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NSF REU SUMMER PROGRAM IN ENTOMOLOGY

The Song Laboratory of Insect Systematics and Evolution in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University is looking for three highly qualified undergraduate students for the NSF-REU Summer Research Program . Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the REU program is a grant-based summer platform to enhance undergraduate participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research. REU students participate in real-world scientific investigations under the guidance of a faculty mentor and receive a stipend for the duration of the program.


Three REU positions are available from an ongoing NSF grant (DEB-1937815) and the REU students will be involved in the following activities:

  • Characterize and image sound producing structures of various singing orthopterans (katydids, crickets, and relatives) from museum specimens.

  • Learn basics of insect morphology, how to manipulate insect specimens for digital imaging, techniques in digital imaging and focus stacking, geometric morphometrics, and statistical analyses.

  • Conduct fieldwork to collect singing orthopterans for molecular data generation.

  • Learn RNA and DNA extraction techniques.

  • Develop outreach programs to engage with K-12 students about insect singing and hearing.

    • For this 8-week program (May 31 – July 26, 2022), the REU students will interact with the PI and graduate students on a daily basis to gain hands-on experience in research and working at a research laboratory. At the end of the program, the students will present their research in the form of a poster. The students will receive $5,000 stipend, lodging (TAMU Residence Hall), and up to $750 for travel assistance.

    Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • Sophomore or junior in entomology, biology, or other relevant biology-related majors

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 required

  • Strong desire to pursue graduate school in biology or related disciplines

    • To Apply:

    Interested students should submit application to Dr. Hojun Song (hsong@tamu.edu) by April 20, 2022. The complete application should include (1) one-page personal statement highlighting past research experience, career goal, and which REU position you are interested in and why; (2) CV (up to 3 pages); and (3) two letters of recommendation. Decisions will be made by April 30.

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