University of Washington
Friday Harbor Laboratories
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Intensive 10-11 week research training experience,
15 undergraduate credits from University of Washington.
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Live and work at Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL),
world-renowned marine science research facility
on 484-acre biological preserve, San Juan Island, Washington.
* Financial
support: $3000 provided to each research apprentice living on the FHL campus
to defray costs for room & board at FHL, and University of Washington
tuition.
*Excellent student/faculty ratio: Each team of 5-12
students led by
1-4 faculty mentors plus 1-4 RAs (grad students or post-docs)
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SPRING 2004 |
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Intensive, full-time research training experiences are offered to qualified undergraduates and post-baccalaureates for 10-11 weeks (one full quarter) in Spring and Autumn Quarters. Two to four teams of 5-12 students each work on one focused research problem guided by a group of faculty, postdoctoral and graduate student mentors. Students selected for participation receive financial support ($3000) to defray costs for room and board at FHL and tuition charged by University of Washington.
There will be three options for Spring 2004
and three options for Autumn 2004. Applications are due on January 15th for
Spring Quarter teams, and July 1st for Autumn Quarter. Students accepted into
the program will register for 15 credits, and should consult with their advisor
prior to registration.
Click here for information on how to apply.
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The Research Apprenticeship
Teams at Friday Harbor Laboratories |
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There have been 235 Research Apprentices at Friday Harbor Laboratories since the program was launched in the spring of 1999. In a survey of all past Research Apprentices, 94% rated the value of the program to their career as "Excellent" or "Very Good." COMMENTS FROM RESEARCH APPRENTICES "It was an incredible experience ... It gave me the passion to stick with biology - the real work is not out of a textbook and my time at FHL really made that clear." "I really can do independent research!" "The facilities were fantastic as well. It was incredible to be permitted to use such powerful instruments to accomplish our tasks." "I have learned so much and had a great time doing it." "Great facilities, nice community,
beautiful location, all the equipment!" |
Dr. Shaun
Cain and Dr. Andrew Christie
Biology 499 F (15 credits)
Spring Quarter, Research Apprenticeship
March 29 - June 5, 2004
The overriding theme of this apprenticeship is to understand
how the nervous system functions to control and produce behavior. The students
will be exposed to all aspects of neural systems, from sensory to motor and
behavioral to molecular. We focus our work on marine invertebrates found in
the Puget Sound and surrounding waters. These animals possess relatively simple
nervous systems and have proven to be particularly useful in discerning general
neural strategies that are common to all types of animals. Some of the questions
we will address include: I) how the behavior produced by a “fixed”
neural circuit can be modulated by circulating hormones; II) how neural circuits
are reorganized during development; and III) how cells are able to detect and
use various sensory cues available in the environment, including the Earth’s
magnetic field. We will take an integrative approach to addressing these issues,
exposing students to many of the anatomical, biochemical, molecular and electrophysiological
techniques commonly used in neuroscience.
During the apprenticeship, each student is expected to develop their own research
project. To this end, Weeks 1 and 2 of the course will be an introduction to
the neurons, nervous systems and behavior of many local invertebrates, as well
as basic principles of nervous system function. In addition, apprentices will
participate in instructor-led projects that will expose them to the methodology
and techniques needed to conduct their individual research. At the end of Week
2, students will submit a research proposal outlining the project they intend
to investigate. Students may work individually or in pairs. Potential projects
include but are not limited to:
A) Identifying cells in the central nervous system that respond to magnetic
field stimuli.
B) Investigating the innervation patterns of ciliated epithelial cells.
C) Localizing putative magnetoreceptive sensory cells.
D) Localizing the neurons innervating crustacean neuroendocrine sites.
E) Identifying the hormones present in crustacean secretory neurons.
F) Determining the modulatory action of peptide hormones on feeding-related
and cardiac circuits.
G) Investigating how neural circuits and their transmitters are changed over
the course of development.
Weeks 3 through 8 will be dedicated to conducting experiments with weekly student-led
lab meetings to discuss progress and problems concerning each apprentices’
project. The final two weeks of the course will be used for data analysis and
preparation and presentation of project results. As has been the case in our
previous apprenticeships, we expect some of these projects to lead to more extensive
investigations and the publication of scientific reports. Enrollment limited
to 8 students.
For additional information contact: crabboy@u.washington.edu
or crabman@u.washington.edu
Click here for information on how to apply.
Dr. Christiane Biermann, Portland State University
Dr. Tammy McGovern, University of Washington
Biology 499 G (15 credits)
Spring Quarter, Research Apprenticeship
March 29 - June 5, 2004
In this apprenticeship, we will use DNA markers to understand the ecology, evolution and conservation of marine organisms. During the first two weeks of the apprenticeship, a series of lectures and laboratory exercises will provide the students with a broad overview of the principles, tools and techniques that are commonly employed in the field of molecular ecology. After this introduction, the students develop and pursue research projects of their choosing and participate in the instructors' ongoing, long-term research. In addition to species delineations and life history patterns, questions may include the more applied issues of introduced species, genetic diversity, and connectivity of marine protected areas. Techniques will include DNA isolation, PCR methods, automated DNA sequencing (ABI 377), microsatellite analysis, and the use of anonymous DNA markers. Topics that the 2003 Molecular Ecology Apprenticeship Team pursued include: a) describing a novel mutualism between cryptic polychaete species, b) characterizing chemically defended bacterial symbionts of bryozoans, and c) quantifying levels of gene flow and dispersal among populations of snails, barnacles, urchins, sculpins and rockfish. The interdisciplinary focus means that students with backgrounds in fisheries science, ecology, evolutionary biology, human genetics and biotechnology interact with each other and with other students and scientists at FHL. The accessibility of diverse natural populations and the molecular facilities at FHL, combined with the unique format of a research apprenticeship, allow for an intense learning experience during which students will make new discoveries and experience working in science. Enrollment limited to 8 students.
For additional information contact: biermann@u.washington.edu or tmmcgov@u.washington.edu
Click this link for additional information about last year's Marine Molecular Ecology apprenticeship: http://faculty.washington.edu/biermann/MME2003.html
Click here for information on how to apply.
Dr. Don Gunderson and Dr. Art Kendall,
University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Fish 492 A (15 credits)
Spring Quarter, Research Apprenticeship
March 29 - June 5, 2004
This apprenticeship team will focus on gaining an understanding
of how nearshore and Marine Protected Areas function for a variety of fish species
with diverse life histories, and will emphasize research to understand the dispersal/retention
of marine fish eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults. This year the class will
be split into two teams, one team focusing on egg and larval ecology, and the
other team focusing on juvenile and adult ecology. Apprentices may also become
actively involved with the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee and engage
in evaluating the policy implications of implementing MPA networks and other
marine conservation issues. The opportunity for students to learn to do independent
field and lab research is the primary teaching objective of this apprenticeship.
Enrollment limited to 16 students. This will be a double
team with double the faculty time from the standard apprenticeship team.
Note: Fish 492 will substitute for some degree requirements in the SAFS major
and may be used to fulfill SAFS's Capstone Requirement. Please direct enquiries
to Lin Murdock <linm@u.washington.edu>
Students in other majors and schools should check with their departmental adviser
to assess how the credits may be applied.
For additional information contact: dgun@u.washington.edu
Click here for information on how to apply.
Dr. Jan Newton, Washington Department
of Ecology and University of Washington
Breck Tyler,
University of California, Santa Cruz
Ocean 499 D (15 credits)
Autumn Quarter, Research Apprenticeship
September 27 - December 11, 2004
The primary research objective of this apprenticeship is to
investigate the physical-biological coupling of oceanographic processes and
biota in the San Juan Archipelago. This work is timely and important for several
reasons:
- San Juan Basin is highly productive, hosting abundant populations of plankton,
fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals.
- The Basin is the area along the entire Pacific coast judged to be most highly
sensitive to climate change, due to idiosyncrasies of tidal forcing (Helmuth
et al 2002).
- The Basin is located at the nexus of the Fraser River and the Pacific Ocean,
allowing for comparison of fresh water and marine influences.
- The Basin is in the domain of several major remote ocean observing systems
(e.g., VENUS, IOOS) ramping up in the next decade.
In order to understand the functioning of the Basin’s complex ecosystem,
it is essential to determine which processes are predominant in shaping the
physical environment. These will also determine directly the habitat available
for prey and predator species. If these elements can be linked, it will be possible
in the future to assess the status of regional biota by means of remote observing
systems. The primary educational goals are to have apprentices examine the workings
of a marine ecosystem from top to bottom in order to understand how coupling
with oceanographic processes leads to spatial and temporal variation in biotic
patterning. We will use the natural laboratory of the waters adjacent to San
Juan Island to begin to explore the mechanisms responsible for variability in
the region. We will focus on two study sites in San Juan Channel, one in the
dynamic outer Channel (near Cattle Pass) and the other in the broad inner Channel
(northern end). Specifically, apprentices will be asked to:
1) Develop and implement techniques to assess physical and
biological oceanographic conditions in the Channel and investigate the relative
importance of river versus oceanic forcing by comparison with long-term oceanographic
data.
2) Develop and implement techniques to assess distribution and abundance of
principal prey species (zooplankton, fish) and attempt to link these with oceanographic
patterns and processes.
3) Develop and implement techniques to assess distribution and abundance of
marine birds and mammals and investigate how oceanographic properties and processes
(such as tidal forcing) affect the feeding habits of these top marine predators
(following on the work of Zamon 2000; 2001).
Faculty: We are an interdisciplinary team. Dr. Jan Newton for
oceanography (physical and biological) and Dr. Breck Tyler for upper trophic
levels (seabirds, marine mammals) will be the lead instructors. Dr. Terrie Klinger
(University of Washington, School of Marine Affairs) has agreed to
participate on average once per week to contribute knowledge of benthos, larvae,
and local processes. We will recruit a graduate student RA from UW School of
Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences to cover fish. We also plan to pull in a broad
spectrum of guest lecturers, including other oceanographers, zoologists, and
local experts. Enrollment limited
to 8 students.
For additional information contact: newton@ocean.washington.edu
Click here for information on how to apply.
Click here for information on how to apply.
The Aquatic Gel Phase:
Dynamics of Marine Biopolymers
Drs. Pedro Verdugo, Wei-Chun Chin and Ivan Quesada.
Biology 499 g (15 credits)
Autumn Quarter, Research Apprenticeship
September 27 - December 11, 2004
Our discovery that polymers found in seawater can spontaneously assemble
forming micron-sized gels (Chin et al Nature 1998) has introduced a new powerful
paradigm that will fundamentally change the way oceanographers think about chemical,
physical, and biological interactions of organic macromolecules found in seawater.
The implications of these new observations range from modulation of metal ion
chelation, to marine bacterial dynamics, and to carbon cycling, and global climate
change (Wells, Nature 1998).
In this team students will investigate: 1) the cellular mechanisms of polymer
release by phytoplankton; 2) the hypothesis that marine microgels provide discrete
niches of high marine biopolymer concentration that bacteria can readily colonize
and degrade; and 3) the hypothesis that microgels can function as ion exchange
resins capable of binding trace metal ions found in seawater. Students will
conduct a through review of the literature, and learn the theory and practice
of the tools they will apply in their experiments. Using dynamic laser scattering
spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy, they will follow
the assembly kinetics of marine biopolymers, swelling kinetics of secreted material
during phytoplankton exocytosis, and study the kinetics of bacterial colonization
of marine microgels. They will formulate mathematical models to formally describe
these phenomena and will report their results in a manuscript. Enrollment limited
to 8.
For additional information contact: verdugo@u.washington.edu
Click here for information on how to apply.
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If you apply yourself, your time at FHL will be filled with a period of intense growth and development as well as advancement of your skills as a scientist. Working in the tight knit community will redefine your understanding of a team concept and open your eyes to the potential that a focused group with a singular goal can have.'' |
What are the Friday Harbor Laboratories?
FHL is a University of Washington campus dedicated to teaching
and research in the marine sciences. Located on San Juan Island,
Washington (75 miles NW of Seattle) FHL enjoys an international
reputation for high quality courses and a research-intensive atmosphere.
Can I commute daily to Friday Harbor
from Seattle?
No, students will live and study on the FHL campus at least six
days a week. The apprenticeship will be a full-immersion research
experience.
What are the accommodations like?
Dormitories have comfortable, double occupancy rooms with bathrooms
down the hall. Each dorm room contains single beds, desk space
with ample lighting and two chairs. There is plenty of space to
store your belongings.
What are the arrangements for food?
Research Apprentices are required to purchase the full-board meal plan while
at FHL. The Dining Hall provides numerous options for the diversity of student
preferences, including vegetarian and meat dishes, salad bar, and numerous beverage
choices.
May I have visitors at FHL?
Yes, if housing is available when requested and reserved prior
to visitors' arrival. Huts or cottages may be rented at a reasonable
price on a first come, first served basis. (Huts are heated, one
room structures without plumbing. Bathrooms are nearby.)
How is the financial support disbursed?
Each apprentice living on the FHL campus receives $3000 in support to help defray
their expenses for room & board at FHL, and tuition charged by University
of Washington. Expenses for room and board at FHL will typically be deducted
first from the $3000, and the remaining amount will be assigned to students'
accounts (at the University of Washington) at the beginning of the term to defray
tuition charges.
NOTE: Research Apprentices do not need to request financial aid
in order to receive the $3000 in support awarded to all Apprentices, but may
submit a request for financial aid if additional support is needed.
What are the expenses?
FHL ROOM AND BOARD --
for AUTUMN 2004 (10 weeks): $1442
UW TUITION -- tuition rates are
set by the University of Washington.
AUTUMN 2004:
$1760 estimated tuition for Washington State residents (students not currently or recently enrolled at UW will be charged an additional $36 registration fee);
$2740 estimated tuition for non-residents not matriculated at University of Washington, registering for UW Extension credits (most visiting, non-resident, non-UW students choose this option);
$5970 estimated tuition for non-residents matriculated at University of Washington.
ESTIMATED EXPENSE EXAMPLES for AUTUMN
2004:
Washington state residents: program costs will be $1760 estimated tuition + $1442 room and board = $3202 total. The $3000 in support provided to each FHL Research Apprentice will cover all but approximately $200 of these costs.
Out-of-state residents not matriculated at University of Washington, registering for UW Extension credits: (most visiting students choose this option), program costs will be $2740 estimated tuition + $1442 room and board = $4182 total. Thus for most out-of-state residents not matriculated at UW, the $3000 in support provided by FHL will cover all but approximately $1180 in costs for tuition, room and board at FHL.
Out-of-state residents matriculated at UW: program costs will be $5970 estimated tuition + $1442 room and board = $7412. FHL will provide $3000 in support leaving an estimated balance of $4410.
NOTE: Students who face financial constraints may submit a request for additional financial assistance (only for those seeking assistance in addition to the $3000 awarded to all Research Apprentices). Additional financial aid is awarded on the basis of both financial need and academic merit.
How can I learn more?
For additional information, please contact
FHL Student Coordinator, Stacy Markman at
fhladmin@u.washington.edu or (206) 616-0753.
You may also check out the website from a previous
apprentice team:
Molecular
Evolution of Multigene Families in Marine Invertebrates
or click the following to review
articles about the apprenticeship program.
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APPLICATIONS DUE* |
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BEGINS |
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