Summer Research Partner - Isolates Project (Charvet & Holt labs) (Summer 2025)
Mixoplankton are microbial eukaryotes that defy the traditional plant/animal dichotomy by combining photosynthesis and predation to meet their energetic or nutritional requirements. By doing this they blur our understanding of the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. To clarify their ecological roles, we must determine how environmental conditions impact their switch between photosynthesis and predation. For this, we need to grow the individual mixoplankton species in cultures that can be investigated in controlled laboratory conditions.
This summer the Holt and Charvet labs will once again attempt to isolate new mixoplankton species from local freshwater habitats.
This position is defined as a non-exempt position under FLSA regulations.
Specific Responsibilities
You will be expected to come to lab, participate in team meetings, and have a blast doing awesome research! More specifically, you will conduct regular field work with Holt and his team, to collect water from Faylor Lake and Walker Lake. You will then use microscopy to identify mixoplankton cells (Holt lab). Isolation of these cells to establish pure cultures will be done using various enrichment protocols (Charvet lab). Once growth is apparent in the enriched culture, you will observe cells under the light microscope and aspirate with a Pasteur pipette to transfer unique cells into fresh growth medium.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
No particular skills necessary, you will learn all you need to know as you start working in the field and the lab.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to plan and carry out field work in limnology (the study of inland waters).
- Develop skills in microscopy and culturing techniques.
Education
First year, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. Biology, Ecology, or Biochemistry majors only.
Experience
No experience required.
Location
This position is located on SU Campus
Additional Requirements
This position is paid $15.00 per hour, with an estimated 40 hours weekly.
Physical Demand
- Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach.
- Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending.
- Working conditions are indoors.