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| Students trying to catch skinks, Kanangra Boyd National Park, NSW, Australia | Female water dragon digging nest (Image by Nadav Pezaro) |
Undergraduate research
Obtaining hands-on experience doing scientific research is a very important part of undergraduate academic training in biology. Participating in faculty research gives undergraduate students experience in using equipment, techniques, and methodolgies likely to be encountered in the workplace or as part of post-graduate academic or professional training. I have on-going research projects that are primarily laboratory-centered and others that require work in an outdoor field setting. Students interested in participating in these projects should contact me directly. I typically ask that students initially volunteer for a period of time to determine if the research is something that they would like to pursue. Students wishing to become more involved in research have the option of enrolling in BIOL 399 to receive credit for their research experience, or BIOL 499 for individuals interested in independent research. My only requirements for working in my lab are dependability and a passion for biology and learning. Conducting a successful research project requires a considerable amount of time, money, and dedication. Consequently, I expect that students interested in pursing research in my lab will show up regularly and take ownership of their project.