Description of position: I am looking for a graduate student to join the newly formed Paleontology and Evolutionary Biomechanics Laboratory (PEBL) at Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio. This lab is housed within the Geology and Environmental Earth Sciences Department (https://miamioh.edu/cas/departments/geology/index.html). Research in the PEBL focuses on reconstructing animals and ecosystems with integrative approaches, spanning paleontology, geology, biology, and engineering. This particular graduate research project will be centered on orthocone (straight-shelled) cephalopods and the hydromechanical constraints on their swimming capabilities. We will use existing museum specimens, field work around SW Ohio, and computer modeling to reconstruct these animals that were once dominant components of Paleozoic marine ecosystems. Depending on student interests (master’s or PhD level), we will use these computer reconstructions to inform the design of 3D-printed robots. Using self-propelling robots, along with motion tracking experiments in the university pool, we will explore how these animals navigated physical tradeoffs between stability and maneuverability.
Degree level: Master’s or PhD, with an option to start with a master’s and continue to a PhD later on.
Lab Resources: The PEBL will be fully equipped with cutting-edge 3D scanning, 3D printing, and computer modeling resources for graduate student use. We will also have the potential to work across other academic units, and within nearby museum collections. Travel expenses presenting research at several conferences will also be covered.
For more information, visit the lab webpage at: https://miamipaleo.weebly.com/
For any questions and enquiries, please contact the lab PI, David Peterman (petermdj@miamioh.edu).
Required qualifications:
- BS in geology, biology, or related field
- Interest in learning cross-disciplinary skillsets.
- Note that experience in computer modeling, Arduino programming, and robotics is not required. I have semi-automated workflows, and have existing foundations built for all required experiments. However, prospective students should have basic computer literacy, quantitative reasoning, writing skills, and above all else, curiosity.
Preferred qualifications:
- Undergraduate research experience
- Paleontological field work experience
- Experience with 3D printing, 3D modeling, and building things
How to apply: Please send a one-page letter of intent by email to petermdj@miamioh.edu. Use the subject line “Miami U Paleo Application”. The letter should explain your interest in this position, the degree level that you would like to pursue, and include any relevant past experience that may qualify you for this project. Please also address how you meet any of the qualifications listed above. Finally, include a short CV with undergraduate coursework, and contact info for someone willing to serve as a reference.
About the review process: I will begin reviewing applications upon receipt. I will hold a zoom interview for the top 6 candidates, and will notify all applicants of their standing by July 18th. The final candidate will have two weeks to review their offer. After the final candidate accepts, I will send a recommendation to hire to the department.
About Oxford Ohio: Oxford is a small college town located about 35 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio. There are a variety of shops and restaurants within walking distance to the university. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking nearby. This area is particularly appealing to paleontologists, being located along the Cincinnati Arch, which exposes world-class Ordovician fossils in nearby roadcuts and creeks.
Please see the Miami University resource map created by the department’s URGE pod for information about the resources across Miami University and the town of Oxford (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xkeCAgVGuuXpht4obA47hdk3IUwlQw2Ts7bR9tEjTt4/edit?tab=t.0).
