Laboratory Rotation
Beginning in their second semester fellows will gain experience working in several different laboratories to expose
them to the wide range of state-of-the-art methods and tools available as part of the lab/field rotation course. Laboratory rotations develop skills working with different study systems, instruments, and research methods. Lab rotations will include either wet labs or experimental field-work (e.g., field surveys and data gathering using field instrumentation) or a combination of both at marine and terrestrial field study sites. Fellows with a research interest requiring a significant field component may extend rotations to include extended research cruises. Fellows will develop their lab rotation schedule with their Mentor Committee as part of their training and research plan.
The field component includes specimen collection and survey techniques, environmental sensors, and field safety. Laboratory modules include learning both the theoretical basis and application of molecular phylogenetic, biostatistical, or modeling software linked to laboratory or field data collection technologies and techniques. This lab course provides the basics of field work and strengthens the cohort bonding process central to the Training Program design.