Follow your curiosity

One of the things that makes Fort Lewis College unique is that Biology students have the opportunity to do their own original research in a range of biology research topics with support and mentorship from faculty--ironically, something often not available at large research universities.

Seven FLC students and four faculty members from Biology and Chemistry are included on these recent publications:

  • Hart, Kaila F., et. al.: Synthesis and Characterization of trans-Dichlorotetrakis (imidazole)cobalt(III) Chloride: A New Cobalt(III) Coordination Complex with Potential Prodrug Properties
  • Blake, David J., et. al.: Ablation of the CD9 receptor in human lung cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas alters migration to chemoattractants including IL-16
  • Collins, William, et. al.: Caffeic Acid Esters Are Effective Bactericidal Compounds Against Paenibacillus larvae by Altering Intracellular Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels

Students

As a Biology major, you'll contribute to a faculty research project during Senior Seminar in the fall of your final year. This gives you an opportunity to work closely with a particular faculty member, gleaning insights into the process of conducting research and developing a mentoring relationship that, for some students, lasts many years after graduation. You will also conclude your studies with a thesis project of your own design. For many students, this is an opportunity to continue research they'd begun during an internship. Many students present their findings at local, regional and national conferences, connecting them to the scientific community and extending their professional network.

For students underrepresented in biomedical sciences, the U-RISE - Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (formally MARC) program offers financial and other supports to help you launch your research career.

Recent student biology research topics

Biology oral presentations at the 2019 FLC Student Research Symposium:

  • Is Summer Guano Sampling a Reliable Alternative to Current Methods to Detect Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causative Agent of White-Nose Syndrome? | Lyken Merrill
  • Comparison of T Cell Immune Response to Murine Cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in "Dirty" and Inbred Mice | Alyssa Yocky

Poster presentation abstracts

Faculty

While Fort Lewis College prides itself on being a teaching institution, Biology faculty also remain active in their research. In addition to the unique bioregions of the Four Corners area, Fort Lewis College also offers a 5500 square-foot faculty research lab with cell culture and DNA sequencing facilities, as well as a flow cytometer and ABI real-time PCR system. Faculty also have access to a biosafety lab safe for work with level 2 pathogens and limited work with level 3 pathogens.

Current & recent faculty research

Our faculty's research interests generally fall into two tracks: Cellular & Molecular and Environmental & Organismal. Read more about our Biology Department faculty to learn about their research.

Biology Faculty