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Undergraduate Research Programs in Biology
Learn more about undergraduate research in biology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist by expanding the sections below!
Biology is the study of life. You can only study life effectively where life exists! That means research. Research in biology takes you to exciting and fascinating places, gives you the opportunity to get hands-on skills, and cements what you see in class in your mind by seeing it in action in nature. This is why we strive to make research one of our core distinctives.
The biology faculty have a wide range of interests and expertise, and are willing to help guide students that have their own curiosities as well. Recent topics have included:
- Ecology and preservation of various Texas panhandle birds and reptiles
- Tree ring studies and dendrochronology
- Flora of Hale County
- Salt addiction
Here at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ we have a proven track record of transforming students into competent researchers. The process is straightforward and anyone can get involved!
Step 1 – Meet the research faculty!
Introduce yourself to one of the active research faculty and learn about their interests and ongoing projects.
Dr. Matthew Allen – Associate professor of biology – research interests include botany, plant conservation, tree ring studies
Dr. Matthew Dyson – Assistant professor of biology and chemistry – research interests include PCR-based techniques, genomics
Ms. Corin Olivas – Assistant Professor of Biology – research interests include ornithology, avian ecology, avian conservation, owls
Dr. Adam Reinhart – Dean of the School of Mathematics and Science – research interests include discovery of novel compounds for cancer treatment, metabolic pathways
Step 2 – Pick a topic!
After meeting the faculty, was there anything that piqued your interest? Is there something you’ve always wanted to investigate that one of the faculty seem well-suited to help you learn the techniques? Meet again with that faculty member and see if they’d be willing to take you on as a research student.
Step 3 – Make a plan!
Do you want to do research during the semester? How much time can you spend? Discuss with your research adviser and sign up for MSCI 4103, 4203, or 4303 depending on the amount of time you can devote. Be sure to build this into your weekly schedule and stick with your plan!
Step 4 – Discover and share!
Under the mentorship of your research adviser, experiment, explore, and even learn how to overcome obstacles, disappointments, and failure on your way to making discoveries and enjoying the excitement of fulfilling your project. Once you achieve your project goals, you can present your work at scientific meetings, at the annual WBU Spring Research Day, or take MSCI 4360 Thesis and Presentation to write up and publish your work as an undergraduate thesis. It’s only science if it gets shared!
Check out some of the most recent presentations made by biology researchers at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University!
Some of the titles below may be clicked on to see the poster or a video of the talk! Do research with us and see your work get added to the list!
Jerden, D., Allen, M., (2024) “Tree spatial structure in a mixed conifer forest in the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico” Texas Academy of Science, Odessa, TX. *POSTER*
Winner – best poster in Terrestrial Ecology and Management – TAS 2023
Moureira, B., Allen, M., (2023) “A Multi-Century Fire History For A Mixed-Conifer Forest Near Cloudcroft, NM” Texas Academy of Science, San Angelo, TX. *POSTER*
Winner – best poster in Terrestrial Ecology and Management – TAS 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ
Moureira, B., Allen, M., (51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ) “Climate sensitivity and missing rings in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) tree-rings near Cloudcroft, NM” Texas Academy of Science, Houston, TX. *POSTER*
Winner – best presentation in Terrestrial Ecology and Management – TAS 2021
Macha, S., Kasner, A., (2021) “” Texas Academy of Science, online meeting. *TALK*
Winner – best presentation in Terrestrial Ecology and Management – TAS 2020
Reinhart, E., Kasner, A., Reinhart, A., (2020) “Molecular based sex identification and sex ratios of wintering sparrows in the Southern High Plains, Texas” Texas Academy of Science, Nacogdoches, TX. *TALK*
Winner – best presentation in Plant Biology and 2nd best presentation at meeting – TAS 2020
Epley, K., Allen, M., (2020) “Flora of the Runningwater Conservancy, Hale County, TX” Texas Academy of Science, Nacogdoches. *TALK*
White, A., Periera, S., (2019) “Salt addiction in male satisfied athlete possibly explained by preparation of home-made food less salty than restaurant and processed food” Texas Academy of Science, Brownwood, TX. *POSTER*
Winner – best poster in Plant Biology – TAS 2019
Watkins, W., Macha, S., Allen, M., (2019) “Dendrochronological suitability and climate sensitivity of Quercus mohriana in the Texas Panhandle” Texas Academy of Science, Brownwood, TX. *POSTER*
Simmons, E., Kasner, A., (2019) “Prey composition of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) pellets from three different habitats in the Southern High Plains, Texas” Texas Academy of Science, Brownwood, TX. *POSTER*
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