crackmitacsAll disciplines

Entomology

2 Mitacs Globalink (GRI) research projects for Summer 2027.

1. Spatial analysis of bee biodiversity

Landscape scale management is necessary to support biodiversity and sustainability. The goal of the project is to assess the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of wild bees across spatial scales. The project involves working with museum-quality insect specimens, data entry and analysis for spatial studies of diversity.

Research area, student roles & skills

Research area: Insect systematics and biodiversity. Insect phylogenetics, taxonomy, ecology, and behaviour.

Student roles:
Student would work with a PhD student leading the project to ensure all available data are curated and suitable for spatial analysis. Student would work in a large insect collection to curate wild bee specimens. Some collection of wild bees may be required.

Skills required:
Organization, fine motor skills. Familiarity with insects, GIS, or R is ideal. Spanish is not required, but would be helpful.

2. Taxonomic studies of sweat bees

Sweat bees are among the most species rich and commonly collected bees globally. The PI is the global expert on North American sweat bee taxonomy and teaches international workshops on bee taxonomy. The project is to document the undescribed diversity of sweat bees in North America.

Research area, student roles & skills

Research area: Insect systematics and biodiversity. Phylogenetic analysis of wild bees, taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity.

Student roles:
Student would work with PI to take measurements, organize and photograph museum specimens, and publish new species descriptions.

Skills required:
Organization, fine motor skills. Preferably with experience in entomology. Experience with DNA extractions is desirable but not required.