Biology Internships and Experiential Learning
Students in the Biology Department have traveled extensively for volunteer research projects-both locally and internationally, working with professors and graduate students on everything from gorilla burials to population forensics equations in Chile, which helps you develop practical skills in the field. You will also have the ability to choose the kind of research you want to conduct during your time at UIndy, allowing you to direct your learning and bolster your experience.
After guiding you in your individual research goals, professors will have a personal understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and will be able to write recommendation letters and help you decide on your future plans.
Internships
UIndy's reputation for excellence and connection to industry leaders can help you find unique internship opportunities in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and throughout the U.S. Some examples of places in which students have interned include:
- Local doctors' offices
- Epcot Center
- The Indianapolis Zoo
- Dow AgroSciences
- The Chicago Botanical Gardens
- Disney World
On-Campus Hands-On Experience
Additionally, students are able to gain hands-on experience within the Biology Department at UIndy, either through Work Study or other roles that are available to help prep labs for courses and other needs alongside other students and under the guidance of faculty.
International Travel Research
You may also be given the opportunity to work closely with graduate students and professors on various international research projects, giving you more individualized attention to your work, through competitive Research Experience for Undergraduates programs (REUs) and other research opportunities. Examples of past student research have included:
- Applications of forensic science to human rights violations along the U.S.-Mexico border
- Excavating gorilla burials in Rwanda
- Training in forensic science for police officers in South Africa
Community Service Experience
Abraham Lincoln Elementary Community Service-Learning Course
Our Community Service-Learning course offers a unique opportunity to fulfill the university-wide goal of education for service and the general core requirement of cultural awareness through dedicated community outreach at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.
Students actively engage in diverse educational classrooms, including specials such as Project Lead the Way, physical education, art, recess, and music, as well as general first through fifth-grade classrooms.
Key goals and course objectives include:
- Gaining comprehensive knowledge of the community, the services provided, and the client populations served at Abraham Lincoln Elementary.
- Enhancing skills by collaborating with teachers and students within an educational setting.
- Increasing your self-awareness in personal values, biases, and perceptions related to schools, student populations, creativity, unique talents, and diversity.
- Developing a clearer understanding of your own abilities and limitations when in the classroom.
- Acquiring knowledge of social issues and systems that impact student populations.
- Increasing understanding of the vital role that service plays in education.
Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center
The Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center empowers students to become confident, competitive, and career ready. The Center sponsors essential skills training, speakers and career-related events throughout the year in order to give all students a competitive advantage. Access to internships and employment opportunities is available for University of Indianapolis students and new graduates.