The University of Akron Field Station

Dr. Paul E. Martin Center for Field Studies and Environmental Education

REU Program

Research Experiences for Undergraduates

“Ecology at the Urban-Rural Interface”

Department of Biology, The University of Akron

We are pleased to announce the 2010 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation and The University of Akron.

     • May 24 - July 30

     • Based at The UA Field Station, located on the edge of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley

     • Near the metropolitan areas of Akron and Cleveland in NE Ohio

This REU site focuses on collaborative research investigating species, interactions, and ecosystems within human dominated landscapes.  Students will be immersed in their own research projects that are part of a larger, interactive team of students and faculty. Each student will receive:

     • $4500 stipend

     • Housing provided

     • Food allowance

Program highlights include:

     • Research opportunities in the field and/or lab

     • Experience gathering and analyzing data, writing-up results, and creating  presentations

     • Field trips: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Lake Erie

     • Annual Research Symposium and Banquet

Potential mentors include:

     • Dr. Todd Blackledge -- behavioral ecology; evolution and biomechanics of spider silk
     • Dr. Bruce Cushing -- behavioral neuroscience
     • Dr. Jessica Hopkins -- stream ecology; human impacts on ecosystems
     • Dr. Rich Londraville -- fat metabolism in fishes; calcium cycling
     • Dr. Randy Mitchell -- plant-pollinator interactions; adaptive nature of floral traits
     • Dr. Paco Moore -- evolutionary genetics; vertebrate zoology

     • Dr. Peter Niewiarowski -- biologically-inspired design; physiological ecology; population biology of reptiles and amphibians

     • Dr. Don Ott -- molecular phylogeny of Vaucheria; cell biology and microscopy
     • Dr. Jean Pan -- plant and microbial ecology; plant/fungal interactions
     • Dr. Dan Petit -- conservation biology of neotropical migrant songbirds
     • Dr. Matt Shawkey -- structural coloration in bird plumage; evolution of animal signaling
     • Dr. Greg Smith -- wildlife ecology and conservation; biogeography; landscape ecology

Results from Previous Summers:

     • Summer 2009 Program Poster

     • Summer 2009 Project Abstracts

(Art by REU 2009 student Ryan Folk.)

Review of Applications Will Begin February 16, 2010

Undergraduates with interests in ecology and evolutionary biology from any institution are eligible. 

Successful applicants will exhibit intellectual and scholarly excellence as demonstrated by academic achievement, possess a minimum grade point average of 2.75/4.0, have high potential for conducting independent research, and have strong letters of reference.  Students should be committed for the duration of the summer program, including some weekends for research or field trips.  

Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Click here to apply!

For more information:

• Contact the Program Director, Dr. Randy Mitchell (330-972-5122 or rjm2@uakron.edu)

• Write to Biology REU Program, Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908