Joining/Expectations

Prospective Graduate Students
In the Gabor / GASP Lab, we value creativity, zest, and grit. Graduate students are encouraged to work independently within an active area of research in the lab. If you are considering joining graduate school you should read this article as it is very accurate and will help you succeed. It is entitled the Five truths about graduate school.

In case you do not know the ins and outs of Academia and being a graduate student I highly suggest you read this document.

The expectation in my lab is that students work extremely hard toward well-thought out, practical, and justified scientific and career goals and eventually publish 1 (MS) or more papers in high quality journals. However, greatly exceeding these minimum expectations is strongly encouraged and will benefit all in the lab. After all, the work ethic established in graduate school will reflect your probability of attaining desired jobs and desired successes.

Prospective graduate students should first read some of our publications to get an idea of the type of research we conduct and the approaches we take. Use these papers to stimulate questions you might pursue if you were to join the lab.

The GASP lab is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment to trainees from diverse backgrounds.

Then contact Dr. Caitlin Gabor and include in their letter:
1. an outline of possible research topics
2. a summary of research experience
3. a CV
4. a description of career goals
5. a list of relevant coursework (with grades)
6. GRE scores (if you have taken it)

Graduate students join the lab through one of the Department of Biology graduate programs. Most of my Masters students are in the Population and Conservation Biology Program.

Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants
We look for curious, zesty, and hard working undergraduate students who are interested in participating in all aspects of the research we do – from cleaning fish tanks to collecting data. Students should be able to commit ~ 5-10 hours per week, and to work with us for at least 2 semesters. We encourage students to take Biol 4299 to receive course credit for their research experience. The GASP lab is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment to trainees from diverse backgrounds.

If you are an interested undergraduate, contact Dr. Gabor by email with the following information:
1. a little background on who you are
2. your reasons for seeking research experience
3. the biology courses you have taken

Prospective Postdocs
I have funding for a Postdoc to possibly work on behavior and link the behavior to transcriptomics using live-bearing fish. Contact me if you are interested and have transcriptomic training and anything else.

Other funding for postdoctoral salaries may come from a postdoctoral grant (e.g., NSF) or from grant funding to the lab.  Which is most appropriate depends on research topic as well as availability of funds. Since securing funds requires planning ahead, wherever you apply, you should contact potential postdoctoral advisors one year before you expect to join a postdoctoral lab, if possible. Planning ahead is likely to increase your postdoctoral opportunities. The GASP lab is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment to trainees from diverse backgrounds.

If you are an interested, contact Dr. Gabor by email with the following information:
1. an outline of possible research topics
2. a summary of research experience
3. how your background would contribute to the lab
4. a CV

Please read over my GASP lab policies

Please read over my Mentoring-and-expected-outcomes

Consider creating an Individual Development Plan to help you obtain your goals