[Biostudent] Research - Undergraduate Opportunity

[Jason L. Patterson]

Undergraduate Research Experience in Ecology, Evolution, and Biomechanics
Autumn 2022

I am David Cuban, a PhD student in the Biology department in the Behavioral Ecophysics Lab (Prof. Alejandro Rico-Guevara). I study the convergent evolution of nectar-feeding birds through the lenses of biomechanics, morphology, and ecology. I am seeking undergraduate students to help with projects studying sunbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.

Building the largest sunbird plant-pollinator interaction network to date
Sunbirds are one of the most speciose groups of nectar-feeding birds along with hummingbirds and honeyeaters. No studies have investigated the geospatial distribution of sunbirds relative to the flowers that they visit, and with access to the South African Botanical records database we can make the most complete plant-pollinator interaction network for sunbirds and their flower counterparts! This project is an awesome opportunity to dive into plant-pollinator networks and the evolutionary pressures that shape them.

Analysis of 3D Scanned Bird Bills
Bird bill morphology is often indicative of what food they eat in their daily life. For nectar-feeding birds specifically the bill shape often (but not always!) fits the shape of the corolla, or petals, of the flowers that they feed from. We are digitizing and analyzing the bills of nearly every nectarivorous bird species (parrots, hummingbirds, sunbirds, honeyeaters, and many more!) and their closest non-nectar-feeding relatives in order to track the trait evolution of their bills across all birds.

What you can get out of this work:

  *   A foundational understanding of organismal biology (specifically birds!) and interactions within the environment that shape evolutionary trajectories
  *   Work is easily done remotely with your own computer (but the lab has some computing resources if needed!)
  *   Regular meetings to discuss modern and classical work that has been done in the field
  *   Help build databases you can use for future research work that you lead
  *   Join the dynamic and exciting Behavioral Ecophysics Lab, we conduct work in nearly every continent of the world comparing the amazingly diverse groups of nectar-feeding birds
  *   Research credits starting in Winter quarter

What I am looking for from you:

  *   At least 4 hours a week of work
  *   An interest in the work (no need to be declared in any particular major)
  *   Consistency in your work
  *   Starting work the week of Oct 17

You will be given training and mentorship for the above mentioned projects and an opportunity to develop your own academic ideas to apply to unique research projects.

If you are interested:

Email me at dcuban at uw.edu<mailto:dcuban at uw.edu> with your CV or resume (no need to include GPA unless you want to) and a short message about why you are interested in either of these projects. Don't worry about committing straight away - you can ask questions and we will figure out the best fit for you in the team!


Jason Patterson, M Ed. (He/Him)
Academic Counselor Senior, Department of Biology
patterj at u.washington.edu<mailto:patterj at u.washington.edu>
318 HCK, University of Washington, BOX 355320 Phone: 206-543-7767
http://www.biology.washington.edu/programs/undergraduate
Biology Zoom drop-in advising hours (10-15 min meetings):
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
My Regular Drop in Zoom days:  Tues, Thurs 1-4 pm, and  Mon, Tues, Weds, Thursday 9-12pm.
Zoom link for those hours: https://washington.zoom.us/j/97207369544

Advising Sessions Via EMAIL, PHONE, and ZOOM. In person individual advising available by appointment only.


Appointments by request.  Please include your name and student number in your emails.

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