Biodiversity of Insects and Spiders on Pacific Islands
Rosemary Gillespie, Professor
Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Applications for Spring 2026 are closed for this project.
Every biodiversity analysis starts with a species survey. However, biodiversity surveys often yield large numbers of specimens difficult to identify because the samples collected are too small, immature, or belong to species that have not yet been formally described. In this project, we focus on identifying species, especially spiders, herbivorous arthropods, and soil-dwelling arthropods, from surveys conducted in Hawaii, French Polynesia, the Marianas, and Okinawa. This project is part of an effort to understand the origins and maintenance of biodiversity on Pacific islands, as well as interactions between native and invasive species within island communities.
Role: Undergraduates involved in this project will work on questions related to evolution and adaptation across diverse arthropod groups (insects, spiders, millipedes, and others), with an emphasis on Hawaiian taxa. Student responsibilities may include sorting and identifying specimens, taking morphological measurements, and recording functional traits. The project also involves basic laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, running electrophoresis gels, and preparing genomic libraries for phylogenetic and population genetic analyses.
Qualifications: We are seeking students with an interest in evolutionary biology and a willingness to learn arthropod identification (e.g., insect or spider biology). Applicants should be organized, proactive, and responsible. All the required training will be provided.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Sven Weber, Post-Doc
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: https://nature.berkeley.edu/edias-project/
Related website: https://www.instagram.com/edias.project/