Projects in the Lyman lab generally revolve around insect diversity, evolution, and natural history. We also investigate how to best use genomic sequences to infer evolutionary history and to understand how evolution has shaped biodiversity. While all lab members share overarching similarities in our missions and goals, we take many different approaches and work in many different systems. Potential students are welcome to write to me to discuss research ideas and inquire about opportunities.
In the Lyman lab, we value students who are passionate about entomology and evolutionary biology and are driven to learn. Having a background in taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, and phylogenomics is very useful for being able to quickly get up to speed. Some of the skills we use a lot in the lab include: R and Python programming, bioinformatics, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian statistics, molecular systematics, and phylogenetic comparative methods. We also particularly value excellent writing skills. Of course, you don’t need to have all these skills just to join the lab. While we expect you to bring some background knowledge and a few skills with you when you start, the point of doing an undergraduate project, MSc, PhD, or postdoc is to learn new skills from your mentor and colleagues and obtain new knowledge.
If you think you meet these criteria and are interested in joining the Lyman Lab, send me an email introducing yourself. Please include a short and clear description of how your research interests overlap with mine, and outline what you would be interested in working on during your time at McGill. Please also include your CV and transcripts (unofficial are fine).
In the Lyman lab, we value students who are passionate about entomology and evolutionary biology and are driven to learn. Having a background in taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, and phylogenomics is very useful for being able to quickly get up to speed. Some of the skills we use a lot in the lab include: R and Python programming, bioinformatics, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian statistics, molecular systematics, and phylogenetic comparative methods. We also particularly value excellent writing skills. Of course, you don’t need to have all these skills just to join the lab. While we expect you to bring some background knowledge and a few skills with you when you start, the point of doing an undergraduate project, MSc, PhD, or postdoc is to learn new skills from your mentor and colleagues and obtain new knowledge.
If you think you meet these criteria and are interested in joining the Lyman Lab, send me an email introducing yourself. Please include a short and clear description of how your research interests overlap with mine, and outline what you would be interested in working on during your time at McGill. Please also include your CV and transcripts (unofficial are fine).
Funding information
Prospective graduate students and postdocs are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships and fellowships. Check out some options below.
Funding opportunities for Canadian residents:
Funding opportunities for international applicants:
Funding opportunities for Canadian residents:
Funding opportunities for international applicants:
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Undergraduate studentsIt is never too early to get involved in research! Undergraduates are a core part of the Lyman Lab and are always welcome to join us. Every year undergraduates contribute as volunteers, paid research assistants, or by carrying out their own research in an Honours thesis or independent research project.
If you are interested in any of these, email me your CV, description of relevant experience, and research interests. |
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Graduate studentsMcGill University is a fantastic place to be a graduate student. Montréal is a vibrant, student-friendly city, McGill is a world class university, and the Department of Natural Resource Sciences in particular has a thriving research community with >25 professors working in a multitude of subjects. For more information about the graduate programs at NRS, including program requirements and application guidelines, check out this link. Also, read these information on Graduate Student Supervision at McGill, with links to many resources.
In your email, please be sure to describe: your research experience and interests; why you are interested in my lab in particular; when you are hoping to start; and your long-term career goals (important for selecting the right project for you). Make sure to include your CV and transcripts. |
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PostdocsGet in touch with me if you'd like to join the Lyman Lab as a postdoc. In your email, please include your CV (with three referee names), a short proposal describing the research that you would like to pursue in the lab, a brief statement describing your previous research experience and your overall career goals.
I do not currently have funding to cover an entire postdoc salary, and prospective postdocs would have to bring most of their funding independently. Below are a couple of options. |
Benefits of working in the Lyman Lab
Cutting edge research techniques
We utilize genomics, bioinformatics, palaeontology, morphology, and ecological and distributional data to understand how insects evolved and diversified, as well as how they interact with other organisms and their environment. |
Highly collaborative environment
We strive to create a lab culture that values dedication, innovation, cooperation, achievement, and fun. We also strive to create a lab that is diverse and safe for all people, and we try to regularly engage in conversation about how we can do better at this in our lab, department, and University. |
Living in or near Montréal
Montréal is a wonderful city: diverse, affordable, interesting, and dynamic. McGill University is located at the heart of Montréal. The Lyman Lab is in the Macdonald Campus, located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, a charming town about ~40 min southwest of downtown Montréal. |
