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
Applications for DTP studentships for a 2025 start have now closed. Subject to pending funding applications, there might be further PhD opportunities for a start in autumn 2025 or early 2026 coming up – keep an eye out for announcements later this year.
If you would like to join us for a PhD and have your own project idea in mind, please contact us to discuss future options for funding (for a start in autumn 2026). Of course, if you have your own funding secured, start dates can be largely flexible.
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! Please also contact us as early as possible if you have your own project idea that would fit well into our lab remit – we might be able to accommodate your interests and ideas in the project descriptions for the next academic year!
Final year projects in the current year (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!
