The Song Laboratory of Insect Systematics and Evolution

I am actively seeking motivated students who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees in insect systematics and evolution. Possible areas of research include: insect systematics, morphological and molecular evolution, phenotypic plasticity, behavioral ecology and sexual selection. Because my research primarily focuses on the study of Orthoptera, I only accept students who might be interested in studying this fascinating group of insects.

The Song Lab is located at the Biological Control Facility Building in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and is well-equipped with modern facilities to conduct diverse areas of research, including collection-based, molecular lab-based, behavioral and field-based studies. Our lab also houses the orthopteroid collection of the Texas A&M University Insect Collection (TAMUIC). Currently, my lab is funded by internal start-up and NSF grants and I am actively seeking more funding opportunities.

The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University is one of the top entomology departments in the United States and offers outstanding graduate programs to prepare students for careers in research, extension, business, or industry. Additionally, a newly established interdisciplinary doctoral program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers an excellent opportunity to be trained broadly. Texas A&M University is located in College Station, a small but vibrant college town. College Station is near other major cities in Texas (Houston, Austin, Dallas), making it a central location for cultural diversity.

There are various ways to support your graduate education. Typically, graduate students are supported by graduate research assistantships through their PI's, but graduate teaching assistantships are available as a need-based option. There are also numerous fellowships available for outstanding students to take advantage of. For more information about the graduate program in entomology, please visit the departmental website.

If you are interested in joining my lab, please don’t hesitate to contact me at hsong@tamu.edu. I look forward to working with you!

I am actively seeking motivated students who are interested in getting hands-on research experiences in entomology. 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. It is always a good idea to start your career preparation as early as possible. So do not wait until you are a graduating senior to get into research.

There are several areas of research investigated in my lab and students will be exposed to the following laboratory procedures: preparation/dissecting insects, digital imaging, databasing, DNA/RNA-based molecular work, 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 and even publish in peer-reviewed journals!

Interested students should first contact me by email at hsong@tamu.edu to make an appointment. You should be ready to tell me specifically why and how you want to be involved in undergraduate research. Typically, undergraduate researchers in my lab start working as part-time student workers (10-20 hrs/week) for some time to determine if working in my lab (and a career in science) is right for them. After this initial “honeymoon” period, students may be presented with an opportunity to be involved in independent research projects.

Honors and Undergraduate Research (HUR) at Texas A&M University has great resources and programs for you to participate in undergraduate research in my lab. For those interested in more structured undergraduate research experience, please take advantage of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program.