Getting involved in undergraduate research is an outstanding way to experience first-hand the excitement of doing science. Working closely with a faculty mentor on a project related to ongoing work in their research lab, you will have the opportunity to make a unique contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to present your research at the departmental poster session; many undergraduates have presented posters at professional meetings and have been co-authors on peer reviewed papers.
If you’re interested in getting involved in research, explore the resources posted here. Great ways to get involved include reading faculty research webpages, scheduling a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss getting involved in research, attending the departmental poster session, or e-mailing any faculty member in the biology department. Students may receive course credit (BIO 491-494) as well as summer funding (through the Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research and Scholarship, QUIP-RS) for research.
Getting involved in research isn’t difficult, but it takes some initiative on your part. You should start by letting your academic advisor know that you’re interested in getting involved in research – they will likely have some advice for you. Then, explore the faculty research profiles on this page to get a sense of the different types of research available. Prepare a short but specific email to 2-3 faculty members whose research is particularly interesting to you. Your email should include a brief introduction to you (where did you grow up, what year in school you are, etc.), a section that explains that you’re interested in getting involved in research and why their research is of particular interest to you, and 3-4 blocks of time during the week that you’re available for an introductory meeting. Your academic advisor would be happy to provide feedback on your email draft. Do not “spam” faculty by sending a generic message to all research faculty!
If you wish to complete an independent study research project for credit with one of the Biology faculty, you will need to register for Bio491, 492, 493, or 494, using the CAS Independent Study form.
Research Faculty
Click on any of the faculty pictures below to learn more about their research. Faculty specialize in the following research areas:
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Dr. Scott Davies Physiological ecology of animals: how the brain and the endocrine system orchestrate the physiological, morphological, and behavioral adjustments to fluctuating environmental conditions, such as those caused by food availability, urbanization, and variable social conditions. |
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Dr. Alexandre de Lencastre Roles of non-coding RNAs in aging, stress resistance and neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Link to Lab Website |
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Dr. Caitlin Hanlon Developmental biology, Cell biology, Genetics. |
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Dr. Lisa Kaplan Animal behavior, environmental toxicology. |
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Dr. Sarah Lawson Pollinator health and ecology and evolution of social behavior |
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Dr. Craig Magie Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying morphogenesis, the development of form and structure in the embryo, and the ways these mechanisms have evolved to generate animal diversity. Link to Lab Website |
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Dr. Courtney McGinnis Aquatic toxicologist with a particular interest in the mechanism of action of alkyltion and PFAS compounds. Utilizing a variety of cell culture and molecular techniques to explore potential mechanisms involved in masculinization from the animal level (zebrafish) to the molecular level. |
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Dr. Nils Pilotte Diagnosis and surveillance for neglected tropical diseases, parasites of veterinary and agricultural importance, roles of repetitive DNA elements in parasitic organisms. |
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Dr. Lise Thomas Cell signaling. Exploring Mitogen-activated Protein (MAP) kinases with genetic and biochemical approaches. |
