RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES:

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 relyea@pitt.edu. For
more information about the Relyea Lab, check out: http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/