University of Southern Maine

One of the most rewarding experiences for many undergraduates is the time spent conducting research, one on one, with a faculty member. Not only do you gain valuable experience in preparation for a career or further education in graduate or professional school, but you also develop skills in a particular area, including techniques, experimental design, critical thinking, and effective communication. We encourage students to seek out faculty mentors and to discuss the possibility of undergraduate research projects with them.

Internal Opportuntities

Many USM faculty welcome undergraduate students to join their research programs. Please contact the following Biology faculty if you are interested in their work and would like more information.

Dave Champlin: molecular study of hormones affecting insect metamorphosis

Doug Currie: toxicological effects of arsenic on developing neurons

Louis F. Gainey, Jr.: control of gill function in clams and mussels

Tom Knight: carbon and nitrogen metabolism in plants

Chris Maher: effects of kinship on social behavior in woodchucks

Lisa Moore: microbial ecology of marine phytoplankton

Jeff Walker: quantitative models, statistics, flight and swimming mechanics

Ken Weber: evolutionary genetics of fruit flies

Faculty in the Departments of Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Applied Medical Sciences also recruit students.

External Opportunities

Organizations outside USM occasionally seek interns to fill positions. Here you will find more information about active openings.

Biology Research Internships at Maine Medical Center Research Institute

Application is due 15 July 2009 for 2009-2010 internship

Download announcement, including application instructions

Descriptions of research (PDFs):

Robert Friesel

Lucy Liaw

Ilka Pinz

Igor Prudovsky

Jeong Yoon

Cardiac Surgery Research Program

For more information, contact Chris Maher (780.4612)