Women in Science Undergraduate and High School Interns/DNA barcoding

Lynika Strozier High School and Undergraduate Internship/DNA barcoding shines a light into the hidden world of lichen symbioses

Lichens-partnerships between fungi and algae-are well-known and classic examples of symbiosis. Yet, many fundamental questions remain unknown. For instance, while approximately 20,000 species of lichen fungi are known globally, less than 2% of these fungal species have had their associated algal symbionts identified. Consequently, our understanding of the magnitude of algal diversity encompassed by these cryptic symbionts is substantially underestimated. Furthermore, the identification of algal symbionts provides insight into which fungal species partner with shared or common algal symbionts. Here we will use DNA barcoding to establish the identity and diversity of algal symbionts in an effort to reveal hidden networks of diversity.

This internship is a unique one in two ways: (1) it is partially endowed in honor of Lynika Strozier. Lynika was a Field Museum scientist and former Women in Science intern supervisor who passed away due to complications from COVID-19. She was an inspiration to all who worked with her, and we thank her for the legacy she left through the students she inspired; (2) in this internship, an undergraduate will be paired with a High School student, and the two will work together through the course of the summer. Through this, the undergraduate will acquire and further develop their teaching and mentoring experience, and the High School student will learn from the undergraduate. Both will regularly interact with, learn from, and be mentored by their FM advisor.

This position will be 35 hours/week, from 10 June 2024 - 26 July 2024, and will be a mix of lab and computer work. Interns are expected to work full-time, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm (unless otherwise arranged with the supervisor) with a salary of $16.50-$17 per hour. Work will largely be conducted in person, not online. Interns are required to give a final presentation and participate in a 1-hour symposium to share their work Friday July 26, 2024. This work will be promoted by the FMWIS group on the website.

Responsibilities include:

• Sample selection and prep
• DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis
• Data analysis in R and command line
• Synthesis of findings in the form of a written document and short presentation

To apply, please provide a cover letter:

Lynika embodied the following qualities as a scientist and a mentor - please share how you demonstrate these qualities.

• Positivity, friendliness, and good nature
• Willingness to help, mentor, teach, and learn from others
• Perseverance, hard work, and fierce determination
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn new things
• Interest in diverse scientific questions

Applicants must apply though the Field Museum’s Career website at www.fieldmuseum.org/careers. Applications through other websites will not be considered.

Important Note: In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and their families, the Field Museum is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for exemptions from the vaccine will not be considered as given the nature of this position, we are unable to provide an accommodation for anyone who has not been vaccinated.

The Field Museum is an equal opportunity workplace and employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.

The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.