We are always seeking collaborators excited about understanding plant variation. The Fishman Lab aims to be an welcoming and stimulating environment to learn new skills, explore the natural world, and think deeply about the evolutionary processes that generate the fascinating diversity (both visible and hidden) of flowering plants. If you are interested in joining the Fishman Lab, please email lila.fishman@mso.umt.edu.
Postdocs
In addition to postdoctoral opportunities advertised for research on particular projects, we are happy to work with potential postdocs on the development of fellowship proposals. Because most Fellowship programs have time-limited eligibility (maximum 9-12 months tenure as a postdoc), current graduate students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Fishman well in advance of the deadline to discuss potential proposals.
Graduate students
Students in the Fishman Lab work on a broad range of questions across plant evolution, genomics, and genetics -- my philosophy is to encourage exploration of several possible dissertation projects in the first years rather than direct a student into a pre-existing research project. I advise both MS and PhD candidates, and am open to co-advising students with interests that span fields of study.
Current undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate researchers are encouraged to contact us (no later than summer, as deadlines are in mid-October) about potentially writing a GRF (NSF Graduate Research Fellowship) proposal. NSF strongly encourages applications prior to graduate school admission, and we are committed to helping prospective students develop ideas and hone proposals.
The UM EE graduate program has an excellent evolutionary genetics/genomics group, additional strengths in plant ecology and physiology, and a collaborative and integrative atmosphere. We offer a world-class educational and research opportunities, and Missoula is a fabulous place to live and work.
Undergraduates
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing mentored research for Honors thesis or independent research credit should contact Lila (lila.fishman@mso.umt.edu) to discuss ideas and opportunities. Recent student projects have spanned everything from physiological assays and genomic mapping to studies of plant movement and plant-fungal interactions, and frequently result in co-authorship of scientific papers. If you are interested in plants and/or evolution/genetics/genomics, motivated to learn, and curious about doing science, do not hesitate to contact me!!! We do not expect prior research experience -- that's what college is for!
In addition, we often have paid positions for lab and/or greenhouse assistants. Work-study applicants are particularly encouraged to contact us, and there may be opportunities for summer field assistantships (in Yellowstone or Oregon) once trained.