Undergraduate Research: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

NKU Biological Sciences students doing field research, collecting samples from a stream.

NKU Biological Sciences students doing summer research in the lab.

NKU Biological Sciences students doing field research, looking up into the trees.

The Department of Biological Sciences places great emphasis on undergraduate research, which is one of the defining characteristics of our department. NKU students are an integral component of faculty-mentored scientific research. Field research might take you to the coral reefs off Belize or examining the effect of climate change on salmon in Sweden, In the lab, students look at how chromosomal damage can lead to cancer and identify genes essential to normal development. Other students specialize in Neuroscience and Environmental Science. All have the opportunity to present their findings at regional and national scientific conferences.

Jumpstart Your Career

Start your research journey early with BIO 292, a no-credit course that lets first-year students work alongside faculty on real projects. As you progress through your introductory courses, you can continue building experience and earn degree credit in upper-division research courses.

Talk to Instructors

Ask instructors about their research projects. If a project or topic interests you, share with them why you're interested, relevant experiences you've had (if any), your career goals, etc. A simple conversation can open the door to a lot of opportunities.

View Faculty Research Interests

NKU Biological Sciences offers multiple pathways and opportunities to build your research skills and scientific knowledge to prepare you for a successful career.

COURSE WORK

You can gain hands-on research experience through lab courses or a dedicated undergraduate research class. These opportunities are recorded on your transcript and help you showcase valuable skills on your résumé.

FUNDED OPPORTUNITIES

Students can take advantage of multiple opportunities to receive funding for undergraduate research, whether through hourly pay or support for supplies and equipment. These funded experiences are typically applied for by students or offered through faculty-led, grant-supported projects.

VOLUNTEER

If you're not certain where to start, consider starting out as a volunteer with a lighter work load to learn more about what's involved in undergraduate research.

Course-Based Research Opportunities

Talk to your Academic Adviser about these NKU course options:

BIO 292
BIO 392 and BIO 492 for Biology majors
ENV 492 for Environmental Science majors
NEU 492 for Neuroscience majors
Independent and Honors options are available too

Paid / Funded Opportunities

Ask faculty about their research grants. Many include a budget to pay student research assistants.
Apply for UR-STEM (summer research experience for NKU students early in their college careers) through NKU's CINSAM.
Apply for a Summer Research Fellowship through NKU's Institute for Student Research and Creativity.

NKU Research Celebrations

These annual events are perfect for practicing your presentation skills in a formal, but familiar setting with peers and family. These events are free and open to the public.

Heather Bullen Summer Celebration of Research (Fall event)
Celebration of Student Research & Creativity (Spring event)

Regional & National Meetings/Conferences

Each year, our department provides funding for several undergraduate students and faculty to attend regional and national scientific conferences such as:

Undergraduate Research

Where to Start