Undergraduate Research

Are you interested in biology, geology, paleontology, conservation, and science education? We are looking for undergraduate students to join our research team!

Jamaica Undergraduate Research

Investigating Jamaican terrestrial vertebrate paleontology: colonization, extinction, and resilience

This project aims to disentangle biotic and abiotic factors contributing to extinction, colonization, and persistence dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems of Jamaica by utilizing the recent (Quaternary) fossil record. Research opportunities for undergraduates will involve all or some of the following:

  1. Fieldwork collecting fossil vertebrate assemblages in caves along the southern coast of Jamaica.

  2. Visiting museum collections in the United States.

  3. Learning how to identify fossils and perform laboratory analyses.

  4. Performing computational data analysis.

  5. Designing STEM lesson plans for primary school and secondary school audiences.

A major goal of this project is the creation of inquiry-based STEM lesson plans based on the experiences and lessons learned from this research. The lesson plans will be published online as OERs (Open Educational Resources) and distributed to teachers and educators that we work with in Jamaica and Texas. Additionally, there will be opportunities for you to participate in STEM camps and other outreach activities that utilize these lesson plans, both in Jamaica and Texas.

Throughout this project, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Melissa Kemp), Outreach Coordinator (Megan O'Quin), graduate students, and local collaborators in Jamaica. You will gain experience in multiple aspects of the project, including: data collection (fieldwork and lab work), data analysis, scientific publication, lesson plan development, and community outreach.

To apply you will need to submit answers to a short questionnaire that asks about your interest in the position, how the position aligns with your career/academic goals, and information about relevant coursework, experiences, and other skills. You will also be asked to supply a CV or resumé and contact information for one academic reference.

Apply here:  https://forms.gle/yWchbT4j6Nhqr4nb8 

We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on February 18, 2025.

Please send any questions you have to the project PI mkemp@austin.utexas.edu and the project Outreach Coordinator megan.oquin@austin.utexas.edu