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Our aim is to combine field, laboratory and collections-based research to address questions related to organismal adaptations, diversification and evolutionary history. Although we currently focus our studies largely on tropical marine organisms and molluscs, we are open to studies of temperate taxa and other groups as well.
With our lab located in the heart of the UMMZ, we have access to extensive and important collections. Although these collections are mostly of North American freshwater molluscs, we also have a number of marine and terrestrial lots from locations worldwide.
Prospective masters and PhD students who are interested in joining the Duda Lab should contact Tom Duda by phone or email as soon as possible to discuss research interests, opportunities for dissertation projects, the EEB department, and life in Ann Arbor. EEB has a very attractive graduate student support package and additional funds for research and fieldwork are available internally not only from EEB, but also from the Museum of Zoology and the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
We have already had a number of excellent undergraduate students conduct studies in our lab and can usually accommodate two or three students each semester. Currently enrolled University of Michigan undergraduate students should contact Tom Duda by phone or email to discuss opportunities for engaging in an independent research project in the Duda Lab. The research project can be designed to satisfy the thesis requirement of the Biology Honors Program or students can obtain credits for Independent Research (EEB 300).
Undergraduate students participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and non-UM undergraduates participating in the Summer Research Opportunity Program are also encouraged to discuss research opportunities with Tom Duda by phone or email.
Prospective postdoctoral research associates should contact Tom Duda by phone or email to discuss potential research projects and the availability of positions.
Undergraduate students from the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) who are interested in engaging in research activities with the Duda Lab in American Samoa during the winter/spring of 2010 (dates are currently being worked out but this should take place around March!) should contact Tom Duda by email or phone. Funds are also available to bring ASCC students to the University of Michigan to conduct a short term, independent research project in the Duda Lab during the summer of 2010.
In June of 2008, four highly motiviated undergraduates from the University of Guam (UoG) participated in research activities at the UoG Marine Lab and in Pago Bay with Tom Duda. Much thanks to Marielle, Chris, Jon and Cabrini - Si Yu'us ma'ase!. During the summer of 2009, Marielle Terbio visited our lab and investigated a cryptic species complex in Conus.