Student volunteer project available!

I have a cool project for interested students at Macquarie (or from anywhere, really). The aim of this experiment is to find out ways to trick male jumping spiders into displaying aggressive or mating displays, using artificial stimuli. This will add to our knowledge about the various sensory modes involved in jumping spider communication.

Here's some general info: 

http://ximenanelson.weebly.com/spider-vision.html

http://excusememrscientist.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-i-do-part-1-why-jumping-spiders.html

Skills you will learn: Finding jumping spiders in the field (they're everywhere around MQ), designing experimental protocols, running experiments, working with video, analysing behavioural data. The framework for the experiment is in place, but it is still flexible so you will have room to be creative. The project will take a few weeks, depending on how much time you can put in. Just be aware that this is meant to be a full project from beginning to end, with the possibility of co-authoring a publication once it's done. No previous experience is needed, but as this is a complete research project you should have good organisational skills and be able to work independently to a degree. Bonus if you're comfortable with handling video equipment + software.

If you're interested or have any questions, please contact me at daniel.zurek@mq.edu.au.