KERSCH-BECKER LAB

Prospective Students 

Graduate Students

We are seeking highly motivated Ph.D. or MS students with keen interests in chemical ecology and insect-plant interactions. The Kersch-Becker lab examines complex multi-species interactions involving plants, pathogens, herbivores, and predators.

 

The lab research focuses on the underlying mechanisms by which chemical signals shape multitrophic species interactions, population dynamics, and community structure of plants and arthropods. Our work integrates observational and manipulative laboratory and field experiments with analytical chemistry and rigorous quantitative analyses. Research involves insect colony and plant care, chemical analyses, laboratory bioassays, data management and analysis, and publication of scientific papers.

 

Requirements: Education in the Life Sciences with an emphasis or interest in Ecology or Entomology, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Applicants should have a background in many of the following: ecology, entomology, analytical chemistry, molecular techniques, statistics, and fieldwork. Student projects can be tied into ongoing research in the lab or developed according to mutual interests. Applicants should be prepared to conduct independent field and laboratory research.

 

To apply, please send the following documents to mfkb[at]psu.edu:

1. a cover letter describing your research interests and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in the Kersch-Becker lab

2. CV

3. your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine),

4. GRE scores and TOEFL (if applicable),

5. a sample of your scientific writing (e.g., manuscript, lab report), and

6. contact information for 3 references.

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Undergraduate Students

We are always looking for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduates to join the lab. If you are interested in learning more about plant-arthropod interactions please contact us to discuss opportunities in the lab.