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© 2004 Bryan E. Reynolds |
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
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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
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ALAN B. CADY, Associate Professor of Zoology
Department of Zoology, Miami University -- Middletown & Oxford, Ohio
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.
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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
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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
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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
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ROSEMARY GILLESPIE, Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, Division of Insect Biology, University of California at Berkeley
Degrees offered: M.S./Ph.D.
Address: Department of Environmental Science, Policy and
Management
Division of Insect Biology
201
Wellman Hall
University of California
Berkeley,
CA 94720-3112 USA
Voice (office): (510) 642-3445; FAX: (510) 642-7428
e-mail: gillespi@nature.berkeley.edu
Professional websites: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gillespi/
and http://nature.berkeley.edu/evolab
Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Research Interests and Information on Graduate Program: Systematics (mostly species level), population biology, and conservation biology, using morphological, ecological, and molecular (allozymes and DNA sequences) characters to assess histories. Focus on unique system provided by species radiations on oceanic islands. Our program is part of a large group of evolutionary biologists associated with the Berkeley Natural History Museums. This museum consortium includes the Essig Museum of Entomology, the UC Museum of Paleontology, the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and the University and Jepson Herbarium. Research assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Additional information available on request.
last updated 1 -18 - 2000
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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
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ROBERT R. JACKSON, Associate Professor
Department of Zoology, University of Canterbury
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.
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DON W. KILLEBREW, Professor and Chair
Department of Biology, Univ. of Texas at Tyler
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
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GARY L. MILLER, Associate Professor
Department of Biology, Univ. of Mississippi
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.
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GEOFF OXFORD
Department of Biology, University of York
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.
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ROBERT L. RANDELL, Associate Professor
Dept of Biology, Univ. of Saskatchewan
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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JOHN R. SPENCE, Professor
Dept. of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Alberta
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.
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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 homepages:
- http://www.biology.uc.edu/faculty/uetz/uetzlab.htm
- http://www.biology.uc.edu/faculty/uetz/george.htm
Departmental homepage: http://www.biology.uc.edu
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:
- Visual communication, species recognition and sexual selection - using video imaging and playback techniques to investigate the essential elements of signalling behavior in courtship, 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) as an indicator of male condition in female mate choice. We are using audio-visual playback in cue-combination and cue-conflict experiments, to tease apart the elements of a complex communication system.
- Group foraging in colonial web-building spiders - this project is directed at understanding the cost-benefit fitness tradeoffs involved in group-living (foraging success, predation risk, aggression, silk costs) for colonial web-building spiders of the genus Metepeira (Araneidae), which are "an exception to the rule"- among most (typically asocial) spiders (some work is being done in collaboration with Dr. Beth Jakob of U. Mass. and Dr. Craig Hieber of Saint Anselm College).
Two additional areas of research are:
- Influence of El Nino on aggregative behavior and genetic structure of Metepeira populations on the California coast.
- Role of habitat structure and refuge augmentation on spider populations and biological control of pests in agriculture (in Collaboration with Dr. Alan Cady of Miami University, Oxford, OH)
I will also support student research in other areas of arachnology/behavioral ecology.
Information About the Graduate Program: My research is
funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, and my lab is well-equipped
to pursue many types of arachnological research. I currently sponsor two
graduate students, and have room for one to two more next year.
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, Evolution
and Behavior have been strengthened by the addition of several new faculty.
updated 1 / 19 / 2000
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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.
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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
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