Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The first step in conducting mentored research is contacting and interviewing a faculty member with whom you would like to work. Prepare for this meeting by researching the previous scientific work of your potential mentor and by outlining either areas of research you would like to work on or, outlining a specific project that you would like to conduct. Keep in mind that some faculty members prefer that you carve out a sub-project within a larger project that they are working on, while others prefer you create your own project. Be sure to review the “Guidelines for Independent Studies” (these guidelines are also useful Graduation with Distinction program).
Be sure to also take a look at the websites for our many of our departmental lab here: EvAnth Research Labs (Organized, roughly, by area of research)
Dr. Doug Boyer () Primate and Mammalian Evolution/Paleontology contact Dr. Boyer for more information
Dr. Steve Churchill ()
Area: Paleoanthropology
Number of Students: 1- 2
Submit research proposal
Dr. Rich Kay ()
Area: Primate Evolution/Anatomy
Number of students: 1
Proposal: submit proposal to Dr. Kay
Comment: Dr. Kay is in the field for several weeks each Spring semester.
Dr. Dan Schmitt ()
Area: Biomechanics of locomotion
Number of Students: 1-2
Submit research proposal (note: Dr. Schmitt will be on sabbatical Spring 2013)
Dr. Christine (Chris) Wall ()
Area: Functional Morphology/Anatomy
Number of students: 1-2
Possible projects: projects related to the biomechanics and physiology related to the mastication process/feeding
Dr. Andrea Taylor ()
Area: Anatomy/Primate Ecology/Evolution
Number of students: 1
Possible projects: collecting data on jaw-muscle architecture and physiology in primates; stereologic analysis of trigeminal motor and sensory complexes
Comments: Preference given to students wishing to carry out a research project for their honors thesis and willing to commit for at least one year background in anatomy, evolutionary theory and/or primate ecology helpful.
Dr. Christine Drea ()
Area: Primate Behavior/Reproduction
Number of Students: 1 -2
contact Dr. Drea for more information
Dr. Leslie Digby ()
Area: Primate Behavior/Ecology
Number of Students 1-2
Project: 1) Behavrioral Thermoregulation in Primates: Students need to have taken EvAnth 344L or equivalent; other courses in behavior/ecology very helpful. Ideally, you’ll have taken a class from me!
Dr. Ken Glander ()
Area: Primate Behavior/Ecology
Number of Students: 1-2
Projects: see Dr. Glander
Dr. Anne Pusey () Area: Primate Behavior/Ecology Number of students: Projects: See Dr. Pusey Dr. Ian Gilby () Area: Primate Behavior/Ecology Number of Students: Projects: See Dr. Gilby
Dr. Jenny Tung Area: Primate genetics/genomics; population studies Number of Students: Projects: Contact Dr. Tung
Undergraduate Grant Opportunities
Most undergraduate research is funding by the Undergraduate Research Support Grants (http://undergraduateresearch.duke.edu/). The following are some additional programs of support that may be relevant to your area of research:
Molly H. Glander Memorial Undergraduate Research Grant
http://lemur.duke.edu/education/undergraduate.php
Dean's Summer Research Fellows
http://undergraduateresearch.duke.edu/programs/dsrf
Sigma Xi
http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/
Orangutan Foundation International (OFI)
http://www.orangutan.org/projects/fellship.php
Society for Vertebrate Paleontology
http://www.vertpaleo.org/awards/patterson.html
The Explorers Club
www.explorers.org
North Carolina Academy of Science
http://www.ncacadsci.org/grants.htm