GRASS
E3B Graduate Resource Association of Student Scientists
Outreach Committee
The E3B Graduate Student Outreach Committee seeks to build community between the graduate and undergraduate students in the E3B department. We offer resources and professional development workshops for undergraduates to help them pursue graduate school and/or careers in Ecology/Evolution. We additionally organize community development events where grads and undergrads can mingle, explore nature, and have fun!
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General resources:
Interested in research opportunities outside E3B?
The E3B Outreach Committee Compiled a list of research opportunities outside E3B
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Last updated:
2/23/26
Insect herbivore diversity experiment
Field work
Biodiversity frequently positively impacts ecosystem functions and services in urban environments. Urban insects contribute to many of these functions and services, but they have received little attention compared to other more conspicuous and charismatic animal taxa. In this project, we aim to test how the diversity of insect herbivores affects plant biomass over the course of a growing season, using an experimental setup. The undergraduate position would be to work closely with a PhD candidate measuring plant biomass and attending to insects on them. No previous experience with plants or insects is required, but must be willing to closely interact with insects (including handling). This position will require being outside for extended periods of time in different weather conditions. While primary responsibilities will be field work, there will be opportunities to learn lab and computational skills if desired. Start and end dates are flexible.
Skills or knowledge required:
(1) Willingness to handle insects (2) Willingness to spend most of the day outside (with accepted risks of tick bites and poison ivy) (3) Preference for applicants that will sing along to the Hamilton soundtrack in the car (other musicals also fine)
Funding for Undergraduates:
Yes. Funding may be provided by PI grant if necessary, but preference for student(s) applying to summer fellowships, like the Columbia College summer research fellowship (due Feb 24) or the Barnard College summer research institute (due March 4).
Additional Information
Start:
5/18/26
End:
7/31/26
Time Commitment:
Up to 35 hours/week over the summer. Days usually starting ~8AM due to midday heat.
Professor:
Shahid Neem
Interested? Send an email to:
Emily Leggat
External Funding
For opportunities that don't come with funding, you may be able to get support through the Federal Work-Study Program, which provides funds for part-time employment to help needy students to finance the costs of postsecondary education.
If you are interested, please reach out to the graduate student and/or professor sponsoring the research opportunity, who will help you with the application. The FWS program is a US government-sponsored program, and funding decisions are made by the Department of Education. Funding through FWS for research opportunities posted here are not guaranteed.