Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mycorrhizal Ecology
North Central College·Naperville, IL·2026 cycle
Closed for cycleEcology/Conservation/Evolutionary BiologyMathematics✓ verified
The Mycorrhiza Lab at North Central College is looking for eager students to join the team as they investigate how important ecological theories apply to one of the most fascinating parts of the soil - common mycorrhizal networks. Understanding how plants interact is fundamental to understanding plant community assembly and function, and is crucial to effectively managing invasive species. Yet, most investigations of plant interactions have failed to explicitly acknowledge that in nature, individuals are interconnected belowground by ubiquitous networks of symbiotic, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus hyphae called common mycorrhizal networks. Using state of the art techniques, such as stable isotope tracing, next generation sequencing, and a novel method developed by Dr. W, we will conduct both greenhouse and field studies to understand the role of common mycorrhizal networks in the establishment, environmental change, and persistence of "the worst weed in the US," Canada Thistle. The REU will begin with a one-week orientation that includes group activities and in-depth conversations about research, careers, and the summer research project. Regular journal club meetings and lab meetings will help students understand the state of the field of research and critical thinking skills. Students will establish a field experiment and collect data from a previously harvested greenhouse experiment, learning how to develop specific, testable hypotheses and interpreting statistical analyses. Unfortunately, because of the nature of this work, the start date can not be negotiated.
Plants, fungi, mycorrhizae, ecology, invasive species, common mycorrhizal networks, symbiosis, prairie
Completion of introductory biology with a B+ or above A GPA of 3.0 or above Completion of a 200-level ecology is preferred, but not required Strong ability to pay attention to detail Well-developed communication skills and the ability to take initiative are a must for this this work Self-motivated students comfortable with some level of independence Ability to think on one’s feet Experience with growing plants
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