Expectations and Course Requirements
Undergraduate research experience is highly recommended for students interested in entering graduate school or pursuing careers the healthcare professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc.). Limited laboratory space is available for academically outstanding and highly motivated students. Projects normally require a 5-10 hour weekly commitment during the academic year and a full-time effort during the summer. Academic credit is earned through:

• BIO492: Undergraduate Research
• BIO493: Undergraduate Seminar
• BIO496: Special Topics in Biology

• Elevated CO2 and Plant-Insect Interactions
• Genetic characterization of the tumor suppressor gene, tu-65
• Genetic characterization of msh, a gene necessary for fat-cell development
• TGF-ß signaling and the maintenance of the Drosophila fat body

Grants and Stipends
Many of the undergraduates working in my laboratory have been awarded undergraduate research awards to support their research activities during the academic year. Funds for summer stipends are available on a competitive basis through the DOE EPSCoR Summer Research Program.