Lamp Lab, Department of Entomology Collaboration with Department of Animal and Avian Science Internship

Position Announcement

Undergraduate Assistant Researcher

Lamp Lab, Department of Entomology Collaboration with Department of Animal and Avian Science

Job description:

The Lamp Lab, specifically Helen Craig, a graduate student in Entomology, is hiring one full time (~40 hours a week) undergraduate student interested in sustainability to assist with a newly-funded grant entitled “Incorporating Students in the Evaluation of Insect Feed as a Viable Methane Mitigating Supplement for the UMD Dairy.” This grant is focused on researching black soldier fly larvae protein as a methane mitigating protein supplement for dairy cattle. A key component of this research is conducting a series of preliminary background experiments including in vitro, in vivo, and in situ work. Student researchers will have the opportunity to work in a lab and field setting gaining hands-on experience with dairy cattle and in-vitro rumen fermentation techniques. By the end of the project, assistant researchers will have successfully completed animal handler trainings and have the opportunity to conduct their own tangential research project and present at the National Entomological Society of America Conference in Phoenix, AZ in November 2024.

These projects will require flexibility because there will be a handful of weeks where there is significant work at many hours of the day (and night), and other weeks that will be much more laid back. Students will never be left alone and will always have a supervisor to turn to.

Job title: University of Maryland Undergraduate Research Assistant

Locations (various): 4178/4180 Plant Sciences Bldg, Animal Science Bldg, Clarksville Maryland

Research and Education Facility

Department: CMNS, Department of Entomology and Department of Animal and Avian Sciences

Supervisor: Helen Craig (graduate student), Dr. Bill Lamp, Dr. Eduardo Rico

Hourly Pay: $15/hour, ~40 hours per week (working hours vary depending on experiment need)

Duration: ~3 months (extended into the semester based on performance)

Starting date: Flexible between May 20 and June 3, 2024

Responsibilities:

Research associated with in-vitro work:

- Taking gas and volatile fatty acid samples using gas chromatography

- Preparing in-vitro media

- Assisting with rumen sample collection

- Collecting and running samples at variable hours (flexibility required)

Research associated with in-vivo work:

- Working directly with cattle to provide feed each day

- Collecting refusals at the end of each day

- Weighing samples and collecting data

Research associated with in-situ work:

- Working directly with dairy cattle to prepare and collect samples

- Collecting samples at various hours (flexibility required)

- Drying and weighing materials

Conduct individual research project on subject of your interest discussed with Helen

Participate in weekly Lamp Lab meetings

Minimum requirements:

• An undergraduate at the University of Maryland

• A current Maryland driver’s license

• Capable of working outdoors in all seasons

• Ability to lift >10 lbs

• Good written and oral communication

• Ability to work independently

• Eagerness to learn

• Flexibility with hours

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience with large animals

• Familiarity with insects and their biology

• Coursework in sustainability or sustainable agriculture

• Previous coursework in animal science and/or entomology

• Critical thinking skills and attention to detail

• Basic understanding of chemistry and biology

Project Description

Rapid population increases, agricultural productivity and resilience, and climate intensification have presented noteworthy issues for environmentally and economically reliable feed for livestock. Insect feed offers an alternative source of protein to supplement resource intensive soybean meal. Beside insect’s low maintenance rearing, they also present an opportunity to mitigate methane emissions in ruminants.

However, previous studies have only observed the effects of insect feed in ruminants through in-vitro methods without considering quality of the animal product. Overall, the end goal of this research is to provide a novel perspective through in-vitro, in-situ, and in-vivo observations of black soldier fly larvae protein (Hermetia illucens) as a viable methane-reducing protein supplement in dairy cattle. Viability is defined as the ability for cricket protein to provide a nutritionally valuable feed source, effectively reduce methane emissions, maintain quality and quantity of milk produced, and be economically competitive to a soybean meal diet. This summer, preliminary studies will examine in-vitro inclusion optimization, in-vivo acceptance of the novel feed, and in-situ degradation rates. These studies will provide necessary background information to prepare for a larger experiment in the fall. We anticipate that these results will provide necessary background information on black soldier fly larvae meal as a feed additive for dairy cattle.

Closing date: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. For best consideration, apply by April 29th, 2024.

Applications:

Interested applicants should send 1) a cover letter describing their background in relation to the minimum requirements and preferred qualifications and 2) a CV or resume that includes name, email, and phone number. Send all materials to Helen Craig (hcraig3@umd.edu) and feel free to email if questions arise.