|
Opportunities for M.S. and Ph.D. students
One or more graduate students conduct MS thesis or Ph.D. dissertation research in my laboratory at any given time. I will provide all necessary training in lab techniques. Graduate students are required to work independently and to participate in collaborative research efforts. They will be asked to supervise the work of undergraduates, as appropriate. Publication of MS and Ph.D. work is expected.
Prospective graduate students with an interest in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), comparative and developmental morphology, and/or the sensory biology of fishes (specifically the lateral line system) are encouraged to write to me.
All Webb lab students have presented their work at national or international conferences, and/or published in prominent peer-reviewed journals. My students have gone on to Ph.D. programs in Neurobiology and Systematic Ichthyology.
Future projects for graduate students will use different fish taxa (e.g.,flatfish, cichlids, zebrafish, salmonids) to address questions dealing with the patterns and mechanisms of development in the post-embryonic lateral line system, the genetic basis of morpholgoical differences in the lateral line system, developmental integration of the lateral line system in dermal cranial bones, and the evolution of lateral line meristics. Other projects may involve comparative morphological, developmental and/or behavioral approaches to the biology of the mechanosensory lateral line system of fishes. Projects dealing with the auditory, electrosensory and chemosensory systems (olfaction/gustation) may also be developed depending on a students’ experience and interests, Dr. Webb’s expertise, collaborations with other labs (URI and elsewhere) and grant funding priorities.
Funding - The Department of Biological Sciences provides financial support to qualified MS and Ph.D. students in the form of Teaching Assistantships (stipend for 9-month academic year and tuition remission) and research support is available from the Department, College and Provosts office on a competitive basis. Summer stipend support may be available in summer 2008 and 2009 for qualified graduate students carrying out their research on a full-time basis.
Opportunities for Post-Docs
I am currently seeking a Post-Doc with experience in gene expression studies and an interest in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) to work on patterns and mechanisms of development in the post-embryonic (larval/juvenile) lateral line system of zebrafish and other fishes (see Webb and Shirey, 2003. Developmental Dynamics 228: 370-385). The Ph.D. must be completed (dissertation defended, with documentation) by start date. Potential post-docs are encouraged to seek their own funding, but grant funding in the Webb lab may also be able to provide post-doc support.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
There are generally opportunities for qualified undergraduates who wish to assist other members of the lab with a research project or to carry out an independent research project. Students need to commit to working for one summer (full-time or in some cases, part-time), or for one academic year (approx. 6-10 hours/week). Students may earn credit for independent research or be paid as research assistants with Work-Study or Student Employment funds. The Coastal Fellows Program can also provide stipends for undergraduate research. I will provide all necessary training in laboratory techniques, with the assistance of other members of the lab.
URI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer and values diversity and also is an NSF ADVANCE institutional transformation university, working to advance the careers of women faculty, especially in the science and engineering disciplines.
|
