[Entm-beu] Fwd: Ph. D. Graduate Assistantship - Epigenetics and rapid evolution of insecticide resistance

Tue Oct 25 14:21:17 PDT 2022

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Yolanda Chen <Yolanda.Chen at uvm.edu>
Date: Tue, Oct 25, 2022 at 10:47 AM
Subject: Ph. D. Graduate Assistantship - Epigenetics and rapid evolution of
insecticide resistance
To: Yolanda Chen <Yolanda.Chen at uvm.edu>
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Dear All,

Greetings. Please forward this email announcement to interested students.

Thank you in advance!

Best,

Yolanda Chen

*Ph. D. Graduate Assistantship *

*Epigenetics and rapid evolution of insecticide resistance*

*Insect Agroecology and Evolution Lab *

*Dr. Yolanda Chen, Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Vermont*

*Position availability: *Fall 2023

*Funding: *USDA AFRI and teaching assistantship funds

*Collaborators: *Dr. Sean Schoville (Univ. of Wisconsin), Dr. Stephanie
McKay (Univ. of Vermont), Dr. Russell Groves (Univ. of Wisconsin), and Dr.
Joe Gunn (Univ. of Vermont)

*Position Description*: Agricultural insect pests show a remarkable ability
to evolve resistance to insecticides; however, the evolutionary processes
remain poorly understood. One possible explanation is that insecticide
exposure may alter epigenetic modifications, which alter heritable patterns
of gene expression without actually changing the underlying DNA sequence.
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), *Leptinotarsa decemlineata*, has been
extraordinarily successful at adapting to all insecticide classes,
including the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid. As a research group,
we are interested in understanding how epigenetics can contribute to rapid
evolution of insecticide resistance in CPB.

Within the broad framework of epigenetics and insecticide resistance
evolution, the student will be able to develop a unique research program at
the intersection between ecology, evolution, and agricultural entomology.
Potential topics could include transgenerational epigenetic inheritance,
parent-of-origin effects, the relationship between DNA methylation and gene
expression, germline stress and the mobility of transposable elements.

*Requirements:*  B.S. in biology, evolution, ecology, genetics, or related
fields. A Master’s is helpful but not required. Previous experience with
entomology, molecular genetics, and bioinformatic programming is also
helpful but not required. Excellent written and oral communication skills
are expected. Applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate College
at University of Vermont.

*Lab environment:* The Insect Agroecology and Lab strives to advance
diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences. We welcome all students
that are interested in contributing to those goals.

*To apply: *Potential applicants should email the following: 1) a letter
detailing why you are interested in the position, 2) a CV, and 3) an
unofficial transcript to Prof. Yolanda Chen, (Yolanda.Chen at uvm.edu) by Dec.
1 for full consideration. The applications will be reviewed internally to
determine applicant suitability.

*Interview locations: *Dr. Chen will be able to meet with prospective
students at the following meetings:

·       Entomological Society of America meeting in Vancouver, Canada Nov.
13-16, 2022. https://www.entsoc.org/events/annual-meeting

·       Plant Animal Genome, San Diego, USA, Jan. 13-18, 2023.
https://www.intlpag.org/30/

Following the initial internal review, all suitable applicants will need to
submit an online application portal through the Graduate College before
Jan. 15, 2023. https://www.uvm.edu/graduate/application_instructions

<https://www.google.com/maps/search/63+Carrigan+Drive+%0D%0A+Burlington,+VT+05405?entry=gmail&source=g>

_________________________________________________________________

Dr. Yolanda Chen (she/her)

Professor

Faculty Fellow – Gund Institute for the Environment

Department of Plant and Soil Science

University of Vermont

63 Carrigan Drive
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/63+Carrigan+Drive+%0D%0A+Burlington,+VT+05405?entry=gmail&source=g>

Burlington, VT 05405
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/63+Carrigan+Drive+%0D%0A+Burlington,+VT+05405?entry=gmail&source=g>

Phone: (802) 656-2627

Insect Agroecology and Evolution Lab <http://blog.uvm.edu/yfanslow/>

*From:* Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology <
ECOLOGY-EVOLUTION at list.uvm.edu> *On Behalf Of *Yolanda Chen
*Sent:* Tuesday, October 25, 2022 1:30 PM
*To:* ECOLOGY-EVOLUTION at LIST.UVM.EDU
*Subject:* Ph. D. Graduate Assistantship - Epigenetics and rapid evolution
of insecticide resistance

Dear All,

I hope you can help me spread forward this email to potential students.

Thank you in advance!

Cheers,

Yolanda

*Ph. D. Graduate Assistantship *

*Epigenetics and rapid evolution of insecticide resistance*

*Insect Agroecology and Evolution Lab *

*Dr. Yolanda Chen, Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Vermont*

 *Position availability: *Fall 2023

*Funding: *USDA AFRI grant and teaching assistantship funds