Undergraduate Research at UNA
UNA Biology majors have the opportunity to engage in research throughout their academic journey if they choose to do so. Involvement in hands-on research is essential for equipping you for a successful professional career, regardless of your chosen field. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty mentors in their research labs, join the CODE Program, or take part in summer internships and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs.
Why do research? Engaging in research and internships provides essential preparation for a career in the sciences. Conducting research enables you to:
- Cultivate skills in problem-solving, analysis, and communication
- Transition from the classroom to an engaging, hands-on learning experience
- Gather and analyze data
- Collaborate closely with faculty, researchers, or graduate students
- Discover your passions and shape your career trajectory
- Create a resume or CV that sets you apart in the job market after graduation
Opportunities at UNA
Biology Faculty Research Labs
Several faculty members have students working in their research labs. Research interests include:
- Microbial Speciation - Becraft lab
- Dr. Lisa Ann Blankinship
- Dr. Paul Davison
- Dr. Kassie Hollabaugh
- Dr. Emily Kasl
- Environmental Stressor of Plants - Kim lab
- Dr. Glenn Marvin
- Dr. Kara Million
- Dr. Jeffrey Ray
- Dr. Ping Zhao
This is an NSF-funded program in conjunction with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The research done combines biology, mathematics, and bioinformatics to help discover the effects of DNA mutations on protein function for a variety of clinical diseases. Click here to learn more.
External Research Opportunities
There are numerous external research opportunities available to undergraduate students.
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. In this program, each student is assigned to a specific research project where they contribute directly. REU programs encourage undergraduates to actively participate in research across various fields funded by the NSF. These projects engage students in significant ways, either by involving them in ongoing research or by offering specialized projects created specifically for the REU program.