Literature Search/Data Extraction for Freshwater Mussel Meta-analysis

We are looking for students for assistance with reading and extracting data from scientific literature. Data collected from this position will be used in a meta-analysis (quantitative literature review) investigating the global impacts of dams and dam removals on freshwater mussels. This positions entails finding scientific and grey literature in a standardized method that meets study objectives, reading literature, extracting data from the study into a database, and managing a collaborative database. 

Name of research group, project, or lab
The Roy Lab (ECO) - Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Website
https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/allison-roy
Why participate in this opportunity?
  • Learn data entry skills
  • Learn organizational skills when reading scientific literature
  • Become more comfortable with scientific jargon
  • Learn about the impacts of dam/dam removals on freshwater mussels and other biota
  • Contribute to research in freshwater mussel conservation
  • Possibility for this position to lead to honors projects
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Bioinformatics/Data Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Natural Resources Conservation
Science (Interdepartmental)
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Applicants should have precise attention to detail, ability to work independently, be comfortable working for multiple hours, and have a positive attitude. They should be comfortable with working on a computer for an extended period of time. Academic background in biology or natural sciences is preferred. Training will be provided, but this position will be largely unsupervised; therefore, applications must be able to communicate effectively and ask questions. Please submit a CV and letter of intent to Alexa by the end of the opening period to be considered for this position (ahershberger@umass.edu).

Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Independent Study or Research Assistant credit
Research - Volunteer
Number of openings
3
Techniques learned
  • Systematic review of scientific literature following common meta-analyses methods
  • Data entry
  • Data extraction
  • Database management and organization
Project start
Fall 2025
Contact Information:
Mentors
Alexa Hershberger
ahershberger@umass.edu
Graduate Student
Alexa Hershberger
ahershberger@umass.edu
Graduate Student
Name of project director or principal investigator
Allison Roy
Email address of project director or principal investigator
aroy@eco.umass.edu
3 sp. | 1 appl.
Hours
1-4 h/wk
Project categories
Environmental Science (+4)
Bioinformatics/Data ScienceEcologyEnvironmental ScienceNatural Resources ConservationScience (Interdepartmental)