Nevada INBRE: Milkweed Research

Post date: Nov 7, 2016 3:04:02 AM

INBRE Milkweed Undergraduate Research Description

We are seeking motivated and responsible undergraduate researchers to participate in scientific research in TMCC’s Biology and Community Health Science Department! This research is entry-level, meaning that any TMCC student taking 6 or more credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 can apply, regardless of your major, coursework, or financial need. We especially encourage underrepresented and minority students to apply; however all applicants will be considered.

What kind of research can you expect? Research will take place in field, lab, and greenhouse settings during various phases of the project. During summer and fall 2018, we will search along the Truckee River corridor for milkweed populations. We will regularly visit these sites in order to collect seeds, which usually occurs in late summer. During fall and winter 2018, most work will be conducted in the lab setting as germination and growth experiments begin. Here, we will photograph seedlings and use computer software to measure growth to investigate the effects of different germination techniques. In winter and spring 2019, most work will take place in the greenhouse setting where milkweeds will be transplanted into pots and growth and survivorship will continue to be measured. Finally, in summer 2019, most work will be based in the field as milkweeds are transplanted into native habitat along the Truckee River corridor and data on growth and survivorship will be collected. Throughout the project, you will also conduct background research relating to the project, work with community partners, and contribute to presenting at local meetings and/or conferences.

What is the time commitment? The project period will begin May 2018 and run through August 2019. While we would like the interns to participate during the full project period, we understand that other commitments and opportunities may arise. The amount of work will vary 5-10 hours/week, and there is some flexibility with the hours, especially during the semester. Interns will be expected to expect to work during the week and at times during the weekend. The pay is $10.00/hour.

What are some benefits of participating in undergraduate research? There are several reasons to participate in research: network with others in the community, build your resume, develop marketable skills applicable to any field of study, open the door to future research opportunities, participate in restoring native habitat in Reno for monarch butterflies, and build presentation skills, to name a few!

I’m not a science major and this is my first semester at TMCC, can I still apply? Definitely- this research opportunity is open to you as long as you are a student at TMCC and enrolled in at least 6 credits! We are seeking applicants who show initiative, responsibility, and an enthusiasm for participating in scientific research.

Apply here as an undergradate research applicant: https://tinyurl.com/INBRE-Apply

Apply here as a Federal Work Study applicant: https://tmcc-csm.symplicity.com/

There are also opportunities to earn credit while working on this research project (BIOL 190: Internship in Biology) or volunteer. Please contact Dr. Lahti if you are interested in these opportunities.

What if I have more questions? We encourage you to contact Dr. Megan Lahti, the project principal investigator, with any questions:

Dr. Megan Lahti

Biology Instructor, TMCC

mlahti@tmcc.edu

775-673-8218

Office: RDMT 331G