The Alofs Lab at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) has a REU intern position for a project, funded by the  National Science Foundation (NSF), to use museum specimens in examining changes in fish growth over time. In our lab, we study the effects of environmental change on freshwater fishes and how to manage and conserve aquatic ecosystems. More details on the lab here: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/alofs. 

Project Description

     Climate change is predicted to shrink body sizes and in doing so alter interactions between species and their environment with implications for survival, reproduction, and ecosystem services (including nutrient transport and food provisioning). Evidence suggests that not all species are equally impacted by climate change. But our understanding of changes in fish size and the underlying process of growth are primarily from fisheries records and do not represent the range of fish diversity. 

We will examine patterns of growth across decades of environmental change and across a group of freshwater fish species, with different traits and ecological roles. We will use a combination of museum specimens and data from historical fisheries surveys to improve our understanding of the impacts of climate on fish growth. Focusing on species which are common in Michigan lakes, the researchers will examine patterns of growth across the last century and across gradients in temperature and growing season length. Fish growth is recorded in hard structures, including scales, which have rings delimiting growth periods between years. Because of this, museum specimens hold evidence of changes in growth rates across time and space. In this project, age at capture size (length-at-age, a measure of growth) will be estimated using non-destructive scale samples of thousands of museum specimens. 

The REU intern will collect data from museum specimens and develop a research question to investigate during their summer experience. With the guidance of a research mentor the student will analyze data and prepare a presentation reporting on their findings. This work will contribute to the larger lab project testing for changes in growth across species and disentangling climate effects from other factors which can influence fish growth. By identifying the characteristics that put species at risk and the conditions driving changes in fish populations and communities, this research will inform the conservation and management of freshwater fishes.

Student tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with other students and researchers in the lab group and sometimes independently

• Work with museum collections: measuring fish specimens, collecting scales and other structures

• Work in the lab aging fishes: cleaning and mounting scales, estimating fish ages by counting rings using a microscope

• Data entry and basic analysis

• Developing and presenting research poster for symposium

Minimum qualifications 

Attention to detail, interest in working with museum specimens, in ecology, and in fishes. Ability to travel to Campus and Research Museums Collections (shuttle is available), ability to work independently. Ability to commit full-time (40 hrs/week for 8 weeks) to the REU project.

Summer 2023 Program Dates: June 12 - August 4, 2023

Locations:

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Dana Building and Research Museum Center

Benefits:

Participants will earn a $4,000 stipend over the course of the 8-week program. On-campus housing will be provided along with $100 /wk credit for food and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel to Ann Arbor

Eligibility:

• NSF funded REU Students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

• Current undergraduates residing in the U.S. enrolled at a U.S. institution who will have completed at least one year college credit by May 30 2023. Applicants who will complete their degree before September 1, 2023 are not eligible.

• Applicants must have also completed at least one college-level course in ecology or related discipline.

• Students must provide their own health insurance coverage

• Faculty, staff, and students on UM Campuses are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, with limited exemptions.   

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds. SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, discourages and restoratively respond to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.

How to Apply:

The application deadline is February 27th, 2023

Please use this application form. You will be asked for identifying information as well as:

• Your primary field of study (major(s) and minor(s))

• Two courses you have completed which are relevant to this opportunity and grades received (college-level science, statistics or programing)

• Interest statement: a paragraph explaining why you would like to participate in this research opportunity at UM this summer including your interests in the field of ecology or fisheries, and how you think this experience will help you reach your goals (500 words or less)

• Personal statement: information about your background and experience, how has it led you to your current interests, and how it has prepared you to engage in this research opportunity (500 words or less)

• Your academic transcript (informal is acceptable, PDF)

• Your Resume/CV (PDF)

• Names and contact information for two professional or academic references

Acceptance decisions and notifications will be made by late March.