Our lab is always looking for motivated undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to join us!
See details below for timing and other requirements.
LSU undergraduate students most often join the lab to get independent research credit (BIOL 3999). Because Biology Education Research is a bit different from 'standard' lab work, there are fewer 'intro' jobs that students can have in the lab (we don't need you to wash glassware, take care of mice, or feed the drosophila!).
The good news: You will get to work on ~actual~ research, collecting data, doing analyses, and sharing your results, pretty soon after joining the lab!
The bad news: Because the first few months of your time in the lab will be spent training you (in qualitative research methods, statistical coding in R, reading and writing scientific literature), I will only discuss research opportunities with students who can commit to at least two semesters of work in the lab, ideally more.
If you're interested in learning more about undergraduate research opportunities (including the Distinguished UG Researcher program) - email me mweatherton @ lsu .edu and we can set up a meeting to discuss further!
Graduate students enroll in a PhD program, which usually lasts between 4-6 years total. During that time, you'll spend the first ~2 years taking course work in statistics, advanced biology content, and bio-ed research methods and theory. During your program, you'll conduct independent research, with a goal of producing at least three research products (i.e., papers) before you graduate. Graduate students at LSU (and most STEM programs in the US) get paid during their program in exchange for teaching approximately 20 hours per week. You can check out this website to compare base stipend rates across the US (but note that PIs have the ability to pay their students more on top of their stipend!).
I am currently recruiting PhD students to work with me on research that focuses on resource use in STEM higher education -- students can utilize qualitative or quantitative approaches, and I encourage projects that explore resource use across a range of levels (e.g., undergraduates, graduate students) and contexts (e.g., intro bio, upper-division courses, etc).
If you are interested in joining the lab as a graduate student, you'll have to apply through the LSU Department of Biological Sciences graduate program, which has an annual deadline of January 3rd for Fall admission. Therefore, for full consideration please email me before ~November so that we can chat about your application. When emailing me, please include
Cover Letter with a brief description of your research interests and experience.
Curriculum vitae, including your GPA, and contact information for professional references
General advice for prospective graduate students: You should consider many programs! It's hard to know what you like and don't like until you've experienced it - so talk to lots of potential advisors and, if you can, go to multiple graduate 'recruitment weekends' to get a feel for different programs. Here are other programs that offer advanced degrees in biology education research.
Check out other grad-school related advice here: A) 10 simple rules to choosing a PhD supervisor ; B) Some Modest Advice for Graduate Students
I will occasionally recruit postdoctoral researchers for funded projects. When I do, I will post this advertisement to the SABER email listserv and on the LSU careers website. Most often, however, interested postdoctoral candidates should work under the assumption that they will need to secure independent funding for their projects. I am more than happy to contribute ideas for collaborative proposals and help you write and edit your proposal. If you are interested in joining the lab as a postdoc, get in touch!