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Get your feet wet in freshwater science
Join the Lab
Join the Lab
The Stoll Applied Aquatic Ecology Lab provides students with hands-on opportunities to investigate real questions affecting freshwater ecosystems. Whether you're interested in field ecology, laboratory research, data analysis, GIS, conservation, or simply want to find out whether research is for you, there are many ways to get involved.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students are an important part of the Stoll Lab. Students work alongside Dr. Stoll and other members of the lab on active research projects while progressively developing the skills and independence needed to pursue their own scientific questions.
There is no single path into research. Some students begin by assisting with field or laboratory work, while others join through a capstone project, independent study, summer research experience, or fellowship. As students gain experience, there are opportunities to take greater ownership of research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication.
Ways to Get Involved
Ways to Get Involved
Join an Existing Research Project
Gain experience by contributing to ongoing research in areas such as coldwater stream ecology, algal ecology, nutrient limitation, harmful algal blooms, or freshwater conservation.Develop an Independent Research Project
Students with established research interests may develop an independent question that complements the lab's broader research program. Students are encouraged to apply to grants to fund their research, examples include internal grants like the S3 and Kindschi, and external funding sources.Capstone Research
Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and Environemntal Science majors interested in aquatic ecology or freshwater management may have opportunities to develop capstone projects (required to be completed before you graduate) associated with ongoing lab research or external conservation partnerships.Summer Research & Fellowships
Students may participate in intensive summer research through funded research projects, GVSU undergraduate research programs, external fellowships, or other opportunities as funding is available.Volunteer & Gain Experience
Not ready to commit to an independent project? Opportunities may occasionally be available to assist with field sampling, laboratory work, or other research activities and learn more about aquatic ecology.
More than fieldwork.
More than fieldwork.
Working in the Stoll Lab isn't just about collecting samples. Our goal is to help students learn how to think and work as scientists.
Depending on the project, students may gain experience with stream and lake field methods, experimental design, water-quality monitoring, biological community assessment, algal identification, molecular or laboratory techniques, GIS, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and data visualization.
Just as importantly, students learn how to develop research questions, troubleshoot when fieldwork inevitably doesn't go according to plan, interpret imperfect ecological data, collaborate with community and conservation partners, and communicate science to different audiences.
Whenever possible, students are encouraged to present their research at university showcases, professional scientific meetings, or other venues and to contribute to reports, presentations, and publications resulting from their work.
M.S. Graduate Students
M.S. Graduate Students
The Stoll Applied Aquatic Ecology Lab welcomes inquiries from prospective M.S. students interested in aquatic ecology, freshwater conservation, and applied environmental research. Starting in Fall 2027, graduate students in the lab have opportunities to develop independent research questions while contributing to the lab's broader research program and collaborations.
Potential graduate research areas include coldwater stream ecology and restoration, groundwater–surface water interactions, fisheries and aquatic habitat, algal community ecology, harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins, nutrient limitation, and applied freshwater management. We are particularly interested in projects that combine strong ecological questions with opportunities to inform conservation or management.
Graduate students are expected to take substantial ownership of their research, including developing questions and hypotheses, designing and conducting studies, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating their findings through presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed publications. Mentorship is tailored to each student's experience and goals, with increasing independence as students progress through their degree.
Interested in pursuing an M.S. in the Stoll Lab?
Interested in pursuing an M.S. in the Stoll Lab?
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Stoll before applying to discuss research interests, potential projects, funding availability, and whether the lab would be a good fit.
In your email, please include a brief description of your research and career interests, why you are interested in the Stoll Lab, your previous research or relevant experience, and the types of questions or projects you might be interested in pursuing. Please also attach a CV or résumé and an unofficial transcript.
Specific graduate research opportunities and funding availability vary from year to year, so prospective students are encouraged to reach out early.
INQUIRE ABOUT M.S. OPPORTUNITIES
Who Are We Looking For?
Who Are We Looking For?
You don't need to already know how to identify algae, assess a stream, analyze ecological data, or conduct laboratory experiments to join the lab. Research skills can be taught.
We're looking for students who are curious about the natural world, dependable, willing to learn, and excited to contribute to a collaborative research environment.
Our projects often involve early mornings, long field days, changing weather, muddy boots, repetitive laboratory work, unexpected problems, and plenty of troubleshooting. They also provide opportunities to explore beautiful freshwater ecosystems, develop new skills, answer questions no one knows the answer to yet, and contribute information that can directly support conservation and environmental management.
Students from Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Wildlife Biology, GIS, and related disciplines are encouraged to reach out. You don't need to have your career figured out—you just need to be interested in learning more.
Interested in Joining the Lab?
Interested in Joining the Lab?
We'd love to hear from you.
Send Dr. Stoll a brief email introducing yourself and include:
Your major and expected graduation year
Why you're interested in aquatic ecology or freshwater research
Which Stoll Lab research areas or projects interest you most
Any relevant coursework, research, field, laboratory, GIS, or other experience
What you're hoping to gain from a research experience
Previous research experience is not required. Thoughtful emails that demonstrate genuine interest in the lab's research are always appreciated.
Not sure exactly what you want to study?
Not sure exactly what you want to study?
That's okay. You don't need to arrive with a fully developed research question. Exploring your interests is part of becoming a scientist. Tell us what aspects of freshwater science interest you, and we can discuss whether there may be a good fit with current or developing projects.
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