We are always seeking collaborators excited about understanding plant variation. If you are interested in joining the Fishman Lab, please email lila.fishman@mso.umt.edu.
The Fishman Lab aims to be an inclusive and fun place to learn new skills, explore the natural world, and figure out the evolutionary processes that generate the fascinating diversity (both visible and hidden) of plants. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status. Please read our statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Postdocs
Our focal questions, systems, and approaches are excellent venues for NSF and NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship projects, and I am happy to work closely with potential postdocs on the development of fellowship proposals.
In particular, the RoL theme (‘Integrative Research Investigating the Rules of Life Governing Interactions Between Genomes, Environment and Phenotypes’) is a perfect match for all of the science we find most exciting!
Because most Fellowship programs have time-limited eligibility (maximum 9-12 months tenure as a postdoc), current graduate students are strongly encouraged to contact Lila well in advance of the deadline to discuss possible collaboration.
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 year 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 I am 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.