Undergraduate Research
At LSU you have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in the Department of Biological Sciences, even as an undergraduate student. The department has over sixty outstanding researchers who are often willing to allow undergraduates to participate in their research programs. Laboratory experience both provides a deeper understanding of material learned in coursework and gives valuable training for students interested in a career involving biological research.
There are two primary ways to become involved with research as an undergraduate:
- Part-time employment in a laboratory. Some students have scholarships or work-study awards that provide support for campus jobs, including working in research laboratories. In some instances, students may be supported through a faculty member’s research grant funding.
- Formal enrollment in the upper division course, BIOL 3999 with the support of a research faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences.
In either case you need to first identify a faculty mentor. The best procedure is to look over the research interests of our faculty, identify the type of research you are interested in and contact these faculty members. Here is a faculty listing. All faculty except instructors can serve as research mentors:
FACULTY Listing
When you identify someone who is willing to take you in their laboratory you can discuss
employment options.
If you decide to enroll in BIOL 3999 to gain research experience and/or to pursue Upper Division Honors, you can find the requirements and additional information here: