Undergraduate Research Opportunities and Learning Resources in Biology
Student Research
Undergraduate research in biology at UIndy offers the unique advantage of working closely with faculty mentors on many meaningful projects, often leading to opportunities to present at scientific meetings or even become a co-author on published research. These hands-on experiences not only deepen your understanding of the scientific process but also strengthen your resume or application, giving you a competitive edge when applying to medical or graduate school. Some recent projects include:
- Hollis Rand. Honors (Mentor Douglas Stemke). “Effect of various Fluoride Dental Washes on dental Flora including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis using biochemical and qtPCR.” (in progress)
- Holden Clark. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Inhibition of Biofilms in Streptococcus mutans using known growth factor inhibitors ” 2024. Scholars Showcase
- Nu Sang. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance to Ampicillin and Penicillin in separate locations in Marion Coiunty.” Scholars Showcase
- Sui Sung. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Report of Microbial Antibiotic Resistance to Tetracycline and Chlortetracycline in a Kentucky Chicken Farm.” Scholars Showcase.
- Lily Mawi. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Antibiotic Resistance to Neomycin, Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin at two locations in Marion County”. Scholars Showcase
- Alyssa McDonald. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “ Inhibitory and Stimulus effects of Mascara on Staphylococcus aureus.” Scholars Showcase
- Nicole Clayton, Sabrina Maccaron, Histology course and Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “A Preliminary Histological Comparison of the Epidermis, Dermis, and Integumental Glands Found within the Integument of Tadpole, Juvenile, and Adult Dendrobates tinctorius.” Indiana Academy of Science
- Karoline Bachelder and Lyza Shamy, Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “The ultrastructure of spermatid development within the testis of the Anole, Anolis heterodermus.” (in progress)
- Taylor McDonald, Histology course, Independent Research project, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “Preliminary histological investigation of the integument and its glands in the Northern Slimy Salamander, Plethodon glutinosus.” Indiana Academy of Science
- Angel Galicia Garcia, Histology course, Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “Preliminary Histological Description of the Stomach and Esophagus within the Northern Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans.” Indiana Academy of Science
- Alec Haldeman and Ella Uren, Histology course, Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “Preliminary Histological Description of the Small Intestine in the Frog, Acris crepitans.” Indiana Academy of Science
- Hannah Irmer and Frankey Leggio, Histology course, Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “A Preliminary Histological Study on the Integument and its Structures within the Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans).” Indiana Academy of Science
- Lyza Shamy, Karoline Bachelder, Independent Research project (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “A Preliminary Histological Study on the Integument and Glands in the Zigzag Salamander, Plethodon dorsalis.” Butler Undergraduate Research Conference
- Aurianna Bastin, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Sandra Davis). “Detecting invasive Phragmites australis subsp. australis using quantitative PCR and RFLP analysis”
- Grace Rout, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). “Determination of the roles of keratin 18 and 19 in early Xenopus laevis development”
- Allena Gelfius, Independent Research + Senior Capstone Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “Using biological illustration to describe new spider species in Agyneta (Araneae, Linyphiidae).”
- Elijiah Birtchman, Independent Research (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “The effect of fire on spider abundance and diversity in creeping juniper patches.” (ongoing)
- Reese Hoover, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “The effect of fire on spider abundance and diversity in creeping juniper patches.” (ongoing)
- Holly LaFlair, Independent Research (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A revision of the spider genus, Pelecopsidis (Araneae, Linyphiidae)” (ongoing)
- Taylor Stahl, Independent Research (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “Resurrection of the spider species, Ceratinopsis tybeensis (Araneae, Linyphiidae).” (ongoing)
- Jordan Weddle, Independent Research (Mentor: Dr. Shawn Hurst). “Variation in chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) lunate sulcus depth and position”
- Cassara Randall, Abigail George, and Grace Rout, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Inhibition of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Artemisinin and Resveratrol”
- Lillian Arps and Clare Wigger Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Assessing the Combinatory Effects of Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside and Luteolin on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation”
- Julia Johnson, Research Fellow (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “Preserving microscopic samples of Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Duodenum and examining its histology.” Scholar's Showcase
- Lillian Arps, Honors Student-ongoing (Mentor: Dr. Kevin Gribbins). “Histological Techniques Involved with Studying Salamander Skin.” Scholar's Showcase
- Charbel Harb, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). "Holding on by a thread: Evidence for filament linkage to hyperadhesive cell-cell contacts"
- Collin Taylor, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). "Genetic linkage between WntRE-GFP reporter transgene and albinism in Xenopus laevis frogs"
- Alexa Kinnaman, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Alicia Cecil) “The Isolation and Identification of Tetracycline Resistant Bacteria from Indiana Soil”
- Pablo Marin Martinez, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Sandra Davis) “Improving Soil Composition of Martian Simulated Soil by Amending with Varying Amounts of Peat Moss”.
- Tyler Montgomery, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Evaluating the Effects of alpha-Connexin-Carboxyl-Terminal (aCT1) Therapeutic Peptide in Combination with Resveratrol or Ellagic Acid on Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation”
- Caitlyn Vodnansky, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Amandine Eriksen). “The palmaris longus muscle: Its prevalence and variations in humans”
- LeeAnne Boyer, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Amandine Eriksen). “Variation of the Pectoralis Abdominis Muscle and its Comparative Anatomy in Primates”
- Claudia Chaverri, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). “Analysis of dorsal skin patterns as unique identifiers of Xenopus laevis frogs”
- Esther Mullins, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A revision of the spider genus, Neodietrichia (Araneae, Linyphiidae).”
- James Bertaux, Honors Research Project and Senior Capstone Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A revision of the spider genus, Neodietrichia (Araneae, Linyphiidae)”. Student was also a co-author on a scientific publication of their study, in Zootaxa, published in 2023.
- Casey Venable, Independent Research Project + Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “The spiders of subterranean habitats in Virginia.”
- Katherine Karecki, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A revision of the spider genus, Pelecopsidis (Araneae, Linyphiidae).”
- Robert Boyce, Graduate Independent Research (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “The effect of solar panels on spider diversity in the Mojave Desert, California.”
- Lilly Clarkson, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Sandra Davis) “A Study on the Invasive Tendencies of Pyrus calleryana and an Exploration of DNA Barcoding and Microsatellite Analysis of Trees and Saplings”
- Kyra Simmons, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project and Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Theaflavin and EGCG”
- Kaitlyn Wilson, Andres Carranza, and Tylene Wadkins, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project and Carranza Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Suppression of Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by the Dietary Phytochemicals Coumaric Acid, Chlorogenic Acid, Betulinic Acid, and Indole-3-Carbinol”
- Joshua Love, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). “Formation and maturation of desmosomal cell-cell adhesions during early vertebrate embryo development”
- Gayge Gaona-Willis, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber). “Effect of retinoic acid on Xenopus laevis post-embryonic wound healing”
- Maci Matanich, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Gregory Weber) “Histological analysis of the decision-making process in slime mold, Physarum polycephalum”
- Caylie Wimmersberger, Honors Research Project and Senior Capstone Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A revision of the spider genus, Neodietrichia (Araneae, Linyphiidae)” and Scholars Showcase poster. Student was also a co-author on a scientific publication of their study in Zootaxa, published in 2023.
- Lauren Cochran, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “An exploration of Indiana spiders in the collection of Dr. Mike Draney.”
- Ajah Taylor, Independent Research Project + Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A sample of spider diversity in the Appalachian Mountains.”
- Kyle Humerickhouse, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “A biogeographical study of the spider genus Liocranoides (Araneae, Zoropsidae).”
- Polaris Neuhauser, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Marc A. Milne), “The effect of solar panels on spider diversity in the Mojave Desert, California.”
- Benjamin Cameron, Summer Research Institute Project; Mentors; (Dr. Dhabih Chulhai and Dr. Alicia Cecil) “Toxicity of Gold Nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli”
- Seth Lammert, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Alicia Cecil) Nitrofurantoin and Penicillin Resistance in Coliform Populations from Water Sources Near Indianapolis”
- Tessa Haldeman Independent Research Project (Mentor: Alicia Cecil) “Finding Antibiotic-Producing Streptomyces in Local Soil”
- Nicole Clayton Honors Option in BIOL 305 (Mentor: Stephen Nawrocki): prepared new diagrams of cat lower extremity muscles, for inclusion in our BIOL 305 Laboratory Manual.
- Samuel DeWitt, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Evaluating Betanin, β-Carotene, and Kaempferol on Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation”
- Brittney Clark, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation Suppression by Polyphenols Luteolin and Resveratrol”
- Kaleeb Whitinger, Senior Capstone (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Impact on Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by the Flavonoids, Chrysin and Resveratrol”
- Vanessa Viacava. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Antibiotic Resistance Along the Shoreline of the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, IN.” Scholars Showcase
- Jakub Olczyk. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Analysis of PeptACE™ Fish Peptides as an Inhibitor of Bacillus megaterium Biofilm Formation”. Scholars Showcase
- Kalie Sabol. Honors Project. (Mentor: Douglas Stemke) “Antibiotic Resistance Found in Beaches of Lake Michigan in Porter and Lake County, IN.” Scholars Showcase
- Megan Rice, Honors Project. (Mentor: Douglas Stemke)“The Investigation of Bacterial Resistance to Contact Solutions Over Time.” Scholars Showcase
- Lauryn Martin. Independent Research (Mentor: Douglas Stemke). “Survey of Sulfur Reducing Bacteria from Four Karst Caves in Southern Indiana.” Scholars Showcase
- Evan Uhrhammer, Honors Project (Primary mentor: Dr. Dean Wiseman, Secondary: Dr. Gregory Weber). “Tefluthrin induces morphological defects in Xenopus laevis tail development”
- Emily Taner, BIOL 435 Research Project (Mentor: Krista Latham) “The Impact of Shared Chapstick® on DNA Profiles Generated from the Rim of Ceramic Mugs”; presented at the 136thAnnual Indiana Academy of Science meeting, Indianapolis, IN. (March 20, 2021) & the 72nd annual American Academy of Forensic Scientists meeting, Anaheim, CA (Feb 19, 2020).
- Jessica Gall, BIOL 435 Research Project (Mentor: Krista Latham) “Deodorant as a Potential Source of DNA Profiles for References in Criminal Investigations”, presented at the 136thAnnual Indiana Academy of Science meeting, Indianapolis, IN. (March 20).
- Nathan Tuft, Independent Research Project + Senior Capstone (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “Effects of fire on ground-dwelling spider (Araneae) assemblages in central Indiana forests” Student was also a co-author on a scientific publication of their study in Environmental Entomology, published in 2021.
- Jonathan Gonsiorowski, Independent Research Project + Senior Capstone (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “Effects of fire on ground-dwelling spider (Araneae) assemblages in central Indiana forests” Student was also a co-author on a scientific publication of their study in Environmental Entomology, published in 2021.
- Casey Venable, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Marc A. Milne) was a co-author on a scientific publication of their study in Environmental Entomology, published in 2021.
- Spencer Burton, Independent Research (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “A Revision and Phylogeographic Study of Liocranoides (Araneae: Zoropsidae).”
- Alex Flickinger, Independent Research (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “A Revision and Phylogeographic Study of Liocranoides (Araneae: Zoropsidae).”
- Primrose Paul, Independent Research (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “A study of the spiders of The Appalachian Mountains.”
- Carly Mabie, Independent Research (Mentor: Marc A. Milne), “A biogeographical study of the spider genus, Liocranoides (Araneae: Zoropsidae).
- Hannah Salamie, Honors Project (Mentor: Dr. Alicia Cecil) “Analysis of Microbial Growth in Conventional and Organic Cosmetics.”
- Amanda Madayara, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Alicia Cecil) · “Effectiveness of Electrolyzed Water as an Bactericidal Agent”
- Catherine Skaggs, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Alicia Cecil) “Screening of Design Parameters to Kill Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria on Vegetables”
- Dana Youssef, Honors Project, (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Assessing the Ability of Dietary Phytochemicals to Upregulate BRCA1 Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells”
- Evan Brandenburg, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Examining the Effect of Resveratrol and Indole-3-Carbinol Treatments on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line”
- Liz Spiker and Laura Campbell, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Inhibition of Human Breast Cancer Cells Using Ferulic and Chlorogenic Acid”
- Emmanuel Ohiomah, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Dietary Phytochemicals Sesamin and Emodin”
- Savannah Phipps and Hallie Waters, Cancer Biology course, Independent Research Project (Mentor: Dr. Kimberly M. Baker). “Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Dietary Polyphenols”
UIndy faculty and students at the 2025 meeting of the Indiana Academy of Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology Learning Center
In the Anatomy & Physiology Learning Center, you can receive personalized assistance from trained tutors for any anatomy or physiology course you are taking. The room houses microscopes and numerous life-sized models for hands-on learning.
Concept Enhancement Learning Lounge (CEL Lounge)
The CEL Lounge is a service created for our 100- and 200-level biology courses to help students remain prepared and engaged. Our goal is to provide interesting and relevant activities that not only promote "hands-on, minds-on" learning, but also develop students' ability to learn course content and adapt to collegiate academic expectations.
What We Offer:
- Weekly, voluntary sessions for extra credit where students can assess their understanding of course material
- Activities that include incorporating associated questions, models, manipulatives, and diagrams related to lecture and textbook content
Our UIndy faculty have researched and shown the effectiveness of the CEL Lounge on students’ success, presenting it to the American Society for Cell Biology.
Funding for Research
As a biology student, you could be awarded grant opportunities for research and travel through the College of Arts & Sciences. Funding opportunities include the Research Assistant Program, the Research Fellows Program, and the Summer Research Institute.
Honors Degree
Pursuing an honors degree pairs well with a biology major, as both emphasize critical thinking, academic rigor, and in-depth exploration of scientific topics. Independent research in biology can fulfill the honors capstone requirement, allowing you to investigate a topic that interests you and gain valuable experience that prepares you for graduate or professional study.
Luke Horne, came in 2nd Place in the Poster Presentation category at the Mid-East Honors Association conference!