, spider biology, and evolutionary biomechanics. For more information, contact Randy Mitchell ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>), and visit https://blogs.uakron.edu/mitchell/
