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, the student will research their chosen subject and develop a proposal. Students work closely with their faculty mentor to complete the project. For a list of recent projects, click here.
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.
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. Past winners from the biology department include:
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.
STUDENT RESEARCH 2006-2007
Elizabeth Huey, Brad Kelly, Tony Ruzzi, and Nicole Sheehan. "A Study of Breeding Bird Species at the Future Saint Francis University Wind Project Site". Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya and Dr. Sue Morra.
Brenda Kibler. "Taxonomic Identification of Symbiotic Bacteria Isolated From the Sponge Mycale Using 16S rDNA Sequences". Supervised by Dr. John Trimble.
Amanda Klingensmith and Megan Schaeffer. "Mercury Concentration in White Tailed Deer Populations of Cambria County, PA and Surrounding Areas". Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya
Andrew Scanlan. "Predation of Zebra Mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, by Allegheny Crayfish, Orconectes obscurus". Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra
Amy Shoemaker. "The Influence of Mirrors on Flocking Instincts in Sheep". Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra
Matt Stephens. "Determining the Effects of RAP1 and ARS1 on Gene Transcription". Supervised by Dr. Sue Reimer
STUDENT RESEARCH 2005-2006
Laura Birsa. "The effects of an increased nutrient load on Gulf sponges." Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra
Thomas Gibney. "The impact of acid deposition on entomopathogenic nematodes: Infectivity, reproduction, and bacterial strength." Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya
Johnna Jackson. "Idenfication of genetic background variability and selection of Brassica rapa through five generations of interbreeding to reduce genetic variability in tall and petite plants." Supervised by Dr. John Trimble.
Melissa Linden. "Effect of the pesticide methoprene on metamorphosis of Xenopus laevis in acidic conditions." Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya
Timothy Schaffner. "Investigations of possible Ras-inhibition mechanisms in Saccharomyces cerevisiae." Supervised by Dr. Sue Reimer.
Jonathan Shaw. "Are Eastern Garter Snakes attuned to select protein-rich prey by means of chemical signals?" Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya
Heather Walter. "Glial effects on the differentiation of hair cells." Supervised by Dr. Marian Langer.
STUDENT RESEARCH 2004-2005
Amy Arent- "The effects of various forms of calcium supplementation on the growth of Montipora hirsuta in a reef aquarium setting." Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra
Andria D’Amato- "Variations in Bone Morphogenic Protein 4 in large dog breeds." Supervised by Dr. Sue Reimer.
Jeanne Hatch, Erin Lehatto, Holly Nadorlik and Bethany Swink- “The effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)on weight loss in Sprague-Dawley Rats”. Supervised by Dr. Wayne Takacs.
Jennifer Koeppel- "The effects of Zoloft contaminated water on the reproductive success of Aplysia californica." Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra
Nicolas Lanciano- "The role of the acid box of FGFR3 in canine achrondroplasia." Supervised by Dr. Sue Reimer.
Samantha Meaney- "Cloning the tyrosine kinase domain of the FGFR3 gene in Labrador retrievers." Supervised by Dr. Sue Reimer.
Edward Pollock- “Do toxins in milkweed seeds negatively affect predators of the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus." Supervised by Dr. Lane Loya
Jennifer Wagner- "Dynamics of Reproduction in Danio or Zebra fish." Supervised by Dr. Sue Morra