Dr. Alida Janmaat, Associate Professor in Biology, is seeking two directed study students to support the research projects outlined below.
These courses offer an opportunity to apply scientific principles through a creative, hands-on directed studies research experience outside the usual course format. The prerequisites for both BIO 408 and BIO 409 are a B+ or higher in three of the following courses: BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 210, or BIO 220, as well as the instructor’s permission.
BIO 409/499 Opportunity – Two or Three Semesters Starting in January
Project: Phenology and the Population Dynamics of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is a non-native invasive species in the eastern United States, where it has caused widespread mortality of eastern hemlock trees. It is ranked among the top 10 most destructive forest pests in the United States. The adelgid also occurs in the Pacific Northwest, where it rarely causes significant damage to western hemlock trees. The objective of our current study is to monitor the phenology, or timing of lifestages, of HWA populations on western hemlock trees with varying levels of HWA infestations in the lower mainland of British Columbia. We aim to elucidate the factors that contribute to the differences observed between the eastern and western HWA populations. To date, 5 HWA populations have been monitored since the beginning of 2025. The sites show considerable variability in the size of the HWA population and in the timing of its lifecycle. The directed studies student will continue to track the lifecycle of the adelgid across several sites in the Fraser Valley by collecting samples and identifying the HWA lifestages in the laboratory. In addition, the student will collect site-level environmental data to determine which factors contribute to observed phenological variation in HWA. The study is being conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Cornell University, New York, USA. Work-study positions will be applied for in the new year, and if approved, will be offered to the directed studies student for the summer and/or fall 2026 semesters. The findings from this directed studies project, together with results from earlier work, will be incorporated into a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, with the student included as a contributing author.
BIO 408 Opportunity – One Semester Start Date is Flexible
Project: Investigating Mating Dynamics and Male Competition in Agriotes obscurus
Wireworms, the larval stage of Agriotes obscurus, have become a significant agricultural pest in potato production across North America and Europe. Recent management efforts have focused on reducing adult beetle populations using fungal pathogens or disrupting mating through female sex pheromones. However, the species’ mating behaviour remains poorly understood, and deeper insight could greatly improve the development of effective population control strategies. This project examines the behavioural interactions between male and female A. obscurus beetles, both in isolation and in the presence of a competing male. A directed studies student will be responsible for scoring video recordings of beetle interactions and testing hypotheses related to male–male intrasexual competition. The findings from this directed studies project, together with results from earlier work, will be incorporated into a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, with the student included as a contributing author.
Please contact Dr. Alida Janmaat at alida.janmaat@ufv.ca if interested in either of the directed studies opportunities.
