Ecology and behavior or web building spiders

Project Description:

We are investigating ecological factors affecting web architecture in orb-weaving spiders. This project has both labwork and fieldwork components.

Responsibilities for Undergraduates:

• Lab work: 

  • • Present: Sorting and identification of insect samples collected in the field.

    • Future lab work on this project may involve the housing and care of spiders in the lab, use of insect rearing chambers, and measurement of webs built in the lab.

• Fieldwork: There may be a few opportunities for fieldwork during the fall semester. However, the largest fieldwork need will be late spring semester and summer of 2025. Fieldwork will be done in forests and parks in the Louisville and Central KY areas. Dedicated and interested undergraduates have may also have the opportunity to travel to Panama for tropical forest fieldwork in Summer 2025.

Required Skills/ Qualifications:

We are looking for students that are motivated to do research with both field and lab work components. We will train you in all skills required. Following training, independent work will be required in cooperation with other lab members, your mentor, and Dr. Yanoviak.

Time Commitment:

Time commitment during the academic year is flexible but estimated between 5-15 hours per week depending on the individual student’s class schedule and previous academic and/or personal commitments. Students are expected to check emails throughout the week for communications about the project and the lab in general.

Benefits for Undergraduates:

This position will provide undergraduates with hands-on experience in ecology research and one-on-one mentorship from a graduate student. They will learn both field and laboratory skills and develop professional skills that are important in all careers. In addition, students will have opportunities to develop independent research projects and present at conferences. There is also potential for authorship on research publications. Additionally, there will be opportunities for dedicated undergraduates to do tropical research with our lab in Panama.

Disclaimer: This research project is subject to availability and may be updated or modified.