IGERT Graduate Training Grant for Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

IGERT Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Applications accepted through March 15, 2008, but apply by February 15 for fullest consideration.

The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program on Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes (ISG-IGERT) is supported by the National Science Foundation. The program prepares Ph.D. students to conduct research that will improve Ecological Risk Analysis and contribute practical solutions to the many policy challenges surrounding the management of introduced species and genotypes.

We are recruiting a select group of undergraduates to conduct summer research with our faculty and students on topics related to invasive species and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Example topics* include:
• Invasive plant evolution
• Evolution of resistance to genetically modified crops
• Global warming and its role in species invasions
• Determining non-target impacts of genetically modified crops
• Restoration of wetlands after control of invasive reed canary grass
• Developing non-invasive horticultural plants
• Assessing impact of invasive earthworms
• Using Asian wasps to control the soybean aphid
• Biological control of invasive plants
• Predicting impacts of invasives on native communities
• Assessing whether money and resources should be spent on prevention or control
• Assessing policy decisions to release new species and genetically engineered organisms

We strongly encourage you to interact with our faculty as you develop your application and please identify faculty you might be interested in working with on your application form.
*Note that many other available faculty topics are not listed here and not all of the listed faculty will be available this year.

We encourage applications from persons of under-represented groups. The program has additional resources and opportunities for minority students. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

The program provides:
• Summer stipend of $4000 ($400 per week for the 10-week program)
• Assistance for housing in the Twin Cities
• Assistance for travel
• Cutting-edge research experiences on invasive species and GMOs
• Training in risk analysis
• Collaborative research opportunities

Students will participate in the programs of the Life Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP).

The LSSURP program will provide:
• An orientation weekend (May 29 – June 1, 2008) at Lake Itasca.
• Graduate programs fair and seminars to sharpen your skills for applying to graduate
school and taking the GRE
• Mid-summer picnic
• End of summer poster session and awards banquet
• Weekend excursions and social activities

This program will be administered through the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (LSSURP) office which also houses programs in neuroscience, molecular biology, and Global Change at the Headwaters of the Mississippi REU.

Apply via the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Programs. Applications will be considered through March 15, 2008 (February 15 preferred). To apply online go to: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/main/summer_research/ApplInstr.html.

For additional information on the ISG IGERT program contact:
Ray Newman, ISG-IGERT Project Director
Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Phone: (612) 625-5704 or RNewman@umn.edu

For information on the LSSURP program contact:
Evelyn Juliussen, Program Coordinator, LSSURP
Phone: (612) 625-2275 or summer_research@umn.edu