Undergraduate Research

| Why Get Involved | How to Get Involved | The Role of Research |
| Questions to Consider | Earning Academic Credit |
| Undergraduate Projects Completed | Possible Projects |

Why Get Involved in Undergraduate Research in Biology?

Working on research projects as an undergraduate can spark intellectual curiosity, immerses students in academic life, boosts self-confidence, and exposes students to new career options. In addition:

• Involvement in research may help you decide on a career path or rule out certain careers. It may also help you decide if graduate school is the right choice for you.
• You can develop valuable laboratory and/or field skills in your area of interest.
• You can earn academic credit.
• You can experience the excitement of discovery working in partnership with faculty and graduate students who mentor you.
• You can acquire hands-on experience and general scientific skills that will be valuable in almost any profession you choose.

How to Get Involved in Research

There are several ways to find a research opportunity in the Department of Biological Sciences that matches your interests:

• Ask your advisor
• Ask the Department Chair (Dr. Michael Foster)
• Talk to professors with whom you've taken courses, or contact professors whose research interests you. Most professors have an open-door policy; stop by and ask about research opportunities!
• Talk to students currently involved in research
• Check the list of possible projects posted below

The Role of Research

Participating in research can provide you opportunities to:

• contribute to meaningful scholarly pursuits
• sharpen your critical and analytical thinking skills
• work one-on-one with faculty
• give poster (or oral) presentations and, perhaps, publish the results of your work
• complement and extend your classroom learning

Questions to Consider

Before getting involved in a research project with a faculty member, it is important to consider your goals, interests, time commitments, and preparation. Some questions you might consider include:

• What do I hope to gain through my research experience?
• What are my interests?
• How much time can I realistically commit to working on a research project?
• Are there particular skills I need to aid me in my research project?
• Are there courses I should take before doing a particular research project?

Earning Academic Credit

You may earn credit for doing research through BIO 598 - Special Problems. Students seeking a degree in Wildlife Management earn credit for doing research by taking BIO 489 - Field Studies in Wildlife. If you have any questions about these courses, contact your advisor or any other faculty member.

Undergraduate Projects Recently Completed

• Assessment of Kentucky Watersheds for Waterborne Enteric Viruses Through Immunoaffinity Concentration - Christopher Dickerson
• Effect of Brood Size on the Growth Rates of Nestling Yellow-breasted Chats - David Marques
• Woody Plants of Six Northern Kentucky Counties - Ryan Bauer

Possible Undergraduate Projects & Faculty to Contact if You're Interested:

• Development of a bioremediation modelling lab - Bill Staddon
• Effect of West Nile Virus on Eastern Bluebirds - Gary Ritchison
• Behavior and ecology of grassland birds, including Henslow's and Grasshopper sparrows - Gary Ritchison