Did you ever play with pillbugs (a.k.a. rolly pollies or potato bugs) as a kid?  Did you ever try to figure out exactly what made them roll up?

The Drew (drew-lab.org) and Crowley (crowley-lab.org) labs are looking for 2-3 undergraduates to work on a project on the neurobiology and behavior of pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare). These land-dwelling crustaceans roll up into a ball in response to threats, in response to low humidity, and other causes. We would like to better understand the drivers of this defensive behavior and the neural circuits responsible for controlling it.  We are looking for undergraduates interested in animal behavior/neuroscience to work on these projects. Previous research experience is not required. However, previous work experience and animal husbandry experience are looked upon very favorably. We are particularly looking for resourceful, self-motivated students who can troubleshoot experiments and enjoy working with their hands. These projects would be well-suited for Schreyer’s honors thesis and students interested in the brain, animal behavior, ecology, the environment, and pre-medicine research opportunities.