Dr. Jess Ward
<b>Department: </b>Biology<br><b>Research Area: </b>Animal behavior, embryonic learning, social communication, and effects of anthropogenic environmental change on behavior
Department: Biology
Research Focus: Animal behavior, embryonic learning, social communication, and effects of anthropogenic environmental change on behavior
Potential Student Project(s): Students in the lab may work on a variety of projects, most of which use a captive colony of small stream fish as a model experimental system to better understand the factors that control variation in animal behavior. Current research in the lab reflects three major research themes; (1) the development of behavior (specifically with respect to embryonic learning, social behavior, cognition, and developmental plasticity; (2) sensory ecology and the function and evolution of animal communication systems; and (3) anthropogenic effects on animal behavior.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate: No experience is necessary. All in-lab training will be provided. However, prior to working with the animals the student must complete a series of online IACUC training modules.
Mentoring Plan: The student will work on this project for 5 hours each week including one hour of 1-on-1 interaction with me. Students will join a friendly and collaborative lab, and may choose to attend weekly group lab meetings in addition to one-on-one meetings if their schedules permit. Students will work closely with both graduate students and Dr. Ward to receive hands-on training in project-specific tasks, and have the opportunity to learn about other research projects happening in the lab.
Contact: 765-285-8859, FB 208