Are you a student interested in conducting research on identity and societally contentious biology topics like evolution, climate change, and vaccines? Are you interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion research in biology education?
If so, you might be the student that M. Elizabeth Barnes, Ph.D is looking for to embark on a Ph.D. and join the Social Perceptions of Science lab at Middle Tennessee State University in Fall 2022. In the SPS lab, their main goals are to (1) research how to strengthen positive relationships between the scientific community and the public for the betterment of society, (2) research how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in biology education and, (3) train and support nontraditional students to reach their personal and professional goals in our research lab.
The student who joins this research group will be funded with both teaching and research assistantships (summer included). Further, Dr. Barnes can offer a lab environment that is excellence-oriented in research but still prioritizes the well-being of her lab members. The student will complete their Ph.D. in the Biology Education Research track of the Math and Science Education Ph.D. program, which includes a unique faculty community of chemistry, biology, and math education researchers who are all housed within the same overarching program.
If you are interested in joining the lab as a Ph.D. student, please email Dr. Barnes (liz.barnes@mtsu.edu) by November 15th, with your CV and a one-page statement that explains why you want to complete your Ph.D. in biology education research in the SPS lab. You may also include your unofficial academic transcripts if you think that will help demonstrate your potential as a Ph.D. student. A meeting will then be scheduled through zoom to discuss your potential fit with the program and research lab.