Summer Research Experience Broadens Access to Research for SOU Biology Students
Southern Oregon University’s Biology Department continues to foster a culture of exploration and discovery through its Summer Research Experience. This program provides undergraduates with scholarships to engage in hands-on research with faculty members. In the summer of 2023, five SOU biology students and three biology faculty members participated in the Summer Research Experience.
All students performed 120 hours of research over the span of 5-6 weeks and then presented their research at the Summer Research Showcase in September 2023. This program was designed to give students the skills and experience they need to advance their careers after they graduate from SOU. This research spanned the breadth of biology, with topics ranging from genetics and physiology to behavior and ecology.
Gabi Hansen, under the mentorship of Dr. Ashley Robart, investigated nest construction behavior in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Reflecting on her experience, Hansen expressed enthusiasm for the learning journey: “I really enjoyed being able to have this experience, gaining new skills and understandings, and building on the skills that I’ve already learned in the classroom.”
Pictured Above: Gabi Hansen (left) poses with her study organism, the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus).
Meanwhile, Maddox Allen and Rachel Weeks collaborated with Dr. Nick Stewart to unravel the genetic mechanisms of meiotic drive in fruit flies (Drosophila spp.) Allen remarked on the transformative nature of the research, stating, “Participating in summer research allowed me to improve my problem-solving skills… [and] develop a deeper relationship with the professor and with the other student doing research with me.”
Pictured Above: Student researchers gained hands-on experience with model organisms, such as tobacco hornworms (left) and fruit flies (right).
Finally, Tayla Moore and Claire Klocksieben worked with Dr. Jacob Youngblood to investigate the combined impacts of heat stress and malnutrition on the physiology of caterpillars (Manuda sexta). Their research will help scientists predict the impacts of climate change on insects.
Supported by the Alsing Fund for STEM Research and the STEM Fund for Excellence, the Summer Research Experience in Biology exemplifies SOU’s commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and nurturing the next generation of biologists. Through these immersive programs, students expand their knowledge while cultivating essential skills and forging meaningful connections with faculty mentors. The Biology Department and the School of Science and Business look forward to the continued success of this program.
