Museum Studies of Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
Patina Mendez, Lecturer
Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Studies in ecology and evolution rely on properly curated museum material and access to museum records and specimen. Caddisflies, in the insect order Trichoptera, are aquatic insects closely related to moths and butterflies. In this project, the student will assist with labeling, organizing, and curating caddisflies. The student will also contribute to databasing and georeferencing caddisfly material in the Essig Museum of Entomology. In addition, the student will scan historic literature and link PDFs for the Trichoptera Literature Database web project (www.trichopteralit.umn.edu).
Role: Labeling specimen, databasing caddisfly material into the Essig Museum database, scanning and uploading PDF material. Student will learn the importance of curation and proper and careful specimen handling.
Qualifications: Interest in entomology! This group works as a collaboration with undergraduates to learn together. Careful habits and attention to detail. Freshman or sophomores are encouraged to apply if they'd like the opportunity to work on the project for multiple semesters. You don't need a research question to join this project, questions will emerge as we learn about the species present.
In your application statement, please answer the following questions in this order:
1. Why are you interested in aquatic insects and this project? What experiences have you had with insects or aquatic habitats?
2. What field or lab experience do you have? It’s ok if you are applying as a first research experience.
3. What do you think you want to do after you graduate? How does this experience potentially connect? If you don’t know, explain about what you hope to learn from participating in this research.
4. Is there anything else you want to share about your interest?
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Environmental Issues Biological & Health Sciences