Excited about microalgal symbioses in aquatic ecosystems?
Information about opportunities (graduate and undergraduate) as well as my philosophy on mentoring and vision for lab group dynamics.
Graduate student opportunities
Although the PhycoSymbiosis Lab is always eager to hear from prospective graduate students. The Environmental Biology department at SUNY ESF offers graduate degree programs at the PhD and Msc (thesis, non-thesis) levels. We do not currently have support for new PhD students unless they bring federal funding (fellowships). We can support Masters projects but do not have stipend/tuition support. As of AY26-27, we are offering a dual 4+1 BS/MPS or MS (non-thesis) program. SUNY ESF's Environmental Biology has a community of over 30 faculty and 100 graduate students. Prospective students should contact Hannah to discuss application preparation*, synergy of research interests, and compatibility of mentoring/working styles**.
To discuss graduate research opportunities in the lab, please email Hannah the following
Various resources for prospective students
*The process of finding a graduate program can be elusive and is considered a part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of academia. Here are a few resources geared towards graduate students for cold-emailing and initiating the process of finding a major advisor.
**There are many different facets of mentorship and sponsorship to think of when selecting a major advisor and crafting a support network. Even if ESF doesn’t wind up being your home for graduate school, I hope we cross paths in one of them eventually!
To discuss graduate research opportunities in the lab, please email Hannah the following
- a brief summary of your research experience and motivation for pursuing graduate school (i.e., how does it fit into your long term goals)
- potential projects you are interested in and how synergy among our research interests have the potential to jumpstart a mentee-mentor symbiosis
- your CV
- fellowships you are eligible for (see resources below). Hannah is happy to discuss potential proposal directions and provide guidance through the writing process. Applying for fellowships prior to graduate school is highly encouraged. Materials can be repurposed for submission to graduate programs. Once in the lab, students are expected to apply to grant and fellowship programs as a part of your professional development. Hannah will provide guidance on this process and scientific writing when the time comes.
Various resources for prospective students
- Overview of SUNY ESF graduate programs and how to apply
- Environmental Biology graduate handbook
- Overview of ESF's symbiotic relationship with Syracuse University
- ESF Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program guidelines
- caveat - a stipulation of this fellowship includes a service requirement with the ESF Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (OIDE)
- Non-ESF funding sources (NSF GRFP, NOAA Nancy Foster, NDSEG, Ford, etc.)
- Blogs on approaching the application process (here and here)
- Overview of options SUNY application fee waivers and waiver request form
- these appear to be geared towards undergraduate admissions but Hannah will update if more information is found
- Info on graduate student life at ESF (housing, healthcare resources, traditions, etc.)
- SUNY ESF podcast ('campus conversations')
*The process of finding a graduate program can be elusive and is considered a part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of academia. Here are a few resources geared towards graduate students for cold-emailing and initiating the process of finding a major advisor.
**There are many different facets of mentorship and sponsorship to think of when selecting a major advisor and crafting a support network. Even if ESF doesn’t wind up being your home for graduate school, I hope we cross paths in one of them eventually!
Undergraduate research opportunities
ESF & Syracuse undergraduates interested in the PhycoSymbiosis Lab research are encouraged to email Dr. Reich about working in the lab*. Please include a brief statement overviewing your research interests, how these fit into your long-term goals**, your availability, and a CV/resume. Priority is given to those students who can commit to 4-6 hours a week and/or multiple semesters. This enables mentees to move beyond introductory tasks and take the lead on an independent research project (i.e., senior thesis). Research opportunities are available at the apprenticeship (298) and independent research (498) levels for EFB, BTC, AFS credits. As of AY26-27, we are offering a dual 4+1 BS/MPS or MS (non-thesis) program. Undergraduates interested in working in the lab and/or Dr. Reich as a graduate advisor via this program are encouraged to reach out at anytime. This program does not provide stipend/tuition support.
*The process of seeking out undergraduate research opportunities can be elusive and is considered a part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of academia. Here's a resource geared towards undergraduates for cold-emailing and initiating the process of finding a research lab.
**No worries if long-term goals aren’t iron-ed out (pun intended)! Passions evolve – This is more for identifying synergy among our broader interests and setting up an effective holistic mentoring plan.
*The process of seeking out undergraduate research opportunities can be elusive and is considered a part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of academia. Here's a resource geared towards undergraduates for cold-emailing and initiating the process of finding a research lab.
**No worries if long-term goals aren’t iron-ed out (pun intended)! Passions evolve – This is more for identifying synergy among our broader interests and setting up an effective holistic mentoring plan.
Postdoctoral opportunities
No funded positions are currently available. Hannah is happy to co-develop grant ideas and sponsor fellowship applications (NSF-OCE, NSF-PRFB, Ford, Simons, etc.).
Hannah's philosophy on group dynamics and whole-person mentoring
My 12 years of swimming competitively molded my outlook on teamwork and approach to collaborative science. When I think about the types of team dynamics I enjoy most and want to cultivate for our research group, I think back to a guiding philosophy instilled by coaches during my four years of swimming for Clark (NCAA DIII):
“Every time you interact with one of your teammates, you have the opportunity influence them positively or negatively.”
Reciprocal emotional investments and unassuming empathy are fundamental ingredients of atmospheres where all feel celebrated as their whole, authentic selves. Together with continuous, intentional mindfulness on inclusivity, we can cultivate working environments conducive to unlock one’s full potential and team success. Developing these types of lab group dynamics requires recognizing unconscious biases and dismantling structural aspects of academia responsible for the systemic creation of cultures hostile towards historically excluded groups. I commit to actively fight discrimination as well as the life-long challenges of understanding how past policies perpetuate current inequalities, unlearning biases, and frequent reflections of my actions.
Serving as a group leader and a major advisor is a privilege I do not take lightly. I also recognize that my goal of fostering an inclusive, equitable team dynamic where diversity is celebrated also requires adaptation of my mentoring strategies to best support and sponsor each mentee as their whole, authentic self. I want all teammates to feel celebrated by myself and group members regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, religious affiliation, age, nationality, immigration status, socio-economic background, family structure or care-giving demands.
In summary, I am a firm believer that the most important aspect of one’s scientific legacy boils down to kindness and how you go about helping others reach their goals. I will also be adopting the UNH phytoplankton lab’s motto:
“the number one rule of science is don’t be a jerk.”
“Every time you interact with one of your teammates, you have the opportunity influence them positively or negatively.”
Reciprocal emotional investments and unassuming empathy are fundamental ingredients of atmospheres where all feel celebrated as their whole, authentic selves. Together with continuous, intentional mindfulness on inclusivity, we can cultivate working environments conducive to unlock one’s full potential and team success. Developing these types of lab group dynamics requires recognizing unconscious biases and dismantling structural aspects of academia responsible for the systemic creation of cultures hostile towards historically excluded groups. I commit to actively fight discrimination as well as the life-long challenges of understanding how past policies perpetuate current inequalities, unlearning biases, and frequent reflections of my actions.
Serving as a group leader and a major advisor is a privilege I do not take lightly. I also recognize that my goal of fostering an inclusive, equitable team dynamic where diversity is celebrated also requires adaptation of my mentoring strategies to best support and sponsor each mentee as their whole, authentic self. I want all teammates to feel celebrated by myself and group members regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, religious affiliation, age, nationality, immigration status, socio-economic background, family structure or care-giving demands.
In summary, I am a firm believer that the most important aspect of one’s scientific legacy boils down to kindness and how you go about helping others reach their goals. I will also be adopting the UNH phytoplankton lab’s motto:
“the number one rule of science is don’t be a jerk.”
