Research Assistant for Prof. Jasmine Nirody

Opportunity Description:

Biomechanics of Jumping Spiders

Spiders are unusual animals. Instead of using opposing sets of muscles to flex and extend the legs, spiders use hydraulic pressure to extend legs while walking, jumping and performing sexual displays. Hydraulic locomotion is thought to be slow and inefficient, yet jumping spiders (family Salticidae) are known for powerful, accurate jumps. Little is known about how the locomotion system works in jumping spiders, particularly how the muscles and hydraulic compartments in the body work together to produce their jumps.

In this project, we combine studies of (1) jumping kinematics, (2) ground reaction forces generated by the legs during jump takeoff, and (3) microCT imaging of anatomical structures within spiders to shed light on how an unusual system of locomotion leads to dextrous motion across Phidippus, a genus of jumping spiders. Jumping spiders engage in a range of complex sexual behaviors, from same-sex fights to elaborate opposite-sex courtship rituals. The type and complexity of these behaviors vary depending on species. Another key goal of this work is therefore to understand how the demands of locomotion interact with the repertoire of sexual behavior across the range of species with different behaviors.

Kinematic trials will be filmed using a camera system allowing for 3D reconstruction of jumps. We will also measure ground reactions forces exerted by the legs by utilizing a crossed-polarization filming technique. Finally, to link variations in body morphology to ecology and performance, we will perform morphometric measurements on lab specimens and those in the collections of the Field Museum (in collaboration with Dr. Bruno de Medeiros) using microCT imaging.

Primary Responsibilities: 

The work in our lab is interdisciplinary and integrative, encompassing a wide range of skills and areas of knowledge. As such, projects are particularly well-suited for undergraduate researchers who want to gain a breadth of experience. In addition to fieldwork and animal collection, the undergraduate researchers will be trained and involved in all aspects of animal care. In the lab, undergraduates will first observe and then participate in and execute biomechanical and behavioral experiments, which will encompass a wide range of skills, including working with invertebrate animals, design and fabrication of experimental setups (here, the take-off and landing pads for video trials), high-speed imaging, and microCT imaging. Furthermore, the project involves working with museum collections. In collaboration with lab members and museum curators, they will collect morphometric data on a range of spider species, which involves various measurements of size and shape (e.g., leg length, joint angles). In later stages of the project, the student will also gain experience with data analysis (e.g., video and image analysis and statistics), figure making, and writing.

Finally, the topic matter of this work also nicely lends itself to science outreach. As such, undergraduate researchers will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that will allow them to exercise their science communication and presentation skills, including those at the Field Museum and around campus, such as the South Side Science Festival (where our lab had a great time this past year!). Additionally, undergraduates will have the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences on campus and beyond (e.g., the annual meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology).

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Because of the integrative and interdisciplinary nature of this work, we are open and excited to work with undergraduate researcher with a broad range of backgrounds and interests!

Are you nervous around spiders? We encourage you to still apply! The spiders that we work with are small, and many people consider them cute. If you have ever seen the “Lucas the spider” animations, the spiders we work with in lab are very similar. We will also give you an opportunity to meet the spiders before you make a commitment to work with them. Many arachnophobes have worked with us on these spiders before and have been converted to spider-lovers over the course of a semester.

Knowledge or skills gained from the experience: 

While undergraduate researchers will have the chance to get an overview of all aspects of the research and experimental skills involved, their main contribution will focus on one specific part of the project. This will allow them both have a birds-eye view of the broad scientific and intellectual goals of the project, learn to work collaboratively as part of a research team, and build their confidence in performing solo research. Our initial meeting will lay out the research plan, and their proposed contributions within it, to ensure that they will be getting the experience and training that is best suited to their background and goals. Furthermore, regular (quarterly at least) check-ins will be scheduled to make any adjustments needed to maximize the benefit of the research experience. Maintaining a high frequency of open communication is central to my mentoring strategy, and all mentees will have the opportunity to seek and provide feedback as often as they need.

In all aspects of the project, undergraduate researchers will first observe and be trained in using the equipment and experimental techniques by both myself and other lab members. After an initial training period, they will exercise and practice their skills by performing several trials unassisted but supervised. Finally, for certain aspects of the project that will be the primary responsibility of the undergraduate researchers (collection and eventual analysis of morphometric data), they will perform the research tasks on their own and present their results and any obstacles at a weekly meeting with me and other lab members involved in the project.

Application Process: 

Application Form

Application Requirements: