Working with us
Our lab has only recently moved from Bristol to Exeter, where we are excited to have found a permanent home. There is a sense of restructuring and new beginnings tangible in the lab, and we are eager to hear from researchers and students who are as fascinated by the interplay of biology, physics and ecology as we are. If you are interested to join us with a Fellowship or studentship, please get in touch to discuss your ambitions with us!
PhD Opportunities
We currently have two fully funded PhD studentships advertised for a start in September 2025.
Understanding and Improving the Hailstorm Resistance of Crop Plants
BBSRC SWBio DTP studentship (4 years full time – part time options available). The deadline for applications is 11 December 2024. Project details and further information how to apply are available here.
Predatory plant or fair trade? Shedding light on the relationship of ants with carnivorous pitcher plants
NERC GW4+ DTP studentship (3.5 years full time – part time options available). The deadline for applications is 13 January 2025. Project details and further information how to apply are available here.
Student projects
If you are a student at the University of Exeter with an interest in plant biomechanics, carnivorous plants, plant-insect interactions or interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of biology, physics and engineering, consider doing a research project in our lab! We offer various research projects for final year BSc and MSc students in Biosciences (modules BIO3096 and BIOM569), but we are equally open to host summer projects. If you are a student in Engineering or Physics who would like to work with us, please get in touch to explore options – we are keen to hear from you!
Final year projects for 2024/25:
- How do Cephalotus follicularis pitcher plants capture insects? (BIOM569)
- Regulation of trap fluid viscoelasticity by carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants (BIOM569)
- How do free-floating pond plants control their orientation in the water? (BIO3096)
Collaborations
We strongly believe in the power of collaboration. From our experience, the best science emerges from multiple minds with complimentary experience and skills combining forces towards a common goal. Plus, working together is far more fun than trying to outcompete each other! We currently maintain collaborations with scientists as close as in the neighbouring building and as far as the tropical kingdom of Brunei or the West coast of Canada. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch and discuss your ideas!
