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The Biology Department at Boston College does not have a core set of faculty with concentrated research in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB). Thus, students interested in these fields have somewhat limited opportunities to gain experience through coursework or research. This page provides some guidance to such students.
The Biology Department at Boston College does not have a core set of faculty with concentrated research in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB). Thus, students interested in these fields have somewhat limited opportunities to gain experience through coursework or research. This page provides some guidance to such students.
EEB Courses @BC:
The selection of EEB courses offered in the Biology Department has expanded in recent years with the addition of courses like Ornithology (BIOL4110), Ecology in a Changing Climate (BIOL4130), Behavioral Ecology (BIOL4450), and Deep Sea Biology (BIOL4030). All of these courses are taught by myself or Dr. Heather Olins. Other faculty in the Biology Department that teach courses in organismal biology include Dr. Sarah McMenamin (e.g., Evolution and Development, BIOL4050) and Dr. Chris Kenaley (e.g., Topics in Biomechanics, BIOL 5380).
Beyond the Biology Department, students should also review the course offerings and faculty research in the Environmental Studies program. This interdisciplinary program includes courses related to the exploration of the expanding human impact on the Earth's environment, including classes on ecosystems, climate change, management, and law.
EEB Research @BC:
BC undergraduates interested in conducting research in ecology, behavior, or evolution with me have three general options:
Enroll in an Advanced Experience lab course that I teach (e.g., BIOL4802: Research in Evolutionary Genomics)
Apply for the opportunity to enroll in Undergraduate Research under my mentorship (credit)
Apply for a BC fellowship or research grant (paid). Examples include Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Advanced Study Grants, and Thesis Research Grants.
For options 2 and 3, I encourage students to first do some volunteer work in the lab and also think about independent projects that are aligned with both of our interests and then meet with me to further develop a research plan. Students interested in working in my lab should also read my lab's mission statement, which outlines the goals of the lab, what you should expect from me, and what I will expect from you.
EEB Outside BC:
Students could gain experience outside of Boston College by through courses at other colleges in the Boston area, summer field courses, internship programs, or jobs. There are lots of these opportunities out there, and below are links for a few helpful resources:
The National Science Foundation funds many Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs across the country. Many of these opportunities are available during the summer.
Summer field ecology courses/programs:
Job boards:
Eco-log (search archives for terms like research assistant, field assistant, field technician)
Ecolgy and conservations jobs at Massachusetts organizations:
Massachusetts state government jobs (filter by organization: Department of Fish and Game)
MassWildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
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