Educational Programs

• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Graduate Studies
• Undergraduate Research Program
• Pre-collegiate Program
• Teacher Quest
• Latin American Exchange Program

Opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellows

Postdoctoral Fellows are a vital component of the research activities at Whitney Laboratory. In any given year there are between five and ten postdocs in residence, attracted by the modern research facilities and the opportunities for collaboration. Faculty members recognize that career goals, too, are an important consideration and Whitney Laboratory postdocs, with faculty support, have successfully competed for funding from such agencies as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Some postdocs have advanced directly to faculty positions at various universities. Postdoctoral Fellows interested in working with a particular research group should contact that group's principal investigator.

Graduate Studies

Graduate study at the Whitney Laboratory provides qualified and motivated students with the intensive research training, breadth of experience, and current knowledge required for a successful career in modern biological research. The course work and dissertation research of each student is directed by a faculty advisor and is guided by a committee made up of faculty both from the Whitney Laboratory and from the department at the University of Florida with which the faculty advisor is affiliated; the selection currently includes Anatomy and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Physiology (College of Medicine); Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (College of Agriculture);  Zoology (Liberal Arts and Sciences); and Food Science and Human Nutrition. Students work closely with their faculty advisors, but their independence is encouraged, as are interactions and collaborations between other research groups at the Laboratory.

Students admitted to a Laboratory-affiliated graduate program initially take up residence at the main campus in Gainesville where, for one or two years, they complete their course requirements and qualify for dissertation research. Students affiliated with Medical School departments do their course work through the Interdisciplinary Program (IDP). During this period, students maintain contact with the Laboratory and their major professors through a program of periodic meetings, progress reports, seminars, and summer research. After qualifying, students move to the Laboratory, where the research is carried out.

Prospective graduate students should write a letter to the Graduate Coordinator at the Lab, indicating specific areas of interest, reasons for pursuing graduate education at the Whitney Laboratory, and need for financial assistance. Graduate students are eligible for fellowships, assistantships, and other awards.

Research Experience for Undergraduates

The Whitney Laboratory offers training in marine biomedical research and biotechnology to students interested in exploring a career in science.

In cooperation with a faculty supervisor, students choose a project which fits with ongoing investigations and can be completed within a ten to twelve week training period. For more information, go to the Whitney Lab REU page.

Pre-collegiate Program

The Pre-collegiate Program is an extension of the Whitney Lab's science education effort and is part of a nationwide endeavor to increase the number of minority students choosing careers in science. In cooperation with local high school counselors, one or two interested and able students who might benefit from first-hand experience in a research laboratory are selected for a ten-week study period during the summer. Each student is awarded a small scholarship by the University of Florida.

Because of the lack of housing, this program is limited to students who live close enough to commute to the Lab each day.

For information, contact the Barbara Battelle at the Laboratory.

The Teacher Quest Program

The Teacher Quest Program was created by the Florida Legislature in 1989 to help classroom teachers keep abreast of current scientific methods and theory. Each summer a local high school teacher is awarded a scholarship to work at the Laboratory for ten weeks. This program is supported by the Barnett Bank of the St. Johns, the Whitney Laboratory, the State of Florida, and the National Science Foundation.

Interested teachers should contact the Barbara Battelle at the Lab.

Latin American Exchange Program

This program, which is supported by the Grass Foundation and the Whitney Lab, provides research and training opportunities to Latin-American students. Recipients may receive financial assistance with air fare and accommodations. The program also serves as a conduit for exchanges and collaborations at the faculty level.

Students interested in participating should contact the investigator they are interested in working with at the Whitney Lab.