Thanks for your interest in the Johnson Lab!
We are always interested in finding exceptional and highly motivated students to join our team. The Johnson Laboratory strives to create a safe and inclusive environment to support individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to learning from each other, and we highly value the perspectives and contributions of our lab members and colleagues. Together, we wish to create an atmosphere that fosters personal growth and success.
Students in the lab employ a diverse range of approaches, including laboratory experiments, field research, and modeling, to address broad questions in ecology. Because much of our work is collaborative, students should be able to work effectively in a group dynamic. Students interested in joining the Johnson Lab for undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral research should contact Dr. Johnson directly with a letter of interest in PDF format.
Undergraduate research opportunities in the Johnson Lab are available both during the academic semester and over the summer. Undergraduates interested in summer research should contact Dr. Johnson early in the spring semester to ensure ample time to develop a research plan and secure potential funding. It’s a good idea to explore the lab website, read some recent publications, and identify the types of projects or questions that resonate with you. You should also explore potential funding opportunities such as those provided through CU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and the Biological Sciences Initiative (BSI). By contacting our lab early in the spring semester, we can develop a research plan that both fits your long-term research goals and your busy schedule.
Graduate research opportunities in the EBIO department involve first making contact with a prospective advisor prior to applying (see EBIO) so make sure you reach out well in advance of submitting an official application (typically in late summer or early fall). We encourage prospective students to read about CU’s Advantage Program which supports applicants from traditionally underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.
Whether you are interested in undergraduate research (e.g., volunteer to get lab experience, pursue and independent study or honors thesis, etc.) or a graduate degree (e.g., Ph.D.)
For more information on graduate degrees, check out our departmental webpage. For undergraduates interested in honors, see here: https://www.colorado.edu/ebio/undergraduate/honors-program.
We look forward to hearing from you!