In biology, research leads to cutting-edge discoveries. We encourage students to pursue learning opportunities in the field no matter what stage of your academic journey you’re in.
In fact, students who participate in undergraduate research could receive financial support and an opportunity to work directly with world-renowned faculty as early as the freshman year.
One of the most important facets of a graduate-level scientific education is the development and enhancement of research capabilities. As a graduate student, you’ll work hand-in-hand with faculty mentors to identify a niche subject for your thesis. You’ll test your thesis firsthand, conducting research in the lab.
The following research laboratories have openings this academic year!
Research Area: Cell Biology
Research Focus: Understanding how small cellular antennae called cilia are used in the brain to send and receive signals for cell-cell communication, and how cilia disruption leads to disease states like obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Projects focus on understanding how certain receptors called GPCRs localize to cilia and how this subcellular localization impacts their signaling.
Please contact me to discuss research opportunities!
Research Area: Cell Biology
Research Focus: Our lab studies how inner ear hair cells, specialized sensory cells essential for hearing and balance, maintain and repair their actin-based stereocilia bundles. These bundles convert sound vibrations into neuronal signals, but hair cells do not regenerate once lost. Their dysfunction leads to common forms of adult-onset deafness, such as noise-induced and age-related hearing loss.
We aim to uncover how actin filaments within stereocilia are regulated and remodeled to preserve their structure throughout life.
Please contact me to discuss research opportunities!
Research Area: Genetics, Developmental Biology
Research Focus: Our research uses mouse models to investigate how extra copies of genes, especially DYRK1A, cause cognitive and skeletal traits in Down syndrome. Our research has been important in establishing preclinical models of skeletal deficits associated with Down syndrome and emphasizing that Down syndrome related traits may appear at different times and magnitudes in people with Trisomy 21.
Our genetics and developmental biology laboratory seeks to find effective therapies to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
Please contact me to discuss research opportunities!
Research Area: Genetics/Forensic Biology
Research Focus: Our lab seeks to understand the genetic basis of human physical traits and ancestry. In forensic settings, this knowledge helps predict externally visible characteristics—such as eye, hair, and skin color—from DNA samples. Using genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing, we identify genetic variants underlying these traits. We then develop predictive molecular tools for applications in forensic and anthropological research.
Our research lab is focused on both computational as well as wet-lab genetics work.
Please contact me to discuss research opportunities!
Research Area: Ecology and Environmental Biology
Research Focus: My research is focused on how changing global environments, particularly higher temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, will affect the physiology and growth of plants. I also study how invasive exotic plant species respond and adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as global warming and drought.
In addition to empirical studies, I use meta-analysis to holistically analyze effects of global environmental changes on plant traits and properties.
Please contact me to discuss research opportunities!
We offer a variety of ways for undergraduates to get involved in research.
The Department of Biology offers a First-Year Science Apprenticeship (FYSA) that pays freshmen to get involved in research their first year on campus.
This program is open to full-time first-year Biology students starting in the fall semester. This program may lead to additional student support, such as upper-level scholarships, employment in research/teaching labs and undergraduate research stipends.
If you are a first-year Biology student interested in this program, complete and submit the FYSA sign-up form to begin the process.
Contact Dr. Patrick Gentry if you have any questions about the program or the form.
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to present their research by giving an oral presentation or displaying a scientific poster at national conferences. Some of our undergraduates even graduate having been published!
The Undergraduate Research Mentoring in the Biological Sciences (URM) Program helps to increase participation of Blacks, Hispanic Americans, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in science in undergraduate research. The program provides you with the experience and expertise needed to succeed in doctoral programs that ultimately lead to research careers in the biological sciences.
The Center for Research and Learning helps connect undergraduate students with research opportunities and faculty mentors. There are a variety of programs offered with both internal and external funding.
