Undergraduate Opportunities in the Morbey Lab

Work Study & Volunteers

We sometimes hire work study students and volunteers to assist with routine lab or data projects during the fall or winter term. Typical tasks include data entry, sample preparation and analysis, & animal husbandry. Volunteers should be prepared to work at least one 4 h shift per week for the entire term. Available positions are posted on the Working at Western site.

Qualifications

In a Biology or Enviro Sci module with preference for those in HSp Biodiversity & Conservation, Animal Behaviour, or Environmental Science.

Independent Research - Coursework

Interested in doing independent research to build your cv? Consider enrolling in Biology 4999E or Enviro Sci 4999E (1.5 credits, two semesters), or Biology 4970F/G or Enviro Sci 4970F/G  (0.5 credits, one semester). Interested students should contact Dr. Morbey in Feb-Mar of the previous academic year. Projects are varied, but usually involve analysis of animal movement or citizen science data.

Qualifications

Registered in HSp in Biodiversity & Conservation, Animal Behaviour, Biology (with relevant coursework), or Environmental Science; is keen to develop their natural history knowledge about animals in their natural environments; interested in logic and puzzles; >75% in Biology 2244A/B would be an asset. Students with an interest in data science or with mathematical background are especially encourage to apply to work on collaborative projects with the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science or the Department of Mathematics.

Examples of Recent Projects

Wong, M. 2023. sex-based differential fall migration timing of adult Ovenbirds. Biology 4999E.

Evans, J. 2022. The secret night life of songbirds: estimation of nocturnal flight duration in the Black-throated Blue Warbler. Environmental Science 4999E.

Warren, E. 2022. Age classes adjust their migration timing similarly in response to climate variation. Biology 4999E.

Buchanan-Fraser, C. 2020. Movement of migratory songbirds in the Great Lakes ecoregion: full wind drift or compensation? Biology 4999E.

Rogers, K. 2020. Individual variation in the migration timing of Gray Catbirds and Swainson's Thrushes relative to molt status. Biology 4999E.

Tuzson, E. 2020. Departure directions of migratory songbirds after a stopover bout in the Great Lakes ecoregion. Enviro Sci 4999E.