Ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) develop as predators of cockroach eggs. There are about 500 extant species in this family, with perhaps as many as 1,000 more to be described and named. These insects also have a relatively rich fossil record that extends at least to the Jurassic. My lab group recently scanned more than 20 amber fossils of these wasps, using a particle accelerator (synchrotron). The resulting data sets are analogous to the CT scans often used in medicine. That is, we have X-ray slices across the length of each fossil wasp, which can be studied individually and also assembled into a 3D representation of the whole insect. The resulting models can then be studied to better understand patterns of evolution across time and space, for this lineage. The main aim for this project is to build these 3D models and refine them enough to reproduce at least one of them with a 3D printer.
Student will spend time refining image stacks (files), using the appropriate software. 3D models will be iteratively rendered and refined with feedback from the professor and colleagues at other institutions. There will be opportunities to develop a presentation or poster from this process, and possibly a chance to coauthor the resulting publication. A short report (≤5 pages) is expected at the end of the semester.
Minimum qualifications:
- high attention to detail
- passion for fossils, insects, and evolution
- highly responsive and communicative
- comfort interacting with computers and learning new software
It's possible that some of this work could be completed remotely, but a majority of time will be spent at the Frost Entomological Museum.
Desirable additional qualifications (helpful but not required; training can be provided):
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knowledge of 3D reconstruction approaches, including familiarity with any of the following or related applications:
- Amira
- Biomedisa
- CINEMA 4D R18
- Deep Exploration
- Fiji
- ImageJ
- Slicer
- familiarity with 3D printing
- knowledge of geology and paleontology, history of the Earth
- interest in ethics
Submit a resume and statement of interest to Andrew R. Deans via email: adeans@psu.edu. The statement should describe your major/minor, your status at Penn State (i.e., when do you expect to graduate), and how and why this project interests you.