Craig Williamson
Global Change Limnology Laboratory

Undergraduate Students

Our lab recognizes the value of providing experiences for undergraduate participation in research. We offer many unique opportunities for undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience through immersion in the process of science. Students see the process through from start to finish by

• visiting the literature to find an area of research that piques their curiosity,
• determining what is known and where there are gaps in the research,
• developing a research question and hypotheses,
• designing and carrying out experiments,
• analyzing results, and
• presenting research to other lab members or at a research conference.

When students first begin conducting research, members of the lab provide guidance through pairings with graduate students and frequent discussions with Dr. Williamson. As students become more familiar with their research topic, they become more comfortable working independently. Weekly lab meetings facilitate discussion of lab research projects and provide valuable feedback from other lab members. Independent Study Research can be conducted for credit by registering for ZOO 320 (for grade), or ZOO 277, 377, and 477 (credit/no credit, specific course depends on year in school).

Undergraduate Summer Scholar Program- Deadline to apply is December 1, 2009

Summer research opportunities also are available for undergraduate students. Miami University offers research credit and funding for summer research projects through the Undergraduate Summer Scholar (USS) program. As participants in the USS program, students conduct a 10-week research project. In the Global Change Limnology Lab, this often involves travel to some spectacular field sites during a portion of that 10-week period. Recipients of USS awards earn 12 research credits as well as a stipend and funding for research materials and travel. Because 10 weeks often isn't enough time to become familiar with the literature and appropriate techniques related to an in-depth research project, students are encouraged to sign up for 1-3 research credits during the spring semester prior to their USS research experience so they can hit the ground running when the 10-week research period begins. Most students also benefit from a follow-up project in the fall during which they analyze their data and are involved in writing up their work for a paper that often is part of a larger publication.

Past USS Awards

Sam Lee received a USS award for summer 2008. According to Sam, "the USS program allowed me to participate in something I would never have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. I had the opportunity to work in the best "office" I could imagine as part of a priceless, hands-on learning experience of every aspect of the research process. The only downside is that you can only participate in the USS program once!"

Mike Cohen also was awarded a USS for summer 2008. Mike says, "the greatest part of the experience was getting to be out in Pennsylvania and Lake Tahoe and working long days outside. While most summer jobs keep people indoors, I got to spend my time outside working on projects that most people would never have the opportunity to experience. I would definitely recommend the USS program to other undergraduate students because it is the research experience of a lifetime, and it will help students decide whether or not research should be their career future."

Student Workers

From May through August, the Global Change Limnology Lab is busy collecting large amount of data and samples from the field that must be analyzed and processed throughout the school year. Undergraduates often are hired to help with these tasks as well as culture maintenance and helping the lab manager with other general lab tasks. To inquire about available positions, contact Erin Overholt.

Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows

Dr. Williamson advises graduate students seeking Master's or PhD degrees and frequently supports postdoctoral fellows. Contact Dr. Williamson or visit Miami University's Department of Zoology homepage or the Graduate School web site to find out more about the department, the graduate program, and postdoctoral opportunities. Dr. Williamson is actively seeking applicants for the IGERT: EARS program. More information about the program and an application packet can be found on the EARS web site.