Research Assistantship for High School Students (RAHSS)
The RAHSS program in the Mycorrhiza Lab at North Central College focuses on some basic and applied questions about how networks of symbiotic fungi mediate invasive plant interactions. These fungi are made up of fungal filaments called hyphae, and mycorrhizal fungus hyphae colonize the roots of the majority of plants on the planet! Hyphae are specialized in foraging for mineral nutrients in the soil, and when they encounter another root system, they colonize it, thereby interconnecting plants in a common mycorrhizal network. Our research goal is to understand how these networks of fungi affect plant interactions, such as plant competition, by examining their effect on plant growth and nutrition. Over the next few years, we will examine the importance of common mycorrhizal networks to the invasion of Canada Thistle, known as the "worst weed in the US."
Using state-of-the-art facilities, techniques, and equipment, Dr. W has set out to examine three important aspects of species invasions: establishment, environmental change, and persistence. Over the next several years, the lab will be investigating the role of common mycorrhizal networks in species invasions through both greenhouse and field work.
During the 6-week summer program, students actively engage in research under the mentorship of Dr. W and the undergraduate students within the lab. Students will receive a stipend of $400 per week for attending four days a week from 9 am to 3 pm.
Using state-of-the-art facilities, techniques, and equipment, Dr. W has set out to examine three important aspects of species invasions: establishment, environmental change, and persistence. Over the next several years, the lab will be investigating the role of common mycorrhizal networks in species invasions through both greenhouse and field work.
During the 6-week summer program, students actively engage in research under the mentorship of Dr. W and the undergraduate students within the lab. Students will receive a stipend of $400 per week for attending four days a week from 9 am to 3 pm.
Program Dates: June 10 - July 19, 2024
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Program Activities
- A 1-2 week orientation in which the RAHSS student will receive training in responsible conduct of research, and day-to-day laboratory procedures. They will meet with Dr. W to identify summer, college, and career goals.
- Weekly journal-club meetings where students discuss recently read scientific literature relevant to the project.
- Assisting with weekly data collection and learning how to quantitatively display the data in publication-quality graphs.
- Practicing communicating research with the team through weekly updates and a final presentation
- Taking trips to local public institutions, such as the Morton Arboretum to meet other plant science professionals
Applicant Qualifications
- Strong self-motivation and sense of responsibility
- Interest in perusing scientific research as a career
- Good grades in math and science
- Curious, highly engaged, resourceful students
- Some high school biology preferred
We strongly encourage students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, students with disabilities, first-generation students, student with limited opportunities for research experiences, and others who would contribute to the diversity in other ways to apply. Prior research experience is not required.
Because this is a National Science Foundation-funded opportunity, applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
Financial Support
- $400/week
- Students are expected to provide their own transportation to North Central College (there is free street and lot parking)
Application
In this online application, you will be asked a few questions about yourself and then asked to submit the following materials:
- An academic transcript, reflecting your most recent semester's final grades. This can be submitted by a school official to Dr. W (email below)
- Personal statement.
- 1 - 2 pages in length
- The statement should answer the following questions (with at least one paragraph):
- How did you become interested in science?
- What has been your favorite science class and why?
- If you have conducted research before (such as a science fair project), what did you like best about it? If you have not conducted research before, why do you think you'll like it?
- What makes you feel that you want a career as a scientist?
- How do you see research fitting into your career 10 years from now?
- How did you become interested in science?
- A letter of recommendation from a science teacher. This letter should be submitted directly to Dr. W from the letter writer (email below).
Contact
Dr. Joanna Weremijewicz (Dr. W), Principal Investigator: JWeremijewicz@noctrl.edu