Work-Study Research Assistant Program

Faculty Name: Sarah Knutie

Faculty Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

General Research Focus: Our disease ecology lab studies the effect of environmental factors on bird-parasite interactions. Specifically, we study host defenses (e.g. the immune response) against native and invasive parasites and how these interactions influence disease outcomes. 

Brief Position Description: Students will be involved in various projects in the lab throughout the year. One student will join our Nest Parasite Community Science team, whose focus is dissecting bird nests from throughout the US for parasites, identifying parasitic taxa, communicating with the public, and conducting outreach in schools in Hartford. The other student will work with a graduate student to process data that were collected from the Galapagos Islands in 2024 to study the effect of urbanization on Darwin's finches and their invasive parasites. 

Students will be trained in laboratory research related to ecology and evolution (with a focus on disease), invited to weekly lab meetings, receive mentorship from peers, a graduate student, and professor. We are seeking students who are interested in engaging intellectually in research as well. Motivated students who contribute significantly to the project will be offered co-authorship on a resulting peer-reviewed paper.

Job Description: A Student Laboratory & Field Analysis Assistant - 203 will assist faculty in research efforts within a laboratory or other research-specific environment. A student in this position may:

• Collect samples
• Analyze data
• Prepare and maintain research materials and environment
• Operate and maintain standard lab equipment
• Make identifications and take measurements
• Enter data
• Attend weekly lab meetings with the Knutie lab
• Conduct outreach activities with 6th grade classes in Hartford.