National Science Foundation-funded Research Opportunities
for Undergraduate and High School Students
Join our lab!
The Mycorrhiza Lab at North Central College is looking for eager students to join the team as they investigate how important ecological theories apply to one of the most fascinating parts of the soil - common mycorrhizal networks. Understanding how plants interact is fundamental to understanding plant community assembly and function, and is crucial to effectively managing invasive species. Yet, most investigations of plant interactions have failed to explicitly acknowledge that in nature, individuals are interconnected belowground by ubiquitous networks of symbiotic, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus hyphae called common mycorrhizal networks. Using state of the art techniques, such as stable isotope tracing, next generation sequencing, and a novel method developed by Dr. W, we will conduct both greenhouse and field studies to understand the role of common mycorrhizal networks in the establishment, environmental change, and persistence of "the worst weed in the US," Canada Thistle. |
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are obligate symbionts, meaning they must associate with a host plant. Their thin, thread-like fungal filaments, called hyphae (hypha=singular; hyphae=plural), forage the soil for mineral nutrients (highlighted in blue brackets) to provide to their host plant. In return, they receive photosynthetically-derived carbon from the plant. These hyphae can form extensive, branching networks and when they encounter and colonize the root system of a different, neighboring plant, they form a common mycorrhizal network.
Image adapted from Giovannetti et al. (2001) New Phyt. |
Who should apply?
We have opportunities available for both high school and undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in plant biology, plant ecology, and fungal ecology. In summer 2023, we will only be hosting an REU.
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. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
We have opportunities available for both high school and undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in plant biology, plant ecology, and fungal ecology. In summer 2023, we will only be hosting an REU.
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. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.