Name and Surname of the Supervisor: Maria Fernanda Torres Jimenez
Institution (Company), Department: Biosciences, Zoology
Preliminary Topic: alpha and beta insect diversity in native and invasive decaying trees in Lithuania
Short Description of the Internship Work: Insects colonising decaying wood are part of a community recycling nutrients back to the soil. The species and diversity of that community depends on factors like wood type, fungi associates, and wood species, which in turn affects recycling efficiency. With the expanding presence of invasive plants, we ask if the community composition changes drastically between invasive and native decaying trees. The student will extract DNA from available bulk samples using non-destructive protocols and sequence targeted regions using metagenomic methods and ONT sequencing technologies. The student will learn how to process the reads, delimit operational taxonomic units, and use basic bioinformatic tools. The student is expected to like and have experience working in a molecular laboratory.
Qualification Requirements (Degree): MSc
Application Deadline: 2024-09-30
Additional Comments: If you have questions or want more details, you can contact me by email or come by my office (C117)