Submitted by Kipling Will on
This project is part of a broader phylogenetic study to understand the evolutionary history and biogeography of the genus Omophron and its position among the beetle family Carabidae. Omophron are very unusual among carabids in their general appearance, being nearly round to ovoid in shape. As their common names, the round sand beetle or savage hemispherical beetle suggest, they live on fine-grained sandy soil at the edges of freshwater lakes, rivers and streams where they are fierce, nocturnal predators of small invertebrates. This project will examine the evolutionary relationships of Omophron using analysis of DNA data.
This project is ideal for any student interested in evolutionary and/or molecular biology. The student will acquire skills including an introduction and training in the most basic and essential of molecular techniques such as PCR and DNA extractions from insect tissue. Training in molecular and chemical methods will be developed in close association with a postdoc in the Will lab.
The student must be responsible, motivated, organized, and hard working. Applicants with prior experience with wet lab benchwork (i.e. working with DNA or chemicals in a laboratory setting) and interests in evolutionary biology or entomology are strongly encouraged.