Biology Research
Undergraduate research at Saint Francis University takes many forms. In the biology department, students are encouraged to explore a significant question in their area of interest. After consultation with a faculty member, students will conduct a literature review of the subject and develop a proposal. Students then work closely with their faculty mentor to complete the project. Examples of recent student projects include studies of bacterial diversity in caves, dragonfly and damselfly ecology, zinc deficiency effects on mouse reproduction, and mutational analyses in yeast.
Undergraduate research fosters critical thinking, creativity, resourcefulness, and self-reliance. Successful completion of a project develops the skills students need to succeed in a research career. It is also an excellent way for students to set themselves apart from other students, to demonstrate a higher level of thinking ability and seriousness of purpose. The nature of scientific research requires that the student integrate concepts, knowledge, and skills from many subject areas.
Undergraduate research requires a commitment by the faculty at Saint Francis University. Faculty members are both teachers AND scholars, committed to nurturing the abilities of the next generation of scientists, teachers, and health care professionals. Undergraduate research teams students with faculty in a joint venture where both parties learn from each other.
Students have the opportunity to write grants to fund their project. There are numerous sources of funding from external sources. In addition to these sources, Saint Francis offers Undergraduate Research Initiative Grants. These competitive grants require students to thoroughly research their topic and write a grant proposal. The proposals are evaluated by a committee and ranked in order of merit. Many of our students also are very successful in obtaining grant funds from TriBeta, a national biological honor society with a chapter at Saint Francis University.
Whether a student plans to enter the working world or attend graduate school, undergraduate research experience is a valuable asset. Employers and graduate school professors alike value the research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills that are enhanced by research process. These skills, combined with the self-assurance gained from completing such a substantial project, prepare students well for life beyond Saint Francis.
In addition to opportunities on the Saint Francis University campus, several organizations sponsor off campus research experiences. A sample of these opportunities is available here.