University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Research for
Undergraduates in
Theoretical
Ecology
• Department of Mathematics
• School of Biological Sciences
• Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
The RUTE Summer Scholars Program:
The RUTE Scholars Program:
• a one-summer Research Skills course for students who will be
freshmen or sophomores
• a multi-semester interdisciplinary research experience
for teams of undergraduates and faculty
• introduces students to research and prepares them for the
RUTE Scholars Program
• prepares students for graduate and professional
research
Research Skills for Theoretical Ecology
1. Focused preparation
3-credit, 5-week, team-taught summer course
$1500 stipend, expenses
Study aphid population dynamics and predation
• 2-credit reading course in spring semester
Topics, with details for aphids:
1. Greenbug Aphid
1. Acquire biology background
2. Learn math techniques
3. Acquire computer skills (Matlab)
4. Collect population dynamics data
• Clip-cage experiments
5. Fit a mathematical model to data
6. Use the model to make predictions
• Program and run Matlab simulation
4. Clip-Cage Experiments
• Find growth rate (largest eigenvalue) and proportions (eigenvector)
7. Test predictions in the lab
• Population growth experiment
8. Communicate research results
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• Prepare a poster
9. Design a research study
• Write a research proposal abstract
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6. Stage-Structured Linear Model
5
4.5
– full-time graduate student support
– at least 2 weeks with bio mentor
– 1 week visit by math mentor
– $3250 stipend, expenses, 3 credits
3. Data Analysis and Modeling
• 3-credit independent study in fall semester
4
3.5
N(t+1)/N(t)
3
2.5
Predicted
2
Observed
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10
15
20
Time (Days)
7. Counting Aphids
4. Presentation
• 2-credit independent study in spring semester
1
7. Population Growth:
Predicted and Measured
Ecology of Painted Turtle
Populations (C. picta) in
Western Nebraska
2. Summer field experience
– data analysis
– mathematical modeling
– twice-weekly meetings with math mentor
– $500 scholarship
Growth Rate
RUTE 2006
– Topics:
• biological theory of research area
• mathematical background for research area
• field / laboratory methods
• experimental design
– Format:
• students work together
• students help choose topics and find sources
• guest lectures as needed
• students do papers and talks
• 2-hour weekly meeting with both mentors
– $500 scholarship
• 10 weeks intensive field/laboratory work
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.297
Email:
rute@math.unl.edu
Web page:
http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE
– prepare a research poster
– prepare a conference talk
– prepare a paper
– meet with mentors as needed
– $500 scholarship
RUTE 2007
West Nile Virus and Vector
Population Biology:
Predicting the Next Big
Outbreak
Characterizing the
Population Dynamics of
Duckweed in Natural and
Laboratory Settings