Work with ZEAL!
The Zooplankton Ecology & Adaptation Lab opens in January 2025.
The lab will take some time to get up and running, but we’re excited to get some projects started!
Undergraduates
UMass Lowell students interested in plankton ecology, thermal adaptation, or ecophysiology feel free to reach out! There are several programs to support undergraduate research.
Graduate Students
I am also hoping to recruit at least one graduate student to start in Fall 2025. This would be through UMass Lowell’s Biology M.S. or Applied Biology Ph.D. programs. Deadlines for these programs are typically in February but I strongly encourage prospective students to reach out well in advance of this to discuss your application.
When reaching out, please send Matt your CV and a few sentences summarizing: i) any past research experience, ii) how pursuing a graduate degree fits into your long-term goals, and iii) what your research interests are.
Graduate students in the lab should have a general interest in ecology, evolution, and/or climate change biology. Our work focuses on the ecophysiology of copepods and patterns in thermal adaptation, but we are always open to exploring other areas within this general theme. A strong background in plankton ecology, experimental design, and statistics is useful, but not required when starting in the lab (but note, I do expect all members to actively develop a robust foundation in these areas before too long). More important is an enthusiasm for science and a willingness tackle big questions using creative methods. It’s also important going into grad school that you know you will have to be fairly self-motivated - there’s a lot of independence and problem solving in your day-to-day work. That being said, it is my goal as an advisor to foster a supportive environment in the lab, and to help you develop the intellectual, technical, and professional skills needed to excel as a scientist.
Postdoctoral Researchers
I do not currently have funding to support postdoctoral researchers. However, I am happy to support fellowship applications if our research interests align (e.g. the NSF OCE or PRFB fellowships).