Graduate Assistantship Mercer Lab at Ohio State University Adaptive Genetic Variation in Crop Landraces
Application deadline: December 13 for domestic students and Nov 30 for international students I am seeking a highly motivated graduate student for my lab at The Ohio State University in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (http://hcs.osu.edu/). Briefly, I work on plant evolutionary ecology within agricultural systems. I focus on the ways that evolutionary forces contribute to pressing issues in agriculture such as the conservation of crop diversity in centers of origin and the biosafety of genetically modified crops. You can look at my various research projects here: http://hcs.osu.edu/mercerlab/. Currently, I seek students interested in studying the adaptive genetic variation found in landraces or traditional varieties of crops in their centers of origin. Through Mexico-US collaborative projects on chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) and maize (Zea mays), we consider the past responses of these crops to domestication and their potential responses to future climate change. Our primary focus is on patterns of local adaptation in landraces and underlying adaptations to the biotic and abiotic environment (e.g., UV-protections, disease resistance). There can be opportunities to investigate the biochemical and genetic bases of these traits in the lab, greenhouse, and field. Students must have interest in traveling and/or working in southern Mexico (Oaxaca or Chiapas); a facility with Spanish is preferred. Outside of my lab, there are many collaborators at OSU that can contribute to your graduate training. The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science has other faculty with interests in the ecology and evolution (or adaptation) of agricultural plants, as well as faculty with a molecular focus who investigate the genetic basis for ecologically and agronomically relevant traits. Similarly, there are collaborating faculty in other departments at OSU, including Plant Pathology, Entomology, Molecular Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, and Geography, who can enhance your experience. Interdisciplinary programs, such as the Center for Applied Plant Science (CAPS) and the Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP), exist to further broaden opportunities. Strong collaborators with scientists at multiple institutions in Mexico extend our network to the south. Applicants can either apply for the MS or PhD programs, though only students with strong prior research experience will be considered for the PhD program without having already completed an MS. There are fellowship opportunities through the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences and Graduate School, so high quality applications will be forwarded accordingly. I encourage students to consider concurrently applying to external fellowship funding sources. Please contact me directly if you are interested and include a description of your interests, as well as an updated CV. Kristin Mercer, [email protected]; 614-247-6394. Further information can be found on the Future Graduate Students page for Horticulture and Crop Science (http://hcs.osu.edu/future-students/graduate-students). For specifics on applying to OSU, please visit the Graduate School website (http://www.gradsch.ohio-state.edu/applying-to-ohio-state.html). Regina Vann ([email protected]), Graduate Studies Coordinator, can also be of assistance.
