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Graduate Studies in Arachnology

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Information on Arachnids

 Last modified November 3, 2010

INGi AGNARSSON, Assistant Professor
University of Puerto Rico - UPRRP

Degrees offered: Ph.D., M. Sc.

Address: Department of Biology
University of Puerto Rico
PO Box 23360
San Juan PR 00931-3360
USA

Voice: (787) 764 0000 ext 2908 (Office) and (330) 294 8921 (Lab)

e-mail: iagnarsson@gmail.com

Professional website: http://theridiidae.com/

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Focus on systematics and biogeography of spiders, evolution of sociality and inbreeding, biodiversity estimation, and phylogenetic theory. Current lab projects on spiders also include silk biomechanics, phylogeography, population genetics, ecology, behavior, conservation, morphology, and taxonomy.
Departmental teaching assistantships are available.

posted Jan. 25, 2009

TODD BLACKLEDGE, Assistant Professor
University of Akron

Degrees offered: Master of Science and Ph.D.

Address: Department of Biology
University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-3908
USA

Voice: (330) 972-7264; FAX: (330) 972-8445
e-mail: blackledge@uakron.edu

Website: http://www3.uakron.edu/biology/

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My research focuses upon the interface of animal behavior with ecological and evolutionary processes. Web weaving spiders provide a unique opportunity to integrate behavioral research across levels of biological organization for several reasons. Unlike the relatively ephemeral foraging and defensive behaviors of most animals, spider webs are quantifiable records of spiders’ behavioral decisions that endure for the life of webs. Also, the architectures of spider webs can be easily manipulated, allowing direct investigation of the ecological consequences of the behavioral decisions made by spiders during web construction. Furthermore, the function of webs depends upon the physical properties of the silks used to construct them, which are themselves dependent upon protein structure. Therefore, behavioral and genotypic evolution can be tightly linked in this system. My laboratory is set up to support a variety of research.

I have three main lines of current research:

• behavioral ecology of orb web function
• evolution of web architectures
• biomechanical function of silk.

The Department of Biology at University of Akron emphasizes integrative research and has strong programs in both evolutionary ecology and physiological ecology. The department has grown rapidly over the last ten years to include many energetic new faculty, a new field station, and a strong research emphasis. The department offers a Master of Science as well as a PhD through a joint program with Kent State University.

added 1 - 15 - 2005

RICHARD A. BRADLEY, Associate Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Department of Zoology, Ohio State University (Marion Campus)

Degrees offered: M.S., Ph.D.

Address: Ohio State University
Dept. EEO Biology
1465 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Marion, OH 43302-5695 USA

Voice (office): (740) 389-2361 x 6266; Other phone: (614)292-7509; FAX: (614) 292-5817

e-mail: bradley.10@osu.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My primary interests are in population biology, behavior and biogeography. I have conducted research with a variety of spider taxa in Australia and Ohio and with desert grassland scorpions in New Mexico. My current research is focused on patterns of distribution and population biology of spider assemblages in Ohio. Graduate students that I supervise will be enrolled in the Dept. of EEO Biology or Dept. of Entomology at the Ohio State University, Columbus Campus.

last updated 1 -18 - 2000

Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.

Department of Zoology
Miami University Middletown
4200 E. University Blvd.
Middletown OH 45042 USA

Voice: (513) 727-3258

e-mail: cadyab@muohio.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Primary interests are with spider behavioral ecology and it's relationship to promoting spider populations in an effort to increase biological pest suppression (biological control). Field-based observations and experiments have investigated spider and harvestman distributions and movements across crop-hedgerow ecotones. Another experiment looked at how removal of hedgerow structure influenced spider populations and yield in soybeans. A current project is developing the use of discrete habitat refugia for spiders in soy and corn, while another explores how harvestmen may act as agents of biological control.

GARY DODSON, Professor of Biology
Biology Department, Ball State Univ.

Degrees offered: M.S./Ed.D.

Address: Biology Department
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306 USA

Voice: (765) 285-8859; FAX: (765) 285-8804

e-mail: gdodson@bsu.edu

Professional website: http://www.bsu.edu/web/biology/faculty/dodson.html

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Behavioral ecology of spiders, especially mating systems, male fighting behavior of thomisids. Also occurrence and significance of nectar feeding in spiders. Teaching assistantships are available to qualified candidates.

updated 1 - 19 - 2005

MICHAEL L. DRANEY, Assistant Professor of Biology
Department of Natural & Applied Sciences
University of Wisconsin at Green Bay
2420 Nicolet Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311 USA

Degrees offered: M.S.

Address: Department of Natural & Applied Sciences
University of Wisconsin at Green Bay
2420 Nicolet Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311 USA

Voice: (920) 465-2270; FAX: (920) 465-2376

e-mail:draneym@uwgb.edu

Natural and Applied Sciences Faculty Website: http://www.uwgb.edu/nas/faculty.htm
Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Website: http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/
UW-GB Graduate Studies in Environmental Sciences Website: http://www.uwgb.edu/gradstu/environm.htm

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: I have a general interest in conservation applications of terrestrial invertebrates. Student projects have included developing and evaluating sampling protocols, using invertebrates as indicators of ecological change with disturbance or management, and invasive invertebrates. I am specifically interested in ecology and taxonomy of spiders, especially family Linyphiidae, and in faunistics of North America. UW-Green Bay offers an M.S. degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Out-of-state tuition waivers and assistantships are available on a competitive basis.

added 5 - 25 -2004

MATTHIAS FOELLMER, Assistant Professor
Marshall University

Degrees offered: M.Sc.

Address: Adelphi University
Department of Biology
1 South Ave.
Garden City, New York 11540 USA

Office: (516) 877-4206

E-mail: Foellmer@adelphi.edu

Professional website: http://panther.adelphi.edu/~fo17044/MWFoellmer%20main.html

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Research in my lab integrates questions and methods of ecology and evolutionary biology. In particular, I am interested in how ecological factors and mechanisms interact with the reproductive roles of females and males to generate evolutionary processes and thus lead to the evolution of sex-specific organismal characteristics (for example reproductive strategies, morphology, life history, physiology). This includes applied problems such as understanding how the sexes may respond differently to, for example, climate change and pollution.

Current lines of investigation in my lab include the evolutionary significance of sexual dimorphism (particularly extreme sexual size dimorphism), mating systems (particularly monogyny) and sexual cannibalism. A new project that we are developing investigates changes in community structure in response to varying levels of human disturbances in coastal ecosystems.

Masters students have a good chance of getting a TA position in the biology department which pays full tuition and provides a small stipend. Additional support may also be available.

added 3 - 23 -2010

DAN FORMANOWICZ, Professor and Graduate Advisor
The University of Texas at Arlington

Degrees offered: M.S.; Ph.D.

Address: Dept. of Biology
Box 19498
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX 76019 USA

Office: (817) 272-2422; FAX: (817) 272-2855

e-mail: formanowicz@uta.edu

Professional website: www.uta.edu/biology/faculty/formanowicz/index.html

Departmental website: www.uta.edu/biology

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Behavioral ecology of scorpions and spiders including; predator-prey interactions (foraging behavior, defensive behavior); temporal and geographic life history variation; costs of reproduction; costs and benefits of burrowing. There are currently 5 Ph.D. and 5 M.S. students in the lab. working on a variety of questions within the general areas listed above. The research in our laboratory also focuses on reptile and amphibian systems. Information about the graduate programs at UTA can be found on the department website and the UTA departmental graduate program website.

Recent Publications:

Shaffer, L.R. & D.R. Formanowicz, Jr. 2000. Sprint speeds of juvenile scorpions: among family differences and parent-offspring correlations. J. Insect Behavior 13:45-54.

Amaya, C.C., P.D. Klawinski, & D.R. Formanowicz, Jr. The effects of leg autotomy on running speed and foraging ability in two species of wolf spider. Am. Midl. Nat., in press.

updated 6 - 26 -2000

Degrees offered: Ph.D.

Address: Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Division of Organisms & Environment
137 Mulford Hall
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-3114 USA

Voice (office): (510) 642-3445; FAX: (510) 642-7428

e-mail: gillespie@berkeley.edu

Professional websites: http://nature.berkeley.edu/~gillespi/ and http://nature.berkeley.edu/evolab

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Remote oceanic islands provide an extraordinary opportunity for examining ecological, morphological, and genetic/ genomic factors involved in species diversification and community assembly over evolutionary time. Three research areas are: ecological opportunity in allowing adaptive radiation commonalities between adaptive radiations (comparing archipelagoes); and genetic and genomic modification during colonization of new land masses. Our program is part of a large group of evolutionary biologists associated with the Berkeley Natural History Museums.

last updated Oct. 24, 2009

JAMES D. HARWOOD, Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky

Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center N
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40646-0091
USA

Voice (office): (859) 257-4264; FAX: (859) 323-1120

e-mail: James.Harwood@uky.edu

Professional website: http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/ipages/jharwood.asp

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My research program focuses on elucidating the ecological interactions between generalist predators, most notably spiders, and their prey in terrestrial ecosystems. These studies attempt to discern subtle, but often significant, trophic linkages between natural enemies and invasive pests, identifying the role of generalist predators in pest regulation, the effect of dietary diversification on the reproductive capacity (and hence biological control potential) of predators, and the stability of complex food webs.

added August 11, 2007

EILEEN A. HEBETS, Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Degrees offered: Ph. D

Address: School of Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68588 USA

Office Phone: (402) 472-2571

E-mail: ehebets@unlnotes.unl.edu

Professional website: http://www.biosci.unl.edu/faculty/FacPages/hebets.asp

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: I am interested in the evolution of complex signaling, sexual selection, and learning and memory in arachnids. My research programs are broad encompassing wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and amblypygids.

new listing October 27, 2005

Degrees offered: M.Sc./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Zoology
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch New Zealand

Voice: +64 3 364-2064 [or] +64 3 364-2071; FAX: +64 3 364-2024;

e-mail: r.jackson@zool.canterbury.ac.nz

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Aggressive mimicry.Foreign students are subject to fees. Financial support from within New Zealand for foreign students is virtually non-existent.

Degree offered: M.S.

Address: Department of Biology
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, TX 75799 USA

Voice: (903) 566- 7252; FAX: (903) 566-8372;

e-mail: dkille@mail.uttyl.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Spider Ecology: especially biodiversity, density, life, and natural history of spiders from old-field and prairie communities. Taxon of greatest interest is Oxyopidae. Additional information available upon request.

last updated 1 - 14 - 2000

Degrees offered: M.S./ Ph.D.

Address: Department of Biology
Univ. of Mississippi
University, Mississippi 38677 USA

Voice: (601) 232- 7495(Voice mail); FAX: (601) 232-5144;

e-mail: bymiller@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Lycosid behavior and ecology, species differentiation in Schizocosa, spider foraging behavior. Some financial support available.

Degree offered: D. Phil. (over 3 years)

Address: Department of Biology
Univ. of York
P.O. Box 373
York YO105YW, U.K.

Voice: +44 1904 4328823; FAX: +44 1904 432860;

e-mail: gso1@york.ac.uk

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Evolution and adaptative significance of colour polymorphisms in spiders (at present species within the Enoplognatha ovata group and in the Hawaiian happyface spider, Theridion grallator). Range expansion, differentiation and hybridisation in Tegenaria species. Evolutionary implications and mechanisms of sperm priority patterns in Tegenaria species.

Funding: Usually via UK Research Councils (restricted to UK citizens) but the University does have schemes to subsidise graduate students who are supported by industry/other outside bodies or who fund themselves. I don't think there is any reason why these should not also apply to overseas students as well.

More details on application.

Degrees offered: M.Sc./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Biology
University of Saskatchewan
112 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK, CANADA

Voice: (306) 966-4414; FAX: (306) 966-4461;

e-mail: randell@sask.usask.ca [or] 76261.1254@compuserve.com

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Ecology of synanthropic spiders, management of pest spider populations, anatomy of spiders. Details available on request.

SUSAN E. RIECHERT, Professor
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Tennessee

Degree offered: Ph.D.

Address: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-0810 USA

Voice: (685) 974-2371; FAX: (685) 974-3067

e-mail: sriecher@utk.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Ecology, behavior, evolutionary biology, genetics, biocontrol. Prefer students with prior research experience (e.g., a masters degree).

last updated 1 - 14 - 2000

J. ANDREW ROBERTS, Assistant Professor
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
Ohio State University, Newark

Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.

Address: Ohio State University, Newark
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
1179 University Drive
Newark, OH 43055 USA

Voice: (740) 366-9178

FAX:  (740) 366-5047

e-mail: roberts.762@osu.edu

Websites: Professional homepage: http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~eeob/faculty/roberts.html

Departmental Homepage:  http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~eeob/

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: At present, much of my research concerns constraints on the evolution of animal signals and signaling behavior.  My main research interests are in the evolution of animal communication and social behavior using spider model systems.  I apply an integrative approach to my research program, incorporating techniques from several disciplines (e.g. environmental measurements, field and laboratory observation and experimentation, digital imaging and video/audio playback, chemical extraction, DNA microsatellites) to address interesting questions about the evolution of animal signals, sexual selection and mate choice, and group formation and social behavior.  I have collaborated on a variety of projects working with invertebrate and vertebrate organisms in habitats including coastal riparian, flood plain, old growth forest, and cave and karst ecosystems.  Graduate students under my supervision will be enrolled in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the Ohio State University, Columbus Campus.

added 1 - 5 - 2005

ANN L. RYPSTRA, Associate Prof. of Zoology
Department of Zoology, Miami University

Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Zoology
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056 USA
(I am officially located on the Hamilton Campus of Miami so the address on my publications is different but it is more convenient if I hear from prospective students at this address);

Phone: (513) 529-3176 or (513) 785-3238; FAX: (513) 529-6900

e-mail: rypstral@MUOhio.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Spacing patterns in spiders, evolution of social behavior, spiders in agroecosystems, food web ecology, foraging behavior, influence of spiders on the foraging activity of herbivores. All students admitted receive a graduate assistantship. Most are required to teach. Program is a broad based zoology program but the departmental emphasis is ecology. Of 33 faculty, 15 conduct research in some aspect of ecology. Students have to have had undergraduate courses in ecology, physiology, genetics, statistics, one year of physics and two years of chemistry, but some of these courses can be taken after the student is admitted and comes to Miami. GREs are required.

PAUL SELDEN, Distinguished Professor in Invertebrate Paleontology
The Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas
Degrees offered: MS, PhD

Address: The Paleontological Institute
University of Kansas
Lindley Hall
1475 Jayhawk Boulevard
Lawrence, Kansas 66045 USA

Voice: (785) 864-2751 (OFFICE) or (785) 393-5625 (CELL)

e-mail: selden@ku.edu or paulselden@mac.com

Websites: Professional homepage: : http://homepage.mac.com/paulselden/Home and http://paleo.ku.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Research in Paul Selden’s laboratory utilizes fossil material to investigate systematics, evolution, ecology and other aspects of arthropods, particularly spiders and other Chelicerata. We have graduate students and postdocs working with amber-preserved specimens as well as rock matrix material. Mesozoic spiders are a particular interest at present. We have great collaboration with fossil insect colleagues (e.g. Michael Engel, also at KU) and paleontologists (e.g. Steve Hasiotis, studying fossil and Recent spider burrows).

Further information: Application for graduate study should be made in the first instance at: http://www.geo.ku.edu/~geology/prospectiveGrads/prospectiveGrads.shtml

Yolanda Davis (yolanda@ku.edu) and/or Rick Devlin (jfdevlin@ku.edu) are personal contacts should you need any advice.

updated: November 30, 2007

CARA SHILLINGTON Associate Professor
Dept of Biology, Eastern Michgan University

Degrees offered: M.Sc.

Address: 316 Mark Jefferson
Department of Biology
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA

Voice: (734) 487-4433 (office/lab) and (734) 487-4242 (department office)

e-mail: cara.shillington@emich.edu

Professional Homepage: http://www.emich.edu/biology/details.php?dep=Biology&ID=49

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My research focuses on an integrative, field-based, evolutionary approach to study the behavioral and physiological ecology of tarantulas. Current research topics include intra- and interspecific variation in metabolic rates, life history variation, mating systems, and foraging behavior.
Teaching assistantships are available to most students accepted into our department. In addition, the biology department has substantial fellowships that are awarded annually.

W. DAVID SISSOM, Professor
Dept. of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University

Degrees offered: M.S.

Address: Dept. of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU Box 60808
Canyon, TX 79016 USA

Voice: (806) 651-2578; Fax: (806) 651-2928

e-mail: dsissom@mail.wtamu.edu

Departmental website: http://www.wtamu.edu

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My primary research interests are in scorpion systematics, phylogeny (based on morphological characters), life history, behavior, and ecology. I have secondary interests in systematics and regional inventories of other arachnids. A limited number of teaching assistantships are available for qualified applicants.

last updated 4 - 1 - 2002

Degree offered: Ph.D.

Address: Department of Biological Sciences,
Univ. of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T6G 2E9;

Voice: (403) 492-3003; FAX: (403) 492-9234;

e-mail: jspence@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Population biology, especially population dynamics and life-history evolution; community ecology; forestry practices and biodiversity; special interests in semi-aquatic and litter-dwelling, cursorial spiders. Graduate teaching assistantships available; university provides supplements to students with their own scholarships. Students expected to have their own general research problems in mind at time of application; more information upon request.

GEORGE W. UETZ, Professor of Biological Sciences
University of Cincinnati

Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Biological Sciences
Univ. of Cincinnati
P.O. Box 210006
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006 USA

Phone (office): (513) 556-9752, (lab) (513) 556-9753, (other) (513) 556-9700; FAX: (513) 556-5299

e-mail: George.Uetz@uc.edu

Professional homepage: http://www.artsci.uc.edu/collegedepts/biology/fac_staff/profile_details.aspx?ePID=ODM2Mw%3D%3D 

Departmental homepage: http://www.artsci.uc.edu/collegedepts/biology/

Research Interests: The major focus of my research is the behavioral ecology of spiders. I am interested in the selective forces shaping the evolution of social behavior, and use both field-based observational studies and laboratory experimentation in two long-term research projects:

• Multimodal communication, species recognition and sexual selection - using video imaging and playback techniques to investigate the essential elements of courtship signaling behavior, which functions in reproductive isolation and mate choice in Schizocosa wolf spiders (Lycosidae). Current work is directed at understanding the role of multi-modal communication (visual and vibratory signals) within a communication network on the forest floor habitat – in both the environmental context (physical environment, substrate, light, background contrats, predators), as well as the social context (conspecific interactions, female mate choice, eavesdropping male competitors). We are using laser vibrometry, illuminance spectrophotometry and audio-visual playback to tease apart the elements of a complex communication system.
• Influence of El Niño on aggregative behavior and genetic structure of Metepeira populations on the California coast. This project builds upon insights gained from studies of group foraging in colonial web-building spiders of the genus Metepeira (Araneidae) from Mexico, which are "an exception to the rule"- among most (typically asocial) spiders.

I will also support student research in other areas of arachnology/behavioral ecology.

Information About the Graduate Program: My research has been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, and my lab is well-equipped to pursue many types of arachnological research. I typically sponsor up to 5 graduate students, depending on support.
Our department offers competitive assistantship and fellowship support (including tuition remission scholarships) for graduate students. Our graduate program has been re-organized recently, and the areas of Ecology, Behavior, Neuroscience and Evolution have been strengthened by the addition of several new faculty.

updated 10 / 27 / 2009

FRITZ VOLLRATH
Department of Zoology, University of Aarhus

Degrees offered: M.Sc./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Zoology
Universitetsparken B135
DK 8000 Aarhus C Denmark

Voice: +45-89 42 27 65 (Sec: +45- 89 42 27 27); FAX: +45-86 12 51 75;

e-mail: vollrath@aau.dk

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Orb spider ecology, behaviour, web engineering, silk biomechanics. Information upon request.

Degrees offered: M.Sc./Ph.D.

Address: Department of Zoology
Universitetsparken B135
DK 8000 Aarhus C Denmark

Voice: +45-89 42 27 65 (Sec: +45- 89 42 27 27); FAX: +45-86 12 51 75;

e-mail: vollrath@aau.dk

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Orb spider ecology, behaviour, web engineering, silk biomechanics. Information upon request.

SEAN WALKER, Assistant Professor
California State University Fullerton

Degree offered: M.S.

Address: Department of BIological Science
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton CA 92831 USA

Phone (office): (714) 278-3610; Phone (lab): (714) 278-8204; FAX: (714) 278-3426

e-mail: swalker@fullerton.edu

Professional website (homepage): http://biology.fullerton.edu/swalker

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: My primary research interests are in the cognitive, behavioral, and evolutionary ecology of terrestrial invertebrates (mainly Arachnids and Orthopterans). In particular, I am interested in animal decision making as it relates to foraging and reproduction (e.g., mate choice & reproductive investment) and have a keen interest in any project related to animal communication, the evolution of sex differences, and the evolution of alternative tactics and strategies. I have also worked on projects related to the estimation and comparison of terrestrial invertebrate biodiversity and pollination biology.

DAVID H. WISE, Professor of Entomology
University of Kentucky

Degrees offered: M.S., Ph.D.

Address: Department of Entomology,
S-225 Ag Sci Bldg -- North
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0091 USA

Phone (office): (606) 257-4264; Phone (lab): (606) 257-4693; FAX: (606) 323-1120;

e-mail: dhwise@pop.uky.edu

Professional website (homepage): http://www.uky.edu/~dhwise/wise.html

Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Behavioral, population and community ecology of spiders in food webs of forest-floor leaf litter and vegetable crops. Please visit my website for detailed, current information on my group's research program.

last updated 1 / 18 / 2000