Project Description

We are part of a multi-lake study to investigate the effect of climate change and thinner and more intermittent ice cover formation on the phytoplankton communities in northern temperate lakes. I am looking for one or two student research assistant who will be available in Cooperstown (where Otsego Lake is located) on two Saturdays per month (including summer months) on average until May 2026 to assist with field and lab work and data organization. The current student research assistant (Bast Corsette) is graduating in May 2025, and the new assistants will shadow Bast during Spring 2025. Detail-oriented student(s) in good academic standing with excellent work ethics who plan to graduate in May 2026 or later are encouraged to apply regardless of previous experience in outdoor work. Yokota Lab welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. SUNY Oneonta students can take Oneonta Public Transport buses for free with student IDs from campus to downtown Oneonta and to Downtown Cooperstown. Rides from Downtown Cooperstown to Biological Field Station Thayer Farm Boathouse and Hop House will be provided. On-campus summer housing may become available if a student successfully applies for the Student Research and Creative Activity (SRCA) Grant.

Project Outcome

We will contribute publication-grade research data to a major lake science project that aims to provide new insight into how declining lake ice cover affects primary production in temperate lakes. We will analyze the data collected from the participating lakes and write up the results as a manuscript to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Interim results will be presented at various regional, national, and international conferences.

Project Details

Length of commitment: Through May 2026 with possibility into 2027

Start time: Spring (January/February)

In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement)

Level of collaboration: Small group project (2-3 students)

Benefits: Academic credit, Stipend

Who is eligible: Freshmen, Sophomore, Juniors

Project Mentor

Kiyoko Yokota
Associate Professor of Biology
Biology
Phone: x3742
Email: Kiyoko.Yokota@oneonta.edu