Project Description
Are you curious about how biological timekeeping systems develop? Join our research team investigating circadian rhythms in spiders across their development. You’ll maintain our spider colony, collect behavioral data using advanced locomotor monitoring systems, analyze patterns using Python,R and statistical methods, and conduct histological analysis to link molecular changes with behavior. This is a rare opportunity to work across the full research pipeline—from hands-on animal care to computational analysis—and contribute to fundamental questions about how nervous systems develop. No prior experience in all areas is needed; we’re looking for curious minds with genuine interest in biology, data science and willingness to think creatively.
Prerequisites
Interest in spiders
Special Comments
Project Information (subject to change)
Estimated Start Date: 6/8/2026
Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026
Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks
Maximum Number of Students Sought: 2
Research Location: On campus
Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )
Contact Information: Natalia Toporikova (email: Toporikovan@wlu.edu)