Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Naithani Lab! I am always looking for creative and collaborative students and postdoctoral scientists who share overlapping research interests with me, though you do not need to work on the same systems or questions. I’m excited to advise individuals from diverse academic disciplines and career trajectories, whether you’re aiming for academia, government, industry or non-profit.

Our lab culture is centered on open communication, inclusivity, and a balance of flexibility and high expectations. Mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the scientific process, and we embrace them as opportunities to grow. My goal is for every member in my lab to develop the confidence, skills, and independence needed to succeed in their chosen career path.

Interdisciplinary Mentorship and Career Development

I mentor students through four interdisciplinary degree programs (Biology (BISC), Biological Analytics (STAN), Cell and Molecular Biology (CEMB), and Environmental Dynamics (ENDY)). As a member of my lab, you will have the flexibility to explore research questions that align with your interests while gaining valuable experience in scientific inquiry and collaboration. I work closely with each student to develop a research program tailored to their experience, expectations, and career goals.

Successful applicants to our lab should demonstrate proficiency in field-based research or the computational tools necessary to handle large datasets. Experience or willingness to learn tools like R, Python, WinBUGS, JAGS, or ArcGIS is essential. I encourage you to visit our publications and research projects pages to better understand the scope of our work before reaching out.

Working Hours and Expectations

Lab members are encouraged to create a working schedule that supports both productivity and well-being. Graduate students should aim to work around 40 hours per week, though additional time may be required during certain periods. If overtime or weekend work is necessary, you are welcome to adjust your schedule to maintain balance. 

What I Expect from You:

• Clear progress on program milestones (coursework, qualifying/candidacy exams, thesis/dissertation defense) and research goals, including analysis and writing for publication.

• Effort to secure funding (e.g., fellowships, grants) to support your research and build grant-writing skills if you chose to work on unfunded projects.

• Communication about your career aspirations so we can design a plan to help you achieve them.

• Professionalism and respect for your lab mates’ time, space, and resources.

What You Can Expect from Me:

• Flexibility and support in your research endeavors, while challenging you to push your boundaries.

• Accountability to help you stay on track with your research and career goals.

• Open lines of communication for feedback, questions, or guidance.

• Constructive feedback on manuscripts, presentations, and experimental designs.

• A safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

Graduate Certifications and Fellowships

Many of our graduate students enhance their education with graduate-level certificates in areas such as Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Geospatial Technologies, and Preparing for the Professoriate . I am also open to inquiries about developing projects for graduate (NSF GRF) and postdoctoral (NSF and USDA) fellowships. Competitive Doctoral Fellowships are available at U of A for students with GRE scores above 305 and a writing score above 4. 

How to Apply

If you're interested in joining the lab, please send me an email at <kusum@uark.edu> with the following materials:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the lab, your background, and what you hope to gain from this experience. Postdocs should also outline how this position aligns with their long-term career goals.

• A resume (2 page max) that includes contact information, prior job experience, publications, and two professional references.

• GRE scores (if applying for a graduate position) and, for international students, IELTS (=>7 in all categories) or TOEFL scores (=>26 in all categories).

Undergraduate Research and REU Opportunities

Undergraduates interested in research can join the Naithani Lab through volunteer work, paid technician positions, or for course credit (e.g., Senior or Honors Thesis). Honors students are encouraged to start early, typically completing their thesis over 1.5 to 2 years, and are advised to apply for Honors College Research Grant and SURF Grant. For REU positions, please refer to the EcoREU website for NSF funded summer projects.

Mentoring Approach

I believe in a stepwise mentoring approach that fosters independence over time. When you join the lab, we will work together to develop a project that aligns with your interests and experience. Initially, you’ll gain valuable knowledge working on existing projects, which will help you build intuition for various systems and ecological concepts. As you develop your own project, I will guide you through the process of taking leadership and ownership of your research.

Postdocs in the lab are encouraged to create a tailored mentoring plan, identifying both short- and long-term goals. I strongly support your participation in grant writing, teaching, mentoring, and outreach activities, both inside and outside the lab.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Safety

Our lab maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination or harassment. I’m committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where all members feel respected and valued. As a Mandatory Reporter, I am required to report any incidents of sexual harassment, assault, stalking, or relationship violence to the University’s Title IX office.

If you are interested in joining the Naithani Lab, please reach out via email or stop by my office (737 Science and Engineering). I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your research interests and goals!