The Song Laboratory of Insect Systematics and Evolution

I am actively seeking motivated students who are interested in getting hands-on research experiences in insect biology. I am particularly interested in working with those students who would like to pursue a career in biological sciences and go on to graduate program.

There are many areas of research investigated in my lab and students will be exposed to the following laboratory procedures: preparation/dissecting insects, digital imaging, databasing, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing reaction, insect rearing and much more. I also conduct major collecting expeditions both domestically and internationally and students can take part in these experiences as well. I expect students to be actively involved in research and participate in scientific conferences to present their research.

Interested students should first contact me by email at song@ucf.edu to make an appointment. Students will start working in the lab as volunteers for some time to determine if working in my lab is right for them. After this initial “honeymoon” period, students will be hired to work about 20 hours a week. There are a number of programs to support undergraduate research opportunities at UCF, and students should take a full advantage of them in consultation with me.