biology thesis statements

Biology Hypothesis

Delve into the fascinating world of biology with our definitive guide on crafting impeccable hypothesis thesis statements . As the foundation of any impactful biological research, a well-formed hypothesis paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries and insights. Whether you’re examining cellular behavior or large-scale ecosystems, mastering the art of the thesis statement is crucial. Embark on this enlightening journey with us, as we provide stellar examples and invaluable writing advice tailored for budding biologists.

What is a good hypothesis in biology?

A good hypothesis in biology is a statement that offers a tentative explanation for a biological phenomenon, based on prior knowledge or observation. It should be:

• Testable: The hypothesis should be measurable and can be proven false through experiments or observations.
• Clear: It should be stated clearly and without ambiguity.
• Based on Knowledge: A solid hypothesis often stems from existing knowledge or literature in the field.
• Specific: It should clearly define the variables being tested and the expected outcomes.
• Falsifiable: It’s essential that a hypothesis can be disproven. This means there should be a possible result that could indicate the hypothesis is incorrect.

What is an example of a hypothesis statement in biology?

Example: “If a plant is given a higher concentration of carbon dioxide, then it will undergo photosynthesis at an increased rate compared to a plant given a standard concentration of carbon dioxide.”

In this example:

• The independent variable (what’s being changed) is the concentration of carbon dioxide.
• The dependent variable (what’s being measured) is the rate of photosynthesis. The statement proposes a cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation.

100 Biology Thesis Statement Examples

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Biology, as the study of life and living organisms, is vast and diverse. Crafting a good thesis statement in this field requires a clear understanding of the topic at hand, capturing the essence of the research aim. From genetics to ecology, from cell biology to animal behavior, the following examples will give you a comprehensive idea about forming succinct biology thesis statements.

Genetics: Understanding the role of the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer susceptibility can lead to targeted treatments.

2. Evolution: The finch populations of the Galápagos Islands provide evidence of natural selection through beak variations in response to food availability.

3. Cell Biology: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central factor in the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Ecology: Deforestation in the Amazon directly impacts global carbon dioxide levels, influencing climate change.

5. Human Anatomy: Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health by improving heart muscle function and reducing arterial plaque.

6. Marine Biology: Coral bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef correlate strongly with rising sea temperatures.

7. Zoology: Migration patterns of Monarch butterflies are influenced by seasonal changes and available food sources.

8. Botany: The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots enhances nutrient absorption in poor soil conditions.

9. Microbiology: The overuse of antibiotics in healthcare has accelerated the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

10. Physiology: High altitude adaptation in certain human populations has led to increased hemoglobin production.

11. Immunology: The role of T-cells in the human immune response is critical in developing effective vaccines against viral diseases.

12. Behavioral Biology: Birdsong variations in sparrows can be attributed to both genetic factors and environmental influences.

13. Developmental Biology: The presence of certain hormones during fetal development dictates the differentiation of sex organs in mammals.

14. Conservation Biology: The rapid decline of bee populations worldwide is directly linked to the use of certain pesticides in agriculture.

15. Molecular Biology: The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized gene editing techniques, offering potential cures for genetic diseases.

16. Virology: The mutation rate of the influenza virus necessitates annual updates in vaccine formulations.

17. Neurobiology: Neural plasticity in the adult brain can be enhanced through consistent learning and cognitive challenges.

18. Ethology: Elephant herds exhibit complex social structures and matriarchal leadership.

19. Biotechnology: Genetically modified crops can improve yield and resistance but also pose ecological challenges.

20. Environmental Biology: Industrial pollution in freshwater systems disrupts aquatic life and can lead to loss of biodiversity.

21. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Amyloid-beta protein accumulation in the brain is a key marker for Alzheimer’s disease progression.

22. Endocrinology: The disruption of thyroid hormone balance leads to metabolic disorders and weight fluctuations.

23. Bioinformatics: Machine learning algorithms can predict protein structures with high accuracy, advancing drug design.

24. Plant Physiology: The stomatal closure mechanism in plants helps prevent water loss and maintain turgor pressure.

25. Parasitology: The lifecycle of the malaria parasite involves complex interactions between humans and mosquitoes.

26. Molecular Genetics: Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in gene expression regulation and cell differentiation.

27. Evolutionary Psychology: Human preference for symmetrical faces is a result of evolutionarily advantageous traits.

28. Ecosystem Dynamics: The reintroduction of apex predators in ecosystems restores ecological balance and biodiversity.

29. Epigenetics: Maternal dietary choices during pregnancy can influence the epigenetic profiles of offspring.

30. Biochemistry: Enzyme kinetics in metabolic pathways reveal insights into cellular energy production.

31. Bioluminescence: The role of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms serves as camouflage and communication.

32. Genetics of Disease: Mutations in the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis, leading to severe respiratory and digestive issues.

33. Reproductive Biology: The influence of pheromones on mate selection is a critical aspect of reproductive success in many species.

34. Plant-Microbe Interactions: Rhizobium bacteria facilitate nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, benefiting both organisms.

35. Comparative Anatomy: Homologous structures in different species provide evidence of shared evolutionary ancestry.

36. Stem Cell Research: Induced pluripotent stem cells hold immense potential for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

37. Bioethics: Balancing the use of genetic modification in humans with ethical considerations is a complex challenge.

38. Molecular Evolution: The study of orthologous and paralogous genes offers insights into evolutionary relationships.

39. Bioenergetics: ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation is a fundamental process driving cellular energy production.

40. Population Genetics: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model helps predict allele frequencies in populations over time.

41. Animal Communication: The complex vocalizations of whales serve both social bonding and long-distance communication purposes.

42. Biogeography: The distribution of marsupials in Australia and their absence elsewhere highlights the impact of geographical isolation on evolution.

43. Aquatic Ecology: The phenomenon of eutrophication in lakes is driven by excessive nutrient runoff and results in harmful algal blooms.

44. Insect Behavior: The waggle dance of honeybees conveys precise information about the location of food sources to other members of the hive.

45. Microbial Ecology: The gut microbiome’s composition influences host health, metabolism, and immune system development.

46. Evolution of Sex: The Red Queen hypothesis explains the evolution of sexual reproduction as a defense against rapidly evolving parasites.

47. Immunotherapy: Manipulating the immune response to target cancer cells shows promise as an effective cancer treatment strategy.

48. Epigenetic Inheritance: Epigenetic modifications can be passed down through generations, impacting traits and disease susceptibility.

49. Comparative Genomics: Comparing the genomes of different species sheds light on genetic adaptations and evolutionary divergence.

50. Neurotransmission: The dopamine reward pathway in the brain is implicated in addiction and motivation-related behaviors.

51. Microbial Biotechnology: Genetically engineered bacteria can produce valuable compounds like insulin, revolutionizing pharmaceutical production.

52. Bioinformatics: DNA sequence analysis reveals evolutionary relationships between species and uncovers hidden genetic information.

53. Animal Migration: The navigational abilities of migratory birds are influenced by magnetic fields and celestial cues.

54. Human Evolution: The discovery of ancient hominin fossils provides insights into the evolutionary timeline of our species.

55. Cancer Genetics: Mutations in tumor suppressor genes contribute to the uncontrolled growth and division of cancer cells.

56. Aquatic Biomes: Coral reefs, rainforests of the sea, host incredible biodiversity and face threats from climate change and pollution.

57. Genomic Medicine: Personalized treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup hold promise for more effective healthcare.

58. Molecular Pharmacology: Understanding receptor-ligand interactions aids in the development of targeted drugs for specific diseases.

59. Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving habitat diversity is crucial to maintaining ecosystems and preventing species extinction.

60. Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Comparing embryonic development across species reveals shared genetic pathways and evolutionary constraints.

61. Plant Reproductive Strategies: Understanding the trade-offs between asexual and sexual reproduction in plants sheds light on their evolutionary success.

62. Parasite-Host Interactions: The coevolution of parasites and their hosts drives adaptations and counter-adaptations over time.

63. Genomic Diversity: Exploring genetic variations within populations helps uncover disease susceptibilities and evolutionary history.

64. Ecological Succession: Studying the process of ecosystem recovery after disturbances provides insights into resilience and stability.

65. Conservation Genetics: Genetic diversity assessment aids in formulating effective conservation strategies for endangered species.

66. Neuroplasticity and Learning: Investigating how the brain adapts through synaptic changes improves our understanding of memory and learning.

67. Synthetic Biology: Designing and engineering biological systems offers innovative solutions for medical, environmental, and industrial challenges.

68. Ethnobotany: Documenting the traditional uses of plants by indigenous communities informs both conservation and pharmaceutical research.

69. Ecological Niche Theory: Exploring how species adapt to specific ecological niches enhances our grasp of biodiversity patterns.

70. Ecosystem Services: Quantifying the benefits provided by ecosystems, like pollination and carbon sequestration, supports conservation efforts.

71. Fungal Biology: Investigating mycorrhizal relationships between fungi and plants illuminates nutrient exchange mechanisms.

72. Molecular Clock Hypothesis: Genetic mutations accumulate over time, providing a method to estimate evolutionary divergence dates.

73. Developmental Disorders: Unraveling the genetic and environmental factors contributing to developmental disorders informs therapeutic approaches.

74. Epigenetics and Disease: Epigenetic modifications contribute to the development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

75. Animal Cognition: Studying cognitive abilities in animals unveils their problem-solving skills, social dynamics, and sensory perceptions.

76. Microbiota-Brain Axis: The gut-brain connection suggests a bidirectional communication pathway influencing mental health and behavior.

77. Neurological Disorders: Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have genetic and environmental components that drive their progression.

78. Plant Defense Mechanisms: Investigating how plants ward off pests and pathogens informs sustainable agricultural practices.

79. Conservation Genomics: Genetic data aids in identifying distinct populations and prioritizing conservation efforts for at-risk species.

80. Reproductive Strategies: Comparing reproductive methods in different species provides insights into evolutionary trade-offs and reproductive success.

81. Epigenetics in Aging: Exploring epigenetic changes in the aging process offers insights into longevity and age-related diseases.

82. Antimicrobial Resistance: Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind bacterial resistance to antibiotics informs strategies to combat the global health threat.

83. Plant-Animal Interactions: Investigating mutualistic relationships between plants and pollinators showcases the delicate balance of ecosystems.

84. Adaptations to Extreme Environments: Studying extremophiles reveals the remarkable ways organisms thrive in extreme conditions like deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

85. Genetic Disorders: Genetic mutations underlie numerous disorders like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.

86. Conservation Behavior: Analyzing the behavioral ecology of endangered species informs habitat preservation and restoration efforts.

87. Neuroplasticity in Rehabilitation: Harnessing the brain’s ability to rewire itself offers promising avenues for post-injury or post-stroke rehabilitation.

88. Disease Vectors: Understanding how mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria and Zika virus is critical for disease prevention strategies.

89. Biochemical Pathways: Mapping metabolic pathways in cells provides insights into disease development and potential therapeutic targets.

90. Invasive Species Impact: Examining the effects of invasive species on native ecosystems guides management strategies to mitigate their impact.

91. Molecular Immunology: Studying the intricate immune response mechanisms aids in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.

92. Plant-Microbe Symbiosis: Investigating how plants form partnerships with beneficial microbes enhances crop productivity and sustainability.

93. Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells offers new avenues for cancer treatment.

94. Evolution of Flight: Analyzing the adaptations leading to the development of flight in birds and insects sheds light on evolutionary innovation.

95. Genomic Diversity in Human Populations: Exploring genetic variations among different human populations informs ancestry, migration, and susceptibility to diseases.

96. Hormonal Regulation: Understanding the role of hormones in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis provides insights into physiological processes.

97. Conservation Genetics in Plant Conservation: Genetic diversity assessment helps guide efforts to conserve rare and endangered plant species.

98. Neuronal Communication: Investigating neurotransmitter systems and synaptic transmission enhances our comprehension of brain function.

99. Microbial Biogeography: Mapping the distribution of microorganisms across ecosystems aids in understanding their ecological roles and interactions.

100. Gene Therapy: Developing methods to replace or repair defective genes offers potential treatments for genetic disorders.

Scientific Hypothesis Statement Examples

This section offers diverse examples of scientific hypothesis statements that cover a range of biological topics. Each example briefly describes the subject matter and the potential implications of the hypothesis.

• Genetic Mutations and Disease: Certain genetic mutations lead to increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders, providing insights into potential treatment strategies.
• Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Elevated microplastic levels disrupt aquatic food chains, affecting biodiversity and human health through bioaccumulation.
• Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Inhibition of quorum sensing in pathogenic bacteria demonstrates a potential avenue for novel antimicrobial therapies.
• Climate Change and Phenology: Rising temperatures alter flowering times in plants, impacting pollinator interactions and ecosystem dynamics.
• Neuroplasticity and Learning: The brain’s adaptability facilitates learning through synaptic modifications, elucidating educational strategies for improved cognition.
• CRISPR-Cas9 in Agriculture: CRISPR-engineered crops with enhanced pest resistance showcase a sustainable approach to improving agricultural productivity.
• Invasive Species Impact on Predators: The introduction of invasive prey disrupts predator-prey relationships, triggering cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems.
• Microbial Contributions to Soil Health: Beneficial soil microbes enhance nutrient availability and plant growth, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
• Marine Protected Areas: Examining the effectiveness of marine protected areas reveals their role in preserving biodiversity and restoring marine ecosystems.
• Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer: Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in cancer development, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for precision medicine.

Testable Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

Testability hypothesis is a critical aspect of a hypothesis. These examples are formulated in a way that allows them to be tested through experiments or observations. They focus on cause-and-effect relationships that can be verified or refuted.

• Impact of Light Intensity on Plant Growth: Increasing light intensity accelerates photosynthesis rates and enhances overall plant growth.
• Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity: Higher temperatures accelerate enzyme activity up to an optimal point, beyond which denaturation occurs.
• Microbial Diversity in Soil pH Gradients: Soil pH influences microbial composition, with acidic soils favoring certain bacterial taxa over others.
• Predation Impact on Prey Behavior: The presence of predators induces changes in prey behavior, resulting in altered foraging strategies and vigilance levels.
• Chemical Communication in Marine Organisms: Investigating chemical cues reveals the role of allelopathy in competition among marine organisms.
• Social Hierarchy in Animal Groups: Observing animal groups establishes a correlation between social rank and access to resources within the group.
• Effect of Habitat Fragmentation on Pollinator Diversity: Fragmented habitats reduce pollinator species richness, affecting plant reproductive success.
• Dietary Effects on Gut Microbiota Composition: Dietary shifts influence gut microbiota diversity and metabolic functions, impacting host health.
• Hybridization Impact on Plant Fitness: Hybrid plants exhibit varied fitness levels depending on the combination of parent species.
• Human Impact on Coral Bleaching: Analyzing coral reefs under different anthropogenic stresses identifies the main factors driving coral bleaching events.

Scientific Investigation Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

This section emphasizes hypotheses that are part of broader scientific investigations. They involve studying complex interactions or phenomena and often contribute to our understanding of larger biological systems.

• Genomic Variation in Human Disease Susceptibility: Genetic analysis identifies variations associated with increased risk of common diseases, aiding personalized medicine.
• Behavioral Responses to Temperature Shifts in Insects: Investigating insect responses to temperature fluctuations reveals adaptation strategies to climate change.
• Endocrine Disruptors and Amphibian Development: Experimental exposure to endocrine disruptors elucidates their role in amphibian developmental abnormalities.
• Microbial Succession in Decomposition: Tracking microbial communities during decomposition uncovers the succession patterns of different decomposer species.
• Gene Expression Patterns in Stress Response: Studying gene expression profiles unveils the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses in plants.
• Effect of Urbanization on Bird Song Patterns: Urban noise pollution influences bird song frequency and complexity, impacting communication and mate attraction.
• Nutrient Availability and Algal Blooms: Investigating nutrient loading in aquatic systems sheds light on factors triggering harmful algal blooms.
• Host-Parasite Coevolution: Analyzing genetic changes in hosts and parasites over time uncovers coevolutionary arms races and adaptation.
• Ecosystem Productivity and Biodiversity: Linking ecosystem productivity to biodiversity patterns reveals the role of species interactions in ecosystem stability.
• Habitat Preference of Invasive Species: Studying the habitat selection of invasive species identifies factors promoting their establishment and spread.

Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology Research

These examples are tailored for research hypothesis studies. They highlight hypotheses that drive focused research questions, often leading to specific experimental designs and data collection methods.

• Microbial Community Structure in Human Gut: Investigating microbial diversity and composition unveils the role of gut microbiota in human health.
• Plant-Pollinator Mutualisms: Hypothesizing reciprocal benefits in plant-pollinator interactions highlights the role of coevolution in shaping ecosystems.
• Chemical Defense Mechanisms in Insects: Predicting the correlation between insect feeding behavior and chemical defenses explores natural selection pressures.
• Evolutionary Significance of Mimicry: Examining mimicry in organisms demonstrates its adaptive value in predator-prey relationships and survival.
• Neurological Basis of Mate Choice: Proposing neural mechanisms underlying mate choice behaviors uncovers the role of sensory cues in reproductive success.
• Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Impact on Plant Growth: Investigating mycorrhizal colonization effects on plant biomass addresses nutrient exchange dynamics.
• Social Learning in Primates: Formulating a hypothesis on primate social learning explores the transmission of knowledge and cultural behaviors.
• Effect of Pollution on Fish Behavior: Anticipating altered behaviors due to pollution exposure highlights ecological consequences on aquatic ecosystems.
• Coevolution of Flowers and Pollinators: Hypothesizing mutual adaptations between flowers and pollinators reveals intricate ecological relationships.
• Genetic Basis of Disease Resistance in Plants: Identifying genetic markers associated with disease resistance enhances crop breeding programs.

Prediction Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

Predictive simple hypothesis involve making educated guesses about how variables might interact or behave under specific conditions. These examples showcase hypotheses that anticipate outcomes based on existing knowledge.

• Pesticide Impact on Insect Abundance: Predicting decreased insect populations due to pesticide application underscores ecological ramifications.
• Climate Change and Migratory Bird Patterns: Anticipating shifts in migratory routes of birds due to climate change informs conservation strategies.
• Ocean Acidification Effect on Coral Calcification: Predicting reduced coral calcification rates due to ocean acidification unveils threats to coral reefs.
• Disease Spread in Crowded Bird Roosts: Predicting accelerated disease transmission in densely populated bird roosts highlights disease ecology dynamics.
• Eutrophication Impact on Freshwater Biodiversity: Anticipating decreased freshwater biodiversity due to eutrophication emphasizes conservation efforts.
• Herbivore Impact on Plant Species Diversity: Predicting reduced plant diversity in areas with high herbivore pressure elucidates ecosystem dynamics.
• Predator-Prey Population Cycles: Predicting cyclical fluctuations in predator and prey populations showcases the role of trophic interactions.
• Climate Change and Plant Phenology: Anticipating earlier flowering times due to climate change demonstrates the influence of temperature on plant life cycles.
• Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Communities: Predicting increased antibiotic resistance due to overuse forewarns the need for responsible antibiotic use.
• Human Impact on Avian Nesting Success: Predicting decreased avian nesting success due to habitat fragmentation highlights conservation priorities.

How to Write a Biology Hypothesis – Step by Step Guide

A hypothesis in biology is a critical component of scientific research that proposes an explanation for a specific biological phenomenon. Writing a well-formulated hypothesis sets the foundation for conducting experiments, making observations, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a strong biology hypothesis:

1. Identify the Phenomenon: Clearly define the biological phenomenon you intend to study. This could be a question, a pattern, an observation, or a problem in the field of biology.

2. Conduct Background Research: Before formulating a hypothesis, gather relevant information from scientific literature. Understand the existing knowledge about the topic to ensure your hypothesis builds upon previous research.

3. State the Independent and Dependent Variables: Identify the variables involved in the phenomenon. The independent variable is what you manipulate or change, while the dependent variable is what you measure as a result of the changes.

4. Formulate a Testable Question: Based on your background research, create a specific and testable question that addresses the relationship between the variables. This question will guide the formulation of your hypothesis.

5. Craft the Hypothesis: A hypothesis should be a clear and concise statement that predicts the outcome of your experiment or observation. It should propose a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

6. Use the “If-Then” Structure: Formulate your hypothesis using the “if-then” structure. The “if” part states the independent variable and the condition you’re manipulating, while the “then” part predicts the outcome for the dependent variable.

7. Make it Falsifiable: A good hypothesis should be testable and capable of being proven false. There should be a way to gather data that either supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

8. Be Specific and Precise: Avoid vague language and ensure that your hypothesis is specific and precise. Clearly define the variables and the expected relationship between them.

9. Revise and Refine: Once you’ve formulated your hypothesis, review it to ensure it accurately reflects your research question and variables. Revise as needed to make it more concise and focused.

10. Seek Feedback: Share your hypothesis with peers, mentors, or colleagues to get feedback. Constructive input can help you refine your hypothesis further.

Tips for Writing a Biology Hypothesis Statement

Writing a biology alternative hypothesis statement requires precision and clarity to ensure that your research is well-structured and testable. Here are some valuable tips to help you create effective and scientifically sound hypothesis statements:

1. Be Clear and Concise: Your hypothesis statement should convey your idea succinctly. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience.

2. Address Cause and Effect: A hypothesis suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. Clearly state how changes in the independent variable are expected to affect the dependent variable.

3. Use Specific Language: Define your variables precisely. Use specific terms to describe the independent and dependent variables, as well as any conditions or measurements.

4. Follow the “If-Then” Structure: Use the classic “if-then” structure to frame your hypothesis. State the independent variable (if) and the expected outcome (then). This format clarifies the relationship you’re investigating.

5. Make it Testable: Your hypothesis must be capable of being tested through experimentation or observation. Ensure that there is a measurable and observable way to determine if it’s true or false.

6. Avoid Ambiguity: Eliminate vague terms that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Be precise in your language to avoid confusion.

7. Base it on Existing Knowledge: Ground your hypothesis in prior research or existing scientific theories. It should build upon established knowledge and contribute new insights.

8. Predict a Direction: Your hypothesis should predict a specific outcome. Whether you anticipate an increase, decrease, or a difference, your hypothesis should make a clear prediction.

9. Be Focused: Keep your hypothesis statement focused on one specific idea or relationship. Avoid trying to address too many variables or concepts in a single statement.

10. Consider Alternative Explanations: Acknowledge alternative explanations for your observations or outcomes. This demonstrates critical thinking and a thorough understanding of your field.

11. Avoid Value Judgments: Refrain from including value judgments or opinions in your hypothesis. Stick to objective and measurable factors.

12. Be Realistic: Ensure that your hypothesis is plausible and feasible. It should align with what is known about the topic and be achievable within the scope of your research.

13. Refine and Revise: Draft multiple versions of your hypothesis statement and refine them. Discuss and seek feedback from mentors, peers, or advisors to enhance its clarity and precision.

14. Align with Research Goals: Your hypothesis should align with the overall goals of your research project. Make sure it addresses the specific question or problem you’re investigating.

15. Be Open to Revision: As you conduct research and gather data, be open to revising your hypothesis if the evidence suggests a different outcome than initially predicted.

Remember, a well-crafted biology science hypothesis statement serves as the foundation of your research and guides your experimental design and data analysis. It’s essential to invest time and effort in formulating a clear, focused, and testable hypothesis that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

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Senior thesis examples.

Graduating seniors in Biological Sciences have the option of submitting a senior thesis for consideration for Honors and Research Prizes .  Below are some examples of particularly outstanding theses from recent years (pdf):

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Writing a Thesis Statement

Writing a Thesis Statement  doesn't have to be difficult.  Here is some meaningful advice for developing your thesis statement for this project:

Every Thesis Statement has the Following Elements :

• A  Topic : What is the essential matter of your research paper (ex: Christian Worldview and Origins )
• A Position:  State your position or argument (ex: for or  against a specific worldview perspective)
• And Evidence: Summarize the evidence that you will use to support your worldview perspective in short phrases beginning with a strong verb (ex: provides , communicates , establishes , etc.) that supports your evidence (ex: intimate understanding of the nature of the universe,  express purpose for human life, a means to personal fulfillment ).

Together these elements combine to communicate a defensible thesis statement:

EX: The Christian worldview, as supported by the Biblical scripture, outlines a clear and sufficient perspective on the origins of life as it provides an intimate understanding of the nature of the universe, communicates the express purpose for human life, and establishes a means of personal fulfillment.

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• Thesis Guidelines

A thesis for Distinction in Biology is a wonderful way for you to close the loop on your undergraduate research experience and showcase your scientific scholarship. Your thesis will be evaluated by the Faculty in Biology and answers the following questions: What did you do? Why did you do it? What is the significance of your results? What else would you do, were you to continue the project?

In answering the above questions, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and intellectual ownership of a project; not simply your productivity in the lab. The volume of results or completeness of the study is not critical for a successful thesis. Instead, we will be looking for the following:

• An argument for the significance of your research, contextualized within the scientific literature;
• A review of appropriate literature as evidence in support of claims you make in your argument;
• A statement of your research goals, i.e., a meaningful question of biological importance;
• A description of experimental approaches and methods ;
• Appropriate presentation of results through tables, figures, and images;
• A discussion of the meaning and significance of your results;
• A description of limitations and future directions for the project.

Expanded guidelines can be found in the Biology Thesis Assessment Protocol (BioTAP):

Format of the Thesis

The basic format of the thesis should resemble that of any scientific journal article that is common in your subdiscipline. It generally includes the following sections: Introduction & Background; Methods; Results; Discussion; Acknowledgements; and References. In some instances, it may be useful to sub-divide the Methods & Results section to correspond to multiple aims. However, if you chose to take this route, remember that there should still be a general Introduction and Discussion sections that address the project as a whole. The thesis should not consist of several "mini-papers" that are unconnected.  

Submission Guidelines

The format of the final copy should follow these guidelines:

• Cover Page ( sample ): Title; student's name; supervisor's name; date of submission; 3 signature lines at bottom right (Research Supervisor, DUS, Reader). Please follow the format and language of the sample.
• Abstract Page: single-spaced, roughly 250 words.
• Thesis should be double-spaced
• Pages should be numbered at the top right corner of the page
• It is preferred that figures are embedded within the document instead of all at the end
• There is no minimum page requirement or limit, although most are approximately 25 pages. 

Sample Theses

Examples of Distinction papers from previous years are available for examination in the Undergraduate Studies Office (Rm 135 BioSci).  Several samples are also available below as PDF files.

• Tracing the origins of antimalarial resistance in Plasmodium vivax
• Interaction network optimization improves the antimicrobial efficacy of phage cocktails
• Identifying how ufmylation of RAB1B regulates IFN-β signaling

Additional Resources

• Library Resources for Students Writing Theses
• How to write and publish a scientific paper by Barbara Gastel and Robert A. Day
• Biology 495(S): Scientific Argument in Writing . This course is particularly appropriate for seniors working on an undergraduate thesis or major research paper and is recommended, although not required, for all candidates for Graduation with Distinction in biology. The course is writing intensive and carries a “W” designation and, in the fall semester only, is a seminar and carries an “S” designation.
• Biology Writes  offers writing resources, feedback, one-on-one consultations, and more.  
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M.S. Qualifying Research Paper Writing Guidelines

An important part of your master’s education is the writing of your final master’s qualifying research paper (also called a master’s thesis). To aid you in this process we have assembled the following guidelines.

Qualifying research papers fall into two categories, those based on laboratory research and those based on literature research. Both types are mentored by a faculty member or principal investigator of a research laboratory sought by the student. For laboratory research, the student will write the paper based on original experimental results obtained in the laboratory of the mentor. For a literature-based thesis, after selection of a suitable topic by the student and mentor, the student will research the topic by reading and analyzing original literature on the subject, and then prepare a substantive analysis that will constitute the paper. All qualifying papers are graded "Pass", "Pass with Distinction" or "Fail". Further information can be found at the  M.S. in Biology website .

STYLE INFORMATION

Qualifying papers in the Department of Biology should follow the structure of the types of papers that appear in the journal Cell. Laboratory research based papers should be modeled after a Cell research style articles and library research based papers should be modeled after Cell review style articles. Example articles with links are listed in the notes below.  

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Plagiarism is an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author: This means that you cannot copy lines of text from another source without noting that it is a quote (“put quotes around the text”) and citing the reference. In general avoid direct quotes from other sources unless the quote makes a strong point. General facts do not need to be referenced, but more specific facts and ideas must be referenced, even if they have been rewritten in your own words
• Litertaure Review:  Lopez-Otin et al., 2023. Hallmarks of Aging: An Expanding Universe. Cell 186(2), 243-278 .
• Research Research:  Lyons et al., 2023. Functional partitioning of transcriptional regulators by patterned charge blocks. Cell 186(2), 327-345 . 
• Seek a thesis mentor and decide on a topic to study.
• After beginning your literature research, provide a list of references you are reading to your mentor.
• Proceed to write a brief outline of the paper with subsection ideas, then a more detailed outline with subsection descriptions, and share with mentor for comment.
• Proceed to write a first draft of paper, which the mentor will read and provide suggestions/questions for comment.
• Revise accordingly and submit the final version of your paper (~ 25 pages double spaced and reference list). Use citation format (Jones et al., 2023) and reference list as done in Cell papers (see above links). All figures taken from articles must be cited in the legend.

Review Essays for the Biological sciences

A review essay for the biological sciences serves to discuss and synthesize key findings on a particular subject. Review papers are helpful to the writer and their colleagues in gaining critical awareness in specialized fields that may or may not be their own.

This guide explains what a review essay is and identifies several approaches to writing a review essay. Although much of the information is geared directly to the biological sciences, it is generally applicable to review essays in all fields.

What is a Review Essay?

A review essay is a synthesis of primary sources (mainly research papers presented in academic journals) on a given topic. A biological review essay demonstrates that the writer has thorough understanding of the literature and can formulate a useful analysis. While no new research is presented by the writer, the field benefits from the review by recieving a new perspective. There are several approaches one may take when writing a biological review:

A State of the art review

A state of the art review considers mainly the most current research in a given area. The review may offer new perspectives on an issue or point out an area in need of further research.

A Historical review

A historical review is a survey of the development of a particular field of study. It may examine the early stages of the field, key findings to present, key theoretical models and their evolution, etc.

A Comparison of perspectives review

A comparison of perspectives review contrasts various ways of looking at a certain topic. If in fact there is a debate over some process or idea, a comparison of perspectives review may illustrate the research that supports both sides. A comparison of perspectives review may introduce a new perspective by way of comparing it to another.

A Synthesis of two fields review

Many times researchers in different fields may be working on similar problems. A synthesis of two fields review provides insights into a given topic based on a review of the literature from two or more disciplines.

A Theoretical model building review

A theoretical model building review examines the literature within a given area with the intention of developing new theoretical assumptions.

Key Considerations for Writing a Biological Review Essay

This guide will inform you of certain things not to miss when writing a review essay. It will also give you some information about using and documenting your sources.

Keep your focus narrow.

When writing a review essay it is important to keep the scope of the topic narrow enough so that you can discuss it thoroughly. For example a topic such as air quality in factories could be narrowed significantly to something like carbon dioxide levels in auto manufacturing plants .

A good way to narrow your focus is to start with a broad topic that is of some interest to you, then read some of the literature in the field. Look for a thread of the discussion that points to a more specific topic.

Analyze, synthesize, and interpret.

A review essay is not a pure summary of the information you read for your review. You are required to analyze, synthesize, and interpret the information you read in some meaningful way.

It is not enough to simply present the material you have found, you must go beyond that and explain its relevance and significance to the topic at hand.

Establish a clear thesis from the onset of your writing and examine which pieces of your reading help you in developing and supporting the ideas in your thesis.

Use only academic sources.

A review essay reviews the academic body of literature—articles and research presented in academic journals. Lay periodicals such as, Discover , Scientific America , or Popular Science , are not adequate sources for an academic review essay.

If you are having trouble finding the academic journals in your field, ask one of your professors or a reference librarian.

Document your sources.

The material that you discuss in a review essay is obviously not your own, therefore it is crucial to document your sources properly. Proper documentation is crucial for two reasons: 1. It prevents the writer from being accused of plagiarism and 2. It gives the reader the opportunity to locate the sources the writer has reviewed because they may find them valuable in their own academic pursuits. Proper documentation depends on which style guide you are following.

Quote sparingly and properly.

No one wants to read a paper that is simply a string of quotes; reserve direct quotations for when you want to create a big impact. Often times the way a quote is written will not fit with the language or the style of your paper so paraphrase the authors words carefully and verbage as necessary to create a well formed paragraph.

Choose an informative title.

The title you choose for your review essay should give some indication of what lies ahead for the reader. You might consider the process you took in narrowing your topic to help you with your title—think of the title as something specific rather than a vague representation of your paper's topic. For example the title Wastewater Treatment might be more informative if rewritten as The Removal of Cloroform Bacteria as Practiced by California's Municipal Water Treatment Facilities .

Consider your audience.

More than likely your audience will be your academic peers, therefore you can make a couple assumptions and choose a writing style that suits the audience. Though your audience may lack the detailed knowledge you have about your topic, they do have similar background knowledge to you. You can assume that you audience understands much of the technical language you have to use to write about your topic and you do not have to go into great detail about background information.

Elements of a Review Essay

This guide explains each section of a review essay and gives specific information about what should be included in each.

On the title page include the title, your name, and the date. Your instructor may have additional requirements (such as the course number, etc.) so be sure to follow the guidelines on the assignment sheet. Professional journals may also have more specific requirements for the title page.

An abstract is a brief summary of your review. The abstract should include only the main points of your review. Think of the abstract as a chance for the reader to preview your paper and decide if they want to read on for the details.

Introduction

The introduction of your review should accomplish three things:

• It may sound redundant to "introduce" your topic in the introduction, but often times writer's fail to do so. Let the reader in on background information specific to the topic, define terms that may be unfamiliar to them, explain the scope of the discussion, and your purpose for writing the review.
• Think of your review essay as a statement in the larger conversation of your academic community. Your review is your way of entering into that conversation and it is important to briefly address why your review is relevant to the discussion. You may feel the relevance is obvious because you are so familiar with the topic, but your readers have not yet established that familiarity.
• The thesis is the main idea that you want to get across to your reader. your thesis should be a clear statement of what you intend to prove or illustrate by your review. By revealing your thesis in the introduction the reader knows what to expect in the rest of the paper.

The discussion section is the body of your paper. The discussion section contains information that develops and supports your thesis. While there is no particular form that a discussion section must take there are several considerations that a writer must follow when building a discussion.

• A review essay is not simply a summary of literature you have reviewed. Be careful not to leave out your own analysis of the ideas presented in the literature. Synthesize the material from all the works—what are the connections you see, or the connections you are trying to illustrate, among your readings.

A review essay is not a pure summary of the information you read for your review. You are required to analyze, synthesize, and interpret the information you read in some meaningful way. It is not enough to simply present the material you have found, you must go beyond that and explain its relevance and significance to the topic at hand. Establish a clear thesis from the onset of your writing and examine which pieces of your reading help you in developing and supporting the ideas in your thesis.

• Keep your discussion focused on your topic and more importantly your thesis. Don't let tangents or extraneous material get in the way of a concise, coherent discussion. A well focused paper is crucial in getting your message across to your reader.
• Keeping your points organized makes it easier for the reader to follow along and make sense of your review. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates back to your thesis. The headings used for this guide give you some idea of how to organize the overall paper, but as far as the discussion section goes use meaningful subheadings that relate to your content to organize your points.
• Your thesis should illustrate your objectives in writing the review and your discussion should serve to accomplish your objectives. Make sure your keep your discussion related to the thesis in order to meet your objectives. If you find that your discussion does not relate so much to your thesis, don't panic, you might want to revise your thesis instead of reworking the discussion.

Conclusions

Because the conclusions section often gets left for last it is often the weakest part of a student review essay. It is as crucial a part of the paper as any and should be treated as such.

A good conclusion should illustrate the key connections between your major points and your thesis as well as they key connections between your thesis and the broader discussion—what is the significance of your paper in a larger context? Make some conclusions —where have you arrived as a result of writing this paper?

Be careful not to present any new information in the conclusion section.

Here you report all the works you have cited in your paper. The format for a references page varies by discipline as does how you should cite your references within the paper.

Bastek, Neal. (1999). Review Essays for the Biological Sciences. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=79

Thesis proposal example 2

Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal

Albert B. Ulrich III Thesis Advisor: Dr. Wayne Leibel 11 September 1998

Introduction:

Neotropical fish of the family Cichlidae are a widespread and diverse group of freshwater fish which, through adaptive radiation, have exploited various niches in freshwater ecosystems. One such evolutionary adaptation employed by numerous taxa is miniaturization, an evolutionary process in which a large ancestral form becomes reduced in size to exploit alternative niches. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the effects of miniaturization on amphibians (Hanken 1983), but although miniaturization has been found to occur in 85 species of freshwater South American fish, little has been done to investigate the effects which miniaturization imposes on the anatomy of the fish (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Background:

Evolution is the process by which species adapt to environmental stresses over time. Nature imposes various selective pressures on ecosystems causing adaptive radiation, where species expand and fill new niches. One such adaptation for a new niche is miniaturization. Miniaturization can be defined as “the evolution of extremely small adult body size within a lineage” (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization is observed in a variety of taxa, and evolutionary size decreases are observed in mammals and higher vertebrates, but it is more common and more pronounced in reptiles, amphibians and fish (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization evolved as a specialization which allowed the organisms to avoid selective pressures and occupy a new niche. Miniaturization as a concept is dependent on the phylogenetic assumption that the organism evolved from a larger predecessor. Over time, the miniature organism had to adapt to the new conditions as a tiny species. All of the same basic needs had to be met, but with a smaller body.

In miniature species there is a critical relationship between structure of the body and body size, and frequently this downsizing results in structural and functional changes within the animal (Harrison 1996). Within the concept of miniaturization is the assumption that the species evolved from a larger progenitor. It is necessary then to explore the effects of the miniaturization process. “Miniaturization involves not only small body size per se, but also the consequent and often dramatic effects of extreme size reduction on anatomy, physiology, ecology, life history, and behavior” (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Hanken and Wake 1993 found that the adult skulls of the salamander Thorius were lacking several bones, others were highly underdeveloped, and many species within the genus were toothless. Several invertebrate species display the wholesale loss of major organs systems as a result of the drastic reduction in body size (Hanken and Wake 1993). Hanken and Wake also have shown that morphological novelty is a common result of miniaturization. Morphological novelty, in essence, is the development of new structures in the miniature organism. For example, as body size decreases, certain vital organs will only be able to be reduced by a certain amount and still function. As a result organs such as the inner ear remain large relative to the size of the miniature skull, and structural innovations have to occur in order to support the proportionately large inner ear.

In 1983, James Hanken, at the University of Colorado determined that the adult skull of the Plethodontid salamanders could be characterized by three observations: 1) there was a limited development or even an absence of several ossified elements such as dentition and other bones; 2) there was interspecific and intraspecific variability; 3) there were novel mophological configurations of the braincase and jaw (Hanken 1983).

In his experiments, Hanken found that cranial miniaturization of the Thorius skull was achieved at the expense of ossification. Much of the ossified skeleton was lost or reduced, especially in the anterior elements, which are seen typically in larger adult salamanders (Hanken 1983). In contrast to this ossified downsizing, many of the sensory organs were not diminished in size — therefore present in greater proportion to the rest of the reduced head. He also reported that due to the geometrical space availability, there is a competition for space in reduced sized skulls, and the “predominant brain, otic capsules, and eyes have imposed structural rearrangements on much of the skull that remains” (Hanken 1983).

Hanken proposed that paedomorphosis was the mode of evolution of the plethodontid salamanders (Hanken 1983). Paedomorphosis is the state where the miniaturized structures of the adult salamanders can be described as arrested juvenile states. To support this theory, Hanken showed data where cranial skeletal reduction was less extreme in the posterior regions of the skull. One of the hallmarks of paedamorphosis is the lack of conservation in structures derived late in development. Early developed structures are highly conserved, and the latter derivations become either lost, or greatly reduced. Again, Hanken has shown that elements appearing late in development exhibit greater variation among species than do elements appearing earlier in ontogeny (Hanken 1983). But the presence of novel morphological features cannot be accounted for merely by truncated development and the retention of juvenile traits. Miniature Plethodontid salamanders display features that are not present in other species, juvenile or adult. These novel morphological features are associated with the evolution of decreased size and are postulated to compensate for the reductions occurring in other areas (Hanken 1983).

In 1985, Trueb and Alberch published a paper presenting similar results in their experiments with frogs. They explored the “relationships between body sizes of anurans and their cranial configurations with respect to the degree of ossification of the skull and two ontogenetic variables‹shape and number of differentiation events” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Trueb and Alberch examined three morphological variables: size, sequence of differentiation events, and shape changes in individual structures. Size and snout length were measured, and the data showed that the more heavily ossified frogs tended to be smaller, whereas the less-ossified species were of average size, contrary to what was hypothesized. But Trueb and Alberch also attributed the diminution in size to paedomorphosis, citing that the smaller frogs lacked one or more of the elements typically associated with anuran skulls‹these missing elements were typically late in the developmental sequence. It is significant to note, however, that although there was an apparent paedomorphic trend, it could not be “applied unequivocally to all anuans” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Very little research has been done on the effects of miniaturization on fish. In 1993, Buckup published a paper discussing the phylogeny of newly found minature species of Characidiin fish, but the extent of the examination was merely an acknowledgment that the species were indeed miniatures so that they could be taxonomically reclassified ( Buckup 1993). It is this deficit of knowledge with regard to miniaturization in fish that prompts this research.

Statement of the Problem:

How does miniaturization affect other vertebrates, such as fish? There are over 85 species of freshwater South American fish which are regarded as miniature, spanning 5 orders, 11 families and 40 genera (Hanken and Wake 1993). One such species, Apistogramma cacatuoides, is a South American Cichlid native to Peru. It lives in shallow water bodies in the rainforests, where miniature size is necessary. Males in this species reach approximately 8cm, and females only 5cm. This makes A. cacatuoides an ideal specimen for examination. In this senior honors thesis, I intend to examine the effects of miniaturization on cranial morphology of A. cacatuoides.

Plan of Research:

In this thesis, I will compare the cranial anatomy of A. cacatuoides to that of “Cichlasoma” (Archocentrus) nigrofasciatum, a commonly bred fish reared by aquarists known as the Convict Cichlid, a “typical” medium-sized cichlid also of South American origin. The Convicts will be examined at various stages in development, from juvenile to adult, and will be compared to A.cacatuoides.

The first part of this project will involve whole mount preparation of A. cacatuoides, utilizing the staining and clearing procedures described by Taylor and Van Dyke, 1985. This procedure involves the use of Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue to stain bone and cartilage, and takes into account the adaptations and recommendations Proposed in an earlier paper (Hanken and Wassersug 1981). The Taylor and Van Dyke procedure is specifically for the staining and clearing of small fish and other vertebrates. I tested the procedure during last semester¹s Independent Study and made a few minor adjustments to the protocol.

First, the specimens will be placed serially into an absolute ethyl alcohol solution and stained with Alcian Blue. The fish will then be neutralized in a saturated borax solution, transferred to a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution in potassium hydroxide, and then bleached under a fluorescent light. The unwanted soft tissues will then be cleared using trypsin powder, and then stained in KOH again with alizarin red. The final preparation of the fish involves rinsing the fish, and placing them serially into 40%, 70%, and finally 100% glycerin.

Following the above preparation of the specimens, the crania of the A. cacatuoides specimens will be examined for morphological variation and compared to the cranial anatomy of the Convict cichlid as a progenitor reference point examined at various developmental stages to see if paedomorphosis in indeed the mechanism of miniaturization in A. cacatuoides.

Expected Costs:

The project is estimated to cost no more that five hundred dollars for chemicals and supplies for the entire year.

Literature Cited:

Hanken, J., 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morphology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). I. Osteological Variation”. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (London) 23: 55-75.

Hanken, James, 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morhology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia, Plethodintidae): II.The Fate of the Brain and Sense Organs and Their Role in Skull Morphogenesis and Evolution . Journal of Morphology 177: 255-268.

Hanken, James and David Wake, 1993. Miniaturization of Body Size: Origanismal Consequences and Evolutionary Significance. Annual Review of Ecological Systems 24: 501-19.

Harrison, I. J., 1996. Interface Areas in Small Fish. Zoological Symposium No. 69. The Zoological Society of London: London.

Miller, P. J., 1996. Miniature Vertebrates: The Implications of Small Body Size. Symposium of the Zoological Society of London. No. 69: 15-45.

Taylor, William R. and George Van Dyke, 1985. Revised Procedures for Staining and Clearing Small Fishes and Other Vertebrates for Small Bone and Cartilage Study. Cybium. 9(2): 107-119.

Trueb, L. and P. Alberch, 1985. Miniaturization and the Anuran Skull: a Case Study of Heterochrony. Fortschritte der Zoologie. Bund 30.

Williams, T. Walley, 1941 Bone and Cartilage. Stain. Tech. 16:23-25.

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Molecular and Cellular Biology Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

The Impact of a Non-ionic Adjuvant to the Persistence of Pesticides on Produce Surfaces , Daniel Barnes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating the Role of Got2 in Murine Organogenesis and Placenta Development , Olivia Macrorie, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Chromatin Accessibility Impacts Knockout of Mt-Bell4 Transcription Factor , Thomas Redden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTIONAL IMPACT OF DISEASE-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHORYLATION SITES ON THE NEURODEGENERATIVE PROTEIN TAU , Navya T. Sebastian, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2023 2023

Elucidating the Priming Mechanism of ClpXP Protease by Single-Domain Response Regulator CpdR in Caulobacter crescentus , Kimberly E. Barker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Discovery of a Novel Bacteria from a Large Co-assembly of Metagenomes , Matthew Finkelberg, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating Diterpene Biosynthesis in Medicago Truncatula , Sungwoo Hwang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Combining Simulation and the MspA Nanopore to Study p53 Dynamics and Interactions , Samantha A. Schultz, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Caulobacter ClpXP Adaptor PopA’s Domain Interactions in the Adaptor Hierarchy of CtrA Degradation , Thomas P. Scudder, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Climate Change, Giant Viruses and Their Putative Hosts , Sarah K. Tucker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2022 2022

Changes in Gene Expression From Long-Term Warming Revealed Using Metatranscriptome Mapping to FAC-Sorted Bacteria , Christopher A. Colvin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Determining CaMKII Variant Activities and Their Roles in Human Disease , Matthew J. Dunn, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Developmental Exposures to PFAS Mixtures Impair Elongation of the Exocrine Pancreas in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) , Emily M. Formato, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Metatranscriptomic Analysis of the Long-Term Effects of Warming on the Harvard Forest Soil Microbiome , Brooke A. Linnehan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Family in the Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex , Daniel Norment, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2021 2021

Exploring Knockdown Phenotypes and Interactions between ATAD3 Proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana , Eli S. Gordon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Development of a Site-Specific Labeling Assay to Study the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion Translocon in Native Membranes , Kyle A. Mahan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Liposomal Nanoparticles Target TLR7/8-SHP2 to Repolarize Macrophages to Aid in Cancer Immunotherapy , Vaishali Malik, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Hsp70 Phosphorylation: A Case Study of Serine Residues 385 and 400 , Sashrika Saini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Activation of Nrf2 at Critical Windows of Development Alters Protein S-Glutathionylation in the Zebrafish Embryo (Danio rerio) , Emily G. Severance, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Utilizing Fluorescence Microscopy to Characterize the Subcellular Distribution of the Novel Protein Acheron , Varun Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2020 2020

The Association Between Sperm DNA Methylation and Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number , Emily Houle, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Gene Expression Regulation in the Mouse Liver by Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complexes I and II , Anthony Poluyanoff, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Biomarkers as a Measure of Male Fecundity and Overall Sperm Quality , Allyson Rosati, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Exploration of the Association between Muscle Volume and Bone Geometry Reveals Surprising Relationship at the Genetic Level , Prakrit Subba, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2019 2019

Studies on the Interaction and Organization of Bacterial Proteins on Membranes , Mariana Brena, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating The Role Of LBH During Early Embryonic Development In Xenopus Laevis , Emma Weir, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2018 2018

Exploring the Influence of PKC-theta Phosphorylation on Notch1 Activation and T Helper Cell Differentiation , Grace Trombley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2017 2017

Partial Craniofacial Cartilage Rescue in ace/fgf8 Mutants from Compensatory Signaling From the Ventricle of Danio Rerio , Douglas A. Calenda II, Molecular & Cellular Biology

THE FAR C-TERMINUS OF TPX2 CONTRIBUTES TO SPINDLE MORPHOGENESIS , Brett Estes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Calcium Homeostasis Parameters in TRPV3 and CaV3.2 Double Null Mice , Aujan Mehregan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Microtransplantation of Rat Brain Neurolemma into Xenopus Laevis Oocytes to Study the Effect of Environmental Toxicants on Endogenous Voltage-Sensitive Ion Channels , Edwin Murenzi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Katanin Activity on Microtubules , Madison A. Tyler, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2016 2016

The Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating the Translatability and Stability of Target Messenger RNAs During the Atrophy and Programmed Cell Death of the Intersegmental Muscles of the Tobacco Hawkmoth Manduca sexta. , Elizabeth Chan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An in Vivo Study of Cortical Dynein Dynamics and its Contribution to Microtubule Sliding in the Midzone , Heather M. Jordan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Genetic Analysis of Cichlid Scale Morphology , Kenta C. Kawasaki, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modulation of Notch in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis , Manit Nikhil Munshi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

One-Carbon Metabolism Related B-Vitamins Alter The Expression Of MicroRNAS And Target Genes Within The Wnt Signaling Pathway In Mouse Colonic Epithelium , Riccardo Racicot, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterizing the Inhibition of Katanin Using Tubulin Carboxy-Terminal Tail Constructs , Corey E. Reed, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Identification of Notch1 Functional Domains Responsible for its Physical Interaction with PKCθ , Wesley D. Rossiter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Dynamics of Microtubule Networks with Antiparallel Crosslinkers , Kasimira T. Stanhope, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modifications of Myofilament Structure and Function During Global Myocardial Ischemia , Mike K. Woodward, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2015 2015

Regulation of Jak1 and Jak2 Synthesis through Non-Classical Progestin Receptors , Hillary Adams, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Antineoplastic Effects of Rhodiola Crenulata on B16-F10 Melanoma , Maxine Dudek, Molecular & Cellular Biology

RNAi Validation of Resistance Genes and Their Interactions in the Highly DDT-Resistant 91-R Strain of Drosophila Melanogaster , Kyle Gellatly, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Protein-Protein Interactions for Therapeutic Drug Design Utilizing Mass Spectrometry , Alex J. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Promoting Extracellular Matrix Crosslinking in Synthetic Hydrogels , Marcos M. Manganare, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Reconstituted and Native Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon , Kathryn R. Monopoli, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Thermocycle-regulated WALL REGULATOR INTERACTING bHLH Encodes a Protein That Interacts with Secondary-Cell-Wall-Associated Transcription Factors , Ian P. Whitney, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2014 2014

Engineering Camelina sativa for Biofuel Production via increasing oil yield and tolerance to abiotic stresses , Kenny Ablordeppey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Designing a Pore-Forming Toxin Cytolysin A (ClyA) Specific to Target Cancer Cells , Alzira Rocheteau Avelino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of the Novel Lupus Antigen, Acheron, in Moderating Life and Death Decisions , Ankur Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Expression and Purification of Human Lysosomal β-galactosidase from Pichia Pastoris , Sarah E. Tarullo, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Properties of Potential Substrates of a Cyanobacterial Small Heat Shock Protein , Yichen Zhang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2013 2013

Characterizing the Heavy Metal Chelator, Tpen, as a Ca2+ Tool in the Mammalian Oocyte , Robert A. Agreda Mccaughin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sustainable Biofuels Production Through Understanding Fundamental Bacterial Pathways Involved in Biomass Degradation and Sugar Utilization , James CM Hayes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stiffness and Modulus and Independent Controllers of Breast Cancer Metastasis , Dannielle Ryman, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2012 2012

The Pyrethroid Deltamethrin, Which Causes Choreoathetosis with Salivation (CS-Syndrome), Enhances Calcium Ion Influx via Phosphorylated CaV2.2 expresssed in Xenopus laevis oocytes , Anna-maria Alves, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Test of the Hypothesis That Environmental Chemicals Interfere With Thyroid Hormone Action in Human Placenta , Katherine Geromini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analyzing the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Male-Female Interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. , Eric A. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Rhythmic Growth And Vascular Development In Brachypodium Distachyon , Dominick A. Matos, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Polymer Prodrug Conjugation to Tumor Homing Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Nick Panzarino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigation of Differential Vector Competence of Bartonella quintana in Human Head and Body Lice , Domenic j. Previte, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Downregulation of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase or Caffeic Acid O-Methyltransferase Leads to Improved Biological Conversion Efficiency in Brachypodium distachyon , Gina M. Trabucco, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2011 2011

Evolutionary Relationship of the ampC Resistance Gene In E. cloacae , Shanika S. Collins, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sex Difference in Calbindin Cell Number in the Mouse Preoptic Area: Effects of Neonatal Estradiol and Bax Gene Deletion , Richard F. Gilmore III, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Investigations of Polymer Conjugates as Therapeutics , Elizabeth M. Henchey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Examination of Sexually Dimorphic Cell Death in the Pubertal Mouse Brain , Amanda Holley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Human Niemann-Pick Type C2 Disease Protein Expression, Purification and Crystallization , Yurie T. Kim, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Revealing the Localization of the Class I Formin Family in the Moss Physcomitrella patens Using Gene Targeting Strategies , Kelli Pattavina, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Connecting Motors and Membranes: A Quantitative Investigation of Dynein Pathway Components and in vitro Characterization of the Num1 Coiled Coil Domain , Bryan J. St. Germain, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2010 2010

The Protective Effects A Full-term Pregnancy Plays Against Mammary Carcinoma , Matthew p. Carter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analysis Of An Actin Binding Guanine Exchange Factor, Gef8, And Actin Depolymerizing Factor In Arabidopsis Thaliana. , Aleksey Chudnovskiy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of Ykl-40, a Secreted Heparin-Binding Glycoprotein, in Tumor Angiogenesis, Metastasis, and Progression: a Potential Therapeutic Target , Michael Faibish, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Visualization of Hedgehog Signaling in Zebrafish , Christopher J. Ferreira, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An In Vivo Study of the Mammalian Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 , Alyssa D. Gable, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Identification of Dynein Binding Sites in Budding Yeast Pac1/LIS1 , Christopher W. Meaden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Functional Characterization of Arabidopsis Formin Homologues Afh1, Afh5, Afh6, Afh7 and Afh8 , Shahriar Niroomand, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Crbp1 In Mammary Epithelial Cells , Stacy L. Pease, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Labeling Of A Model β-Clam Protein With A Fluorescent Amino Acid , Mangayarkarasi Periasamy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Characterization of Interactions Among Dynein Complex Components at Microtubule Plus Ends , Karen M. Plevock, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Anti-Diabetic Potentials of Phenolic Enriched Chilean Potato and Select Herbs of Apiaceae and Lamiaceae Families , Fahad Saleem, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Interconversion of the Specificities of Human Lysosomal Enzymes , Ivan B. Tomasic, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Deletions of Fstl3 and/or Fst Isoforms 303 and 315 Results in Hepatic Steatosis , Nathan A. Ungerleider, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2009 2009

A New Laser Pointer Driven Optical Microheater for Precise Local Heat Shock , Mike Placinta, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2008 2008

Cysteine Dioxygenase: The Importance of Key Residues and Insight into the Mechanism of the Metal Center , Jonathan H. Leung, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Invertebrate Phenology and Prey Selection of Three Sympatric Species of Salmonids; Implications for Individual Fish Growth , Jeffrey V. Ojala, Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation

Paralemmin Splice Variants and mRNA and Protein Expression in Breast Cancer , Casey M. Turk, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stability of the frog motor nerve terminal: roles of perisynaptic Schwann cells and muscle fibers , Ling Xin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2007 2007

Antioxidant Response Mechanism in Apples during Post-Harvest Storage and Implications for Human Health Benefits , Ishan Adyanthaya, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Progress Towards A Model Flavoenzyme System , Kevin M. Bardon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The effect of Rhodiola crenulata on a highly metastatic murine mammary carcinoma , Jessica L. Doerner, Molecular & Cellular Biology

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• Honors Thesis Examples

EBIO student's Honors Thesis submissions from past years are archived here with abstracts from the student's respective papers. Peruse several of the submissions to get a sense of the area's of study our students delve into for their Honors Thesis projects.

Landscape Patterns of Litter Decomposition in Alpine Tundra - H. A. O'Lear and T. R. Seastedt - 1994

Effects of Mobile Tree Islands on Soil Carbon Storage in Tundra Ecosystems - Sheridan J. Pauker and T. R. Seastedt - 1996

Effects of Sequestered Iridoid Glycosides on Prey Choice of the Prairie Wolf Spider,  Lycosa carolinensis  - Demetri Hilario Theodoratus and M. Deane Bowers - 1998

Effects of Soil Nitrogen Reduction on Nonnative Plants in Restored Grasslands - K.J. Reever Morghan & T. R. Seastedt - 1999

Phylogeny of hammerhead sharks (Family Sphyrnidae) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear genes -  Douglas D. Lim, Philip Motta, Kyle Mara, Andrew P. Martin - 2010

Beyond immunity: quantifying the efects of host anti-parasite behavior on parasite transmission -  Elizabeth W. Daly & Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2011

Land Use and Wetland Spatial Position Jointly Determine Amphibian Parasite Communities - Richard B. Hartson,  Sarah A. Orlofske,  Vanessa E. Melin,  Robert T. Dillon Jr., and Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2011

Effects of fuels reductions on plant communities and soils in a Piñon-juniper woodland - M.R. Ross, S.C. Castle, N.N. Barger - 2012

Investigating the dispersal routes used by an invasive amphibian, Lithobates catesbeianus , in human-dominated landscapes - Anna C. Peterson & Katherine L. D. Richgels & Pieter T. J. Johnson & Valerie J. McKenzie - 2012

Incorporation of an Introduced Weed into the Diet of a Native Butterfly: Consequences for Preference, Performance and Chemical Defense - Angela Knerl & M. Deane Bowers 

Quantifying the biomass of parasites to understand their role in aquatic communities - Jason Lambden & Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2013

Conceptual Revision and Synthesis of Proximate Factors Associated with Age-Related Improvement in Reproduction - Rachel J Bradley & Rebecca J. Safran - 2014

Patterns and ecological predictors of age-related performance in female North American barn swallows,  Hirundo rustica erythrogaster    -  R. J. Bradley & J. K. Hubbard & B. R. Jenkins & R. J. Safran - 2014

Assessing The Harmful Impacts Of Increased Commercial Shipping On Arctic Marine Mammals: A Systematic Literature Review - Hayley Wuestenberg - 2021

June 27, 2021

Read more about Assessing The Harmful Impacts Of Increased Commercial Shipping On Arctic Marine Mammals: A Systematic Literature Review - Hayley Wuestenberg - 2021

Harmful Algal Blooms As A Possible Cause Of Late Cretaceous Vertebrate Mortality Events In Northwestern Madagascar - Christopher Mulligan - 2021

Read more about Harmful Algal Blooms As A Possible Cause Of Late Cretaceous Vertebrate Mortality Events In Northwestern Madagascar - Christopher Mulligan - 2021

Population Structure Of The Endangered Mud Shrimp Upogebia Pugettensis - Madeleine Horan - 2021

Read more about Population Structure Of The Endangered Mud Shrimp Upogebia Pugettensis - Madeleine Horan - 2021

Exploring The Biogeographic Relationship Between Variation In Parasites And Pathogens And Host Plant Dispersal Traits - Patrick Heffernan - 2021

Read more about Exploring The Biogeographic Relationship Between Variation In Parasites And Pathogens And Host Plant Dispersal Traits - Patrick Heffernan - 2021

Flowering Time And Related Genes In Cannabis - Zachary Girard - 2021

Read more about Flowering Time And Related Genes In Cannabis - Zachary Girard - 2021

May Physical Activity Ameliorate Symptoms And Comorbidities Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Infection? - Elizabeth Enichen - 2021

Read more about May Physical Activity Ameliorate Symptoms And Comorbidities Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Infection? - Elizabeth Enichen - 2021

Nest Insulative Capacity Varies Between Chickadee Species But Not Along An Elevation Gradient - Shay Ding - 2021

Read more about Nest Insulative Capacity Varies Between Chickadee Species But Not Along An Elevation Gradient - Shay Ding - 2021

The Impact Of Early Snowmelt, Warming, And Microtopography On In Situ Geum Rossii Germination Rates In The Alpine - Nyika Campbell - 2021

Read more about The Impact Of Early Snowmelt, Warming, And Microtopography On In Situ Geum Rossii Germination Rates In The Alpine - Nyika Campbell - 2021

Entomology Education Since 2000: Methods, Outcomes, Challenges, and Suggestions for Practice - Elizabeth Woolner - 2020

Dec. 3, 2020

Read more about Entomology Education Since 2000: Methods, Outcomes, Challenges, and Suggestions for Practice - Elizabeth Woolner - 2020

Loss of Microbial Biodiversity: Implications for Human Health and Food Security - Shannon Ross - 2020

Dec. 2, 2020

Read more about Loss of Microbial Biodiversity: Implications for Human Health and Food Security - Shannon Ross - 2020

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• Samples List

An thesis examples on biology statement is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of biology statement thesis:

• the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of biology statement thesis topic.
• The thesis expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on biology statement and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
• As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
• in the content of an thesis samples on biology statement, first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an thesis in biology statement is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an thesis is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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Senior Thesis

Thesis research in biology offers an opportunity to bring your knowledge and skills to bear on a challenging question under a faculty mentor’s guidance.

Biology 457, 458

Research posters and publications featuring Bates biology students as co-authors from Ryan Bavis’s lab.

Doing a thesis in Biology is optional for students majoring in Biology. Theses are almost always experimental and may occupy one or two semesters. Preparation for the thesis may begin in the junior year with an Independent Study (360 or s50) . While every senior is encouraged to do a thesis project, opportunities in certain fields may be limited by equipment or faculty load. Whenever possible, students should try to integrate interests with one of the Seminar and Research courses (470’s) and use the thesis as a means of continuing this work. When the student’s interest does not coincide with a Seminar and Research course, a one or two semester thesis can be used to pursue this interest. If this is the case, consult with the faculty member whose interests are closest to yours and determine if he or she is willing and able to advise your project. You must submit a one page proposal in early January of your junior year (see Capstone Requirement ) for approval by your thesis adviser and by the Department. Formal, referenced, thesis proposals are generally due early in the semester in which you begin thesis enrollment; the specific due date is set in consultation with your adviser. Some advisers may require a proposal to be submitted the prior semester. By College policy, thesis work must be done in residence (the Biology department includes field locations of Faculty members). Students may do research projects at other locations, but if they wish to incorporate it in a thesis, they MUST make prior arrangements with a Bates faculty member to oversee this work (see Thesis Credit Policies .)

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Molecular Biosciences > Theses and Dissertations

Molecular Biosciences Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Exploring strain variation and bacteriophage predation in the gut microbiome of Ciona robusta , Celine Grace F. Atkinson

Distinct Nrf2 Signaling Thresholds Mediate Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression , Janine M. DeBlasi

Thermodynamic frustration of TAD2 and PRR contribute to autoinhibition of p53 , Emily Gregory

Utilization of Detonation Nanodiamonds: Nanocarrier for Gene Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer , Allan E. Gutierrez

Role of HLA-DRB1 Fucosylation in Anti-Melanoma Immunity , Daniel K. Lester

Targeting BET Proteins Downregulates miR-33a To Promote Synergy with PIM Inhibitors in CMML , Christopher T. Letson

Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis by M82 Peptidases: The Role of PrsS in the Staphylococcus aureus Stress Response , Baylie M. Schott

Histone Deacetylase 8 is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Preserves Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Function , January M. Watters

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response via Lysine Acetyltransferase CBP-1 and in Neurodegenerative Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans , Lindsey N. Barrett

Determining the Role of Dendritic Cells During Response to Treatment with Paclitaxel/Anti-TIM-3 , Alycia Gardner

Cell-free DNA Methylation Signatures in Cancer Detection and Classification , Jinyong Huang

The Role Of Eicosanoid Metabolism in Mammalian Wound Healing and Inflammation , Kenneth D. Maus

A Holistic Investigation of Acidosis in Breast Cancer , Bryce Ordway

Characterizing the Impact of Postharvest Temperature Stress on Polyphenol Profiles of Red and White-Fruited Strawberry Cultivars , Alyssa N. Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Multifaceted Approach to Understanding Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance , Jessie L. Allen

Cellular And Molecular Alterations Associated with Ovarian and Renal Cancer Pathophysiology , Ravneet Kaur Chhabra

Ecology and diversity of boletes of the southeastern United States , Arian Farid

CircREV1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer , Meagan P. Horton

Microbial Dark Matter: Culturing the Uncultured in Search of Novel Chemotaxonomy , Sarah J. Kennedy

The Multifaceted Role of CCAR-1 in the Alternative Splicing and Germline Regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans , Doreen Ikhuva Lugano

Unraveling the Role of Novel G5 Peptidase Family Proteins in Virulence and Cell Envelope Biogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus , Stephanie M. Marroquin

Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein 2 Alternative Splicing Regulates HIF1α During Chronic Hypoxia , Emily M. Mayo

Transcriptomic and Functional Investigation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation , Brooke R. Nemec

A Functional Characterization of the Omega (ω) subunit of RNA Polymerase in Staphylococcus aureus , Shrushti B. Patil

The Role Of Cpeb2 Alternative Splicing In TNBC Metastasis , Shaun C. Stevens

Screening Next-generation Fluorine-19 Probe and Preparation of Yeast-derived G Proteins for GPCR Conformation and Dynamics Study , Wenjie Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Understanding the Role of Cereblon in Hematopoiesis Through Structural and Functional Analyses , Afua Adutwumwa Akuffo

To Mid-cell and Beyond: Characterizing the Roles of GpsB and YpsA in Cell Division Regulation in Gram-positive Bacteria , Robert S. Brzozowski

Spatiotemporal Changes of Microbial Community Assemblages and Functions in the Subsurface , Madison C. Davis

New Mechanisms That Regulate DNA Double-Strand Break-Induced Gene Silencing and Genome Integrity , Dante Francis DeAscanis

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response and HSF-1 Nuclear Stress Bodies in C. elegans , Andrew Deonarine

New Mechanisms that Control FACT Histone Chaperone and Transcription-mediated Genome Stability , Angelo Vincenzo de Vivo Diaz

Targeting the ESKAPE Pathogens by Botanical and Microbial Approaches , Emily Dilandro

Succession in native groundwater microbial communities in response to effluent wastewater , Chelsea M. Dinon

Role of ceramide-1 phosphate in regulation of sphingolipid and eicosanoid metabolism in lung epithelial cells , Brittany A. Dudley

Allosteric Control of Proteins: New Methods and Mechanisms , Nalvi Duro

Microbial Community Structures in Three Bahamian Blue Holes , Meghan J. Gordon

A Novel Intramolecular Interaction in P53 , Fan He

The Impact of Myeloid-Mediated Co-Stimulation and Immunosuppression on the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Adoptive T cell Therapy , Pasquale Patrick Innamarato

Investigating Mechanisms of Immune Suppression Secondary to an Inflammatory Microenvironment , Wendy Michelle Kandell

Posttranslational Modification and Protein Disorder Regulate Protein-Protein Interactions and DNA Binding Specificity of p53 , Robin Levy

Mechanistic and Translational Studies on Skeletal Malignancies , Jeremy McGuire

Novel Long Non-Coding RNA CDLINC Promotes NSCLC Progression , Christina J. Moss

Genome Maintenance Roles of Polycomb Transcriptional Repressors BMI1 and RNF2 , Anthony Richard Sanchez IV

The Ecology and Conservation of an Urban Karst Subterranean Estuary , Robert J. Scharping

Biological and Proteomic Characterization of Cornus officinalis on Human 1.1B4 Pancreatic β Cells: Exploring Use for T1D Interventional Application , Arielle E. Tawfik

Evaluation of Aging and Genetic Mutation Variants on Tauopathy , Amber M. Tetlow

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Investigating the Proteinaceous Regulome of the Acinetobacter baumannii , Leila G. Casella

Functional Characterization of the Ovarian Tumor Domain Deubiquitinating Enzyme 6B , Jasmin M. D'Andrea

Integrated Molecular Characterization of Lung Adenocarcinoma with Implications for Immunotherapy , Nicholas T. Gimbrone

The Role of Secreted Proteases in Regulating Disease Progression in Staphylococcus aureus , Brittney D. Gimza

Advanced Proteomic and Epigenetic Characterization of Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation , Jennifer Guergues Guergues

Understanding immunometabolic and suppressive factors that impact cancer development , Rebecca Swearingen Hesterberg

Biochemical and Proteomic Approaches to Determine the Impact Level of Each Step of the Supply Chain on Tomato Fruit Quality , Robert T. Madden

Enhancing Immunotherapeutic Interventions for Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia , Kamira K. Maharaj

Characterization of the Autophagic-Iron Axis in the Pathophysiology of Endometriosis and Epithelial Ovarian Cancers , Stephanie Rockfield

Understanding the Influence of the Cancer Microenvironment on Metabolism and Metastasis , Shonagh Russell

Modeling of Interaction of Ions with Ether- and Ester-linked Phospholipids , Matthew W. Saunders

Novel Insights into the Multifaceted Roles of BLM in the Maintenance of Genome Stability , Vivek M. Shastri

Conserved glycine residues control transient helicity and disorder in the cold regulated protein, Cor15a , Oluwakemi Sowemimo

A Novel Cytokine Response Modulatory Function of MEK Inhibitors Mediates Therapeutic Efficacy , Mengyu Xie

Novel Strategies on Characterizing Biologically Specific Protein-protein Interaction Networks , Bi Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Characterization of the Transcriptional Elongation Factor ELL3 in B cells and Its Role in B-cell Lymphoma Proliferation and Survival , Lou-Ella M.m. Alexander

Identification of Regulatory miRNAs Associated with Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation Using Integrated Proteomic and Transcriptomic Approaches , Brandi Jo Cook

Molecular Phylogenetics of Floridian Boletes , Arian Farid

MYC Distant Enhancers Underlie Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility at the 8q24.21 Locus , Anxhela Gjyshi Gustafson

Quantitative Proteomics to Support Translational Cancer Research , Melissa Hoffman

A Systems Chemical Biology Approach for Dissecting Differential Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Clinical Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer , Natalia Junqueira Sumi

Investigating the Roles of Fucosylation and Calcium Signaling in Melanoma Invasion , Tyler S. Keeley

Synthesis, Oxidation, and Distribution of Polyphenols in Strawberry Fruit During Cold Storage , Katrina E. Kelly

Investigation of Alcohol-Induced Changes in Hepatic Histone Modifications Using Mass Spectrometry Based Proteomics , Crystina Leah Kriss

Off-Target Based Drug Repurposing Using Systems Pharmacology , Brent M. Kuenzi

Investigation of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and its Constituent Timosaponin-AIII as Novel, Naturally Derived Adjunctive Therapeutics for the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer , Catherine B. MarElia

The Role of Phosphohistidine Phosphatase 1 in Ethanol-induced Liver Injury , Daniel Richard Martin

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Changing the Pathobiological Paradigm in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The NLRP3 Inflammasome Drives the MDS Phenotype , Ashley Basiorka

Modeling of Dynamic Allostery in Proteins Enabled by Machine Learning , Mohsen Botlani-Esfahani

Uncovering Transcriptional Activators and Targets of HSF-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans , Jessica Brunquell

The Role of Sgs1 and Exo1 in the Maintenance of Genome Stability. , Lillian Campos-Doerfler

Mechanisms of IKBKE Activation in Cancer , Sridevi Challa

Discovering Antibacterial and Anti-Resistance Agents Targeting Multi-Drug Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens , Renee Fleeman

Functional Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bone Metastatic Prostate Cancer , Jeremy S. Frieling

Disorder Levels of c-Myb Transactivation Domain Regulate its Binding Affinity to the KIX Domain of CREB Binding Protein , Anusha Poosapati

Role of Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 in Ovarian Cancer Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Sensitivity , Chase David Powell

Cell Division Regulation in Staphylococcus aureus , Catherine M. Spanoudis

A Novel Approach to the Discovery of Natural Products From Actinobacteria , Rahmy Tawfik

Non-classical regulators in Staphylococcus aureus , Andy Weiss

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Capacity of Synthetic and Natural Polyphenolic Compounds Identified from Strawberry and Fruit Juices , Marvin Abountiolas

Quantitative Proteomic Investigation of Disease Models of Type 2 Diabetes , Mark Gabriel Athanason

CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation: Regulation by c-Myc through Chromatin Decondensation and Novel Therapeutic Avenues for Cancer Treatment , Victoria Bryant

Computational Modeling of Allosteric Stimulation of Nipah Virus Host Binding Protein , Priyanka Dutta

Cell Cycle Arrest by TGFß1 is Dependent on the Inhibition of CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation , Brook Samuel Nepon-Sixt

Gene Expression Profiling and the Role of HSF1 in Ovarian Cancer in 3D Spheroid Models , Trillitye Paullin

VDR-RIPK1 Interaction and its Implications in Cell Death and Cancer Intervention , Waise Quarni

Regulation of nAChRs and Stemness by Nicotine and E-cigarettes in NSCLC , Courtney Schaal

Targeting Histone Deacetylases in Melanoma and T-cells to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy , Andressa Sodre De Castro Laino

Nonreplicative DNA Helicases Involved in Maintaining Genome Stability , Salahuddin Syed

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Functional Analysis of the Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Locus at 9p22.2 Reveals a Transcription Regulatory Network Mediated by BNC2 in Ovarian Cells , Melissa Buckley

Exploring the Pathogenic and Drug Resistance Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus , Whittney Burda

Regulation and Targeting of the FANCD2 Activation in DNA Repair , Valentina Celeste Caceres

Mass Spectrometry-Based Investigation of APP-Dependent Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration , Dale Chaput

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Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On September 5, 2023

Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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Undergraduate Theses, Department of Biology, 2022-2023

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Current results range from 2022 to 2023

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23 catalog results, online 1. a predictive model of human transcriptional activators and repressors [2023].

• Liongson, Ivan (Author)
• May 4, 2023

Online 2. A Representative Role for the Alternative Splicing of Synaptic Genes [2023]

• Choeb, Reyan (Author)

Online 3. Building a B Cell Differentiation Model for X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia Using Pluripotent Stem Cells [2023]

• Hernández González, Elaine (Author)
• May 5, 2023

Online 4. Dissecting the Parasympathetic Neural Circuits of the Heart [2023]

• Nguyen, Annie (Author)

Online 5. Early Life Stress Moderates the Relation Between Inflammation and Nucleus Accumbens Gray Matter Volume in Adolescents [2023]

• Jaeger, Emma L. (Author)

Online 6. Identification of DNA Termini in Sequencing Data through Combined Analysis of End Capture and Local Strand Bias [2023]

• Wang, William (Author)

Online 7. Identifying Endocrine Bases of Parental Neglect and Infanticide in the Mimic Poison Frog [2023]

• Lewis, Amaris (Author)

Online 8. Injectable Biomimetic Hydrogels Providing Prolonged Delivery of GLP-1 Analogues for Enhanced Diabetes Treatment [2023]

• Lu, Katie (Author)

Online 9. Internalization of anti-GD2 antibodies as a key component of the antibody-induced cell death mechanism in pediatric neuroblastoma [2023]

• Wang, Alice (Author)

Online 10. Investigating impacts of heat stress on symbiosis in cnidarian larvae using high-throughput fluorescence-based quantification [2023]

• Paul, Maitri (Author)

Online 11. Mechanisms of Ferroptosis Evasion Promoted by Extracellular Metabolites [2023]

• Alchemy, Grace (Author)

Online 12. Morphological Analysis of Axo-Axonic Cell Variability [2023]

• Linker, Lexi (Author)

Online 13. Mosquitoes in the Anthropocene: A Multi-Decade Study at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve [2023]

• Dutta Gupta, Tanvi (Author)

Online 14. Propagule size has context-dependent effects on colonization success in mixtures of gut microbial communities [2023]

• Goldman, Doran (Author)

Online 15. Spatiotemporal gene expression mapping of brain aging in mice [2023]

• Kedir, Blen (Author)

Online 16. Specific extrusion of Enterovirus-A71-infected cells from human colonoids and consequences for viral spread [2023]

• Craven, Ailsa (Author)

Online 17. Stuck in the Matrix- Patch Matrix Dynamics in Florida Scrub [2023]

• Narasimhan, Sriram (Author)

Online 18. The Junctional Epithelium Organoid: A Novel System for Periodontitis Research [2023]

• Dawid, Isaiah (Author)

Online 19. Using inducible signaling receptors for in vivo fate determination of hematopoietic stem cells to erythroid-specific lineages [2023]

• Majeti, Kiran (Author)

Online 20. We Are What We Eat: The Impact of Agricultural Intensity on the Microbiome of Honeybee Guts [2023]

• Murran, Aisling (Author)
• May 17, 2023

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Biology Major

University of wisconsin madison, the biology major provides broad knowledge of biology and the scientific process. it is a great choice for students interested in careers in any biological science or health profession..

The Senior Thesis or Senior Honors Thesis is a written work produced as the culmination of two or more semesters of research. A biology senior thesis or senior honors thesis is approximately 10-20 pages long. Students will submit an electronic copy of their thesis to their Biology Major advisor by the last day of classes or a later approved date. The senior thesis instructor (principle investigator) is responsible for submitting a final grade.

Cover Sheet . The thesis title, your name, your professor’s name, your professor’s department, the date, and your professor’s signature with the statement, “I have supervised this work, read this thesis and certify that it has my approval” should all be included on the cover sheet.

Introduction and Literature Review . This section is intended to provide a short introduction to the questions addressed in your thesis, including a review of the relevant literature. The literature review need not be extensive, but it should summarize the status of the field at the time the project was undertaken. This section should conclude with a clear, concise statement of the hypothesis to be tested or the questions to be answered.

Materials and Methods . In this section, the materials (usually biological and/or chemical) used in your experiments should be reported and all techniques should be described. If a technique has been used essentially as reported in the literature, you can reference it without further description, but you should note any significant modifications of the original report. Methods should be reported in sufficient detail to allow an interested colleague to reproduce the experiments, if desired.

Results . The purpose of this section is to describe your major experimental findings, which are usually summarized in the form of tables or figures. Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively, with each on a separate page. They may be inserted into the text as needed (usually as the page immediately following the text page on which a given table or figure is first mentioned) or collected together at the end of the thesis.

Discussion and Conclusions . This section is intended to provide a discussion, interpretation, and summary of your findings. The conclusions that can be drawn from the data should be stated clearly and defended concisely. It is often appropriate to discuss your results in light of the findings of other investigators, particularly if your conclusions appear to be in conflict with those of others.

References . All references cited in the text should be collected together in a bibliographic listing at the end of the thesis. You should use a consistent format for all references. References may be cited in the text by number (in parentheses or as superscripts) and listed here in order of citation. Alternatively, you can cite in references by name and list them alphabetically here. In the latter case, papers with one or two authors are usually cited in the text by name(s) and year (i.e., Smith and Asen, 2012), whereas papers with three or more authors are usually cited as the first author et al . with the year (i.e., Smith et al ., 1999).

Other Sections . It is helpful to include a short (one-page) abstract or summary and a table of contents at the beginning of your thesis. You may also wish to include a page of acknowledgements to express your appreciation to those who were especially helpful to you in your work.

Appendices . Experimental details or findings that are only tangentially relevant to the thesis may be included as appendices, if it seems desirable to preserve a record of the information.

Home > FACULTIES > Biology > BIOLOGY-ETD

Biology Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Biology, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Identification and characterization of isoflavone reductase family members in soybean , Negin Azizkhani

Understanding mechanisms underlying changes in parental care behaviour in response to perceived paternity in sunfish , Emma Churchman

Biosynthesis of a Novel O-methylhydroxy Isoflavone in Soybean: Expression Analysis and Identification of Isoflavone O-methyltransferases , Elizabeth Copley

Characterization of brain metabolism in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease using MALDI-TOF imaging mass spectrometry , Sandra Grahovac-Nemeth

Determining the Effects of Mistranslating Transfer RNA Variants on Drosophila Melanogaster , Joshua R. Isaacson

The role of fruitless P3 and P4 transcripts in Drosophila melanogaster , Sara A. Kulinski

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

SUFU in SHH signalling mediated myogenesis , Suleyman Abdullah

Effect of rearing conditions on the allocation of larval and adult acquired essential and nonessential fatty acids to flight in two adult Lepidoptera: Danaus plexippus and Mythimna unipuncta , Libesha Anparasan

The effect of dietary thiaminase on cardiac function and morphology in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) , Peter Baker

The introduction of nursery seedlings and their fungi to a spruce-fir forest in Newfoundland , Alicia G. Banwell

Evaluating Phosphorylation as a Potential Regulator of ADT5 in Arabidopsis thaliana , Eileen Barac

Elucidating the neural circuitry underlying social spacing in Drosophila melanogaster through the lens of neuroligin 3 , Abigail T. Bechard

Development of reverse genetics tools in the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae , Nivitha Bhaskar

Post-breeding survival of adult and hatch-year Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia) in the Great Lakes region: a radio telemetry study , Christian M.M Buchanan-Fraser

Effects of 11-KT and Prolactin on Gene Expression, Parental Care Behaviour and Immune Response in Male Bluegill Sunfish. , Adriano A P da Cunha

Differential Migration Timing and the Form and Function of Avian Wings , Jessica E. Deakin

Unraveling The Evolution And Diversity Of Giant Plastid Genomes In Chlamydomonadalean Green Algae , Hager Gaouda

Elucidating the Relationships Between Spider Size, Joint Stiffness, and the Mechanical Frequency Response of the Body , Reese L. Gartly

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide and warming on photosynthesis and growth in five boreal tree species , Julia M. Hammer

Molecular Characterization of Osmotin and Four Plasmodesmata Callose Binding Protein Homologs from Arabidopsis in Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection , Rongrong He

The effects of warming on floral traits , Kiana J. Lee Ms.

The Adaptor Protein p66Shc Governs Central Nervous System Cell Metabolism and Resistance to Aβ Toxicity , Asad Lone

The detectability of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) microsatellite and mitochondrial environmental DNA , Simone N. Miklosi

Changes in peatland soil fauna biomass alter food web structure and function under warming and hydrological changes , Trevor L. Pettit

Mouse Genotyping Array-Based Analysis of Variation at Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci in the Context of Macro- and Micro-environments , Freda Qi

Investigating the Soil Mycobiome of American Ginseng , Rachel Amelia Rajsp

Age and Sex Differences in Stopover Behaviours and Flight Performance in Black-throated Blue Warblers , Patricia Rokitnicki

Freezing tolerance of herbaceous legumes within southwestern Ontario: evidence of disproportionate freezing sensitivity , Samuel L. Rycroft

Short-term versus long-term effects of nitrogen addition and warming on ecosystem N dynamics in a grass-dominated temperate old field , Benjamin F. A. Souriol

Characterization of Etoxazole Resistance in Tetranychus urticae Populations Collected from Commercial Greenhouses & Fields in Ontario , Jeremy Spenler

Molecular identification and characterization of Heat shock protein 70 family proteins essential for Turnip mosaic virus infection in Arabidopsis thaliana , Ziwei Tang

Role and regulation of galectin-12 in the context of cellular differentiation , Rada Tazhitdinova

Random Mating in the Face of Balancing Selection at the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) , Scout R.L Thompson

Investigating soil microbiome changes during Panax quinquefolius cultivation in new gardens , Pok Man Paul Wan

Recovery from social isolation in Drosophila: The role of dopamine and the autism-related gene nlg3. , Ryley T. Yost

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Effects of the Brain Nonapeptides Arginine-Vasotocin and Isotocin on Shoaling Behaviour in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) , Babak Ataei Mehr

Effects of methylmercury and unpredictable food stress exposure on songbirds’ physiology and seasonal transition , Claire L.J. Bottini

Gene Regulatory Context of Honey Bee Worker Sterility , Rahul Choorakkat Unnikrishnan

The Sequence-Function Relationship of Arabidopsis AROGENATE DEHYDRATASES , Emily J. Clayton

Characterization of SPL4's role in drought stress and trichome development in alfalfa , Matei A. Dan-Dobre

Cadmium Uptake in Plants as Influenced by Selenium Uptake and Sulphate Availability , Marnie J. Demand

Nitrogen transfer from cover crops to the subsequent grain crop and the influence of variability in winter conditions , Spencer Heuchan

Effects of Experimental Malaria Infection On Migration of Yellow-rumped Warblers (Setophaga coronata) , Rebecca J. Howe

Understanding the molecular mechanism of postharvest seed coat darkening in pinto beans , Nishat Shayala Islam

Characterization of galectin-16 expression and function in placental cells , Jennifer Kaminker

Using conservation genetics to inform reintroduction of the endangered Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) , Shayla Kroeze

Mechanisms of Diapause and Cold Tolerance in the Colorado Potato Beetle , Jacqueline E. Lebenzon

Effects of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on the genetic diversity of the alpine butterfly Parnassius smintheus , Mel Lucas

The Biosynthesis of Non-protein Sulfur Amino Acid in Developing Seeds of Common Bean , Zixuan Lu

Additional Sulfur Does Not Alleviate Cadmium Toxicity In Soybean , Spencer Matt

From Individuals To Communities: The Effect Of Climate Change On Ectothermic Predators , Matthew Lawrence Meehan

Temperature-Dependent Developmental Plasticity in the Cardiorespiratory System of Atlantic Salmon , Carlie A. Muir

Characterization of the Role of miR156-SPL12 Regulatory Module in Root Architecture and Stress Response in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) , Vida Nasrollahi

The impact of long-term artificial removal experiment and natural local extinctions on the genetics of an alpine butterfly , Keon Young Park

Role of HXXXD-motif acyltransferases in suberin biosynthesis , Yudelkis Indira Queralta Castillo

Spatiotemporal characterization of the prr12 paralogues in zebrafish , Renee Jeannine Resendes

Manipulating the root mycobiome to improve plant performance and reduce pathogen pressure in corn (Zea mays) , Noor F. Saeed Cheema

The role of galectins in differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells , Jolaine Smith

Regulation of Hedgehog and Wnt Signaling in Neural Differentiation of P19 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells , Danielle Margaret Spice

Biochemistry of trehalose accumulation in the spring field cricket, Gryllus veletis , Alyssa R. Stephens

Investigation of HD2 family histone deacetylases relationship in drought stress response and root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana , Muhammad Sufyan Tahir

Western diet-like culture conditions and oxidative stress on a cell model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease , Celina M. Valvano

Root-Inhabiting and Rhizosphere Mycobiomes and Crop Yield of Corn and Wheat , Marianna E. Wallace

MT1-MMP enhances cell survival and proliferation via roles unrelated to metabolic transcript levels in MCF7 breast cancer cells , Rachel A. Wise

Using Stable Isotope Techniques To Complement Existing Northern Pintail Management. , Dariusz Wojtaszek

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Soybean (Glycine max) Growth and Nodulation , Paul J. Boersma

Response of the Soil Bacterial Community, Resistome, and Mobilome to a Decade of Macrolide Antibiotic Contamination , Liam Paul Brown

Screens for Phenotypic Non-Specificity of Transcription Factor Function in Drosophila melanogaster , Sheng Cheng

A genetic perspective on social insect castes: A synthetic review and empirical study , Anna M. Chernyshova

Investigating social dynamics using automated radiotracking of winter flocks of Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) , Christopher J. Course

Long-term vs. Short-term Plant Responses to Warming and Nitrogen Addition in a Temperate Old Field , Breanna Craig

Diversity and drivers of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in boreal peatlands , Carlos Rafael de Araujo Barreto

Effects of Gene-Environment Interactions on the Evolution of Social Behaviours , Vonica J. Flear

Fear of the Human "Super-Predator" In African Mammals , Nikita R. Frizzelle

Metabolic regulation during extraembryonic endoderm differentiation , Mohamed Gatie

Hibernation is super complex: dynamics of electron transport system supercomplexes , Amalie J. Hutchinson

The Analysis of Ginsenosides in Ginseng Garden Soil , Karina Marie Kaberi

Dynamics of the Soil Microbiome in Ginseng Gardens , Megan E. Lambert

Metschnikowia mitochondria , Dong Kyung Lee

Food Caching Decisions in Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) , Robert J. Martin

Insights into O-GlcNAc-mediated regulation of galectin expression and secretion in promyelocytic HL-60 cells , Adam J. McTague

Developing a toolbox to engineer quantitative trait variation in legume species using CRISPR/Cas technologies. , Petar Miletic

Kindlin-1 is involved in spreading, migration, and protein regulation in epidermal SCC-13 cells , Naomi Mishan

Evaluation of two mouse models of high genetic variation for suitability to test a heterozygote instability hypothesis , Hailie Pavanel

Evaluation of the Bioactive Properties of Peptides Derived From the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) , Zhujun Qiu

Mitigation of Replant Disease using Solarization in American Ginseng (Panex quinquefolius) , Andrew G. Rabas

Functional Characterization of Arogenate Dehydratase Isoforms in Soybean , Ramtin Sirjani

Short-term vs. Long-term Warming and Nitrogen Treatment Effects on Soil Carbon and Microbial Activity in a Temperate Old Field , Erica Stroud

Production of self-assembling protein nanocages and virus-like particles displaying porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus epitopes in Nicotiana benthamiana , Jordan T. VanderBurgt

Establishment of a pesticide resistance monitoring tool for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae , Hanna Varonina

Microplastics in White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Upper Thames River, Ontario. , Colleen Wardlaw

Investigating mycelial-crop residue mat application to reduce early-colonizing weeds in row-crop agriculture , Donald T. Watson

Sequencing and Assembling the Nuclear Genome of the Antarctic Psychrophilic Green Alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241: Unravelling the Evolution of Cold Adaptation , Xi Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Behavioural And Molecular Consequences Of Postnatal Stress In A Mouse Model Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder , Bonnie Alberry

Foliage Type Controls Mercury Input, Storage, and Release in the Boreal Forest , Madelaine J R Anderson

The effects of legacy sulphur deposition on methylmercury production in northern peatlands; geochemical and biological considerations , Jennifer L. Blythe

Heterozygosity: An Inconspicuous Meiosis-Linked Intrinsic Mutagen in Mice , Nicholas A. Boehler

Mass spectrometry identification of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) binding partners following co-immunoprecipitation in MCF-7 cells , Bradley Bork

Niche segregation among three sympatric species of swallows in southern Ontario , Kaelyn H. Bumelis

Yield improvement of a plant-made antibody against Enterohemorrhagic E. coli , Adam S. Chin-Fatt

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Honors alumni Brandon Kasprick, policy advisor to Gov. Walz

Growing up on a family farm in northwest Minnesota influenced Brandon Kasprick’s entire life path. His time on the farm inspired his passion for public service, and his family instilled that from a young age. 

“Work wasn’t about the financial motivation, it was about becoming something larger than yourself and finding a passion that brings you through day by day,” he said. “You have to love your work.”

Brandon’s dad is a farmer and his mother is a teacher. They both saw their work as a calling, whether it was feeding the world or supporting the next generation. Even the most mundane or frustrating tasks - like picking rocks out of a field - were in service of that greater calling. Brandon knew he would find his own calling and the first step was pursuing higher education.

In 2017, Brandon began attending the University of Minnesota as an Honors student majoring in political science and biology. During his first year of school, he took an Honors course on international relations that would end up influencing his entire time in school. He loved the small class size, especially as a first year student.

“We were able to dive more into the issues and have more robust conversations - not just with the other students but also with the professor,” he said.

He ended up staying in contact with that professor, John Freeman, throughout his undergraduate career. When the time came to write his thesis, he asked Dr. Freeman to be one of his advisors. Brandon’s thesis focused on how rural Minnesota residents responded to the trade war. It was a way to combine all of his interests: science, policy, and public service. 

In addition to completing his Honors thesis, taking seminars, and participating in non-course experiences, Brandon took every extracurricular opportunity he could. From interning with Senator Amy Klobuchar’s reelection campaign to working as a student research assistant, each role got him closer to where he is now.

“There are a lot of opportunities at the U, but there’s still a path for you to carve your own way,” he said.

After college, Brandon moved to Washington D.C. to work for as a researcher for the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, using his scientific background in the political field. He spent nearly three years in that role before another opportunity opened up - this time in Minnesota. He now works as a policy advisor for Governor Tim Walz.

“For a farm kid from northwestern Minnesota, there’s no greater honor than to serve the governor on agricultural issues,” he said.

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Class of 2024 graduate spotlight: Izzy Rose Nelson

Izzy Rose Nelson

Image: Hannah Heath

By Diana Udel [email protected] 05-14-2024

Izzy Rose Nelson from Atlanta, Georgia, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Ecology and a minor in Marine Policy from the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

During her time at The U, Nelson participated in research in the Toadfish Lab and completed her senior thesis on the impact of antidepressants on hypoxia tolerance in Gulf toadfish. Nelson was Education Chair and Vice President and Secretary for Ocean Awareness Week, an annual series of events that help educate the campus community on the importance of ocean conservation, and did a semester abroad in the Galapagos where she volunteered at the National Park Tortoise Center. Nelson is a member of RhoRhoRho, the Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society since Spring 2021.  

Nelson will pursue a Ph.D. in marine science with a focus on toxicology next fall at the Marine Science Institute at the University of Texas in Austin.

Read more about her experiences at the University.

Why this major? How’d you get interested in the topic?

Going into college, I knew I enjoyed biology, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with that. It was my mom who reminded me that when I was little, I was obsessed with the ocean, so I decided to try out marine biology and ecology. After completing my first semester, I knew I had made the right decision.

What attracted you to UM?

I was attracted by the variety of labs/projects the Rosenstiel School has because I felt like I would be able to see what different fields within marine science interested me. Furthermore, when I visited UM during my junior year of high school, the students I met with expressed a high quality of student life. 

What kept you here? 

The multitude of programs I was able to partake in kept me here. I was able to go to the Galapagos for my study abroad , take Saltwater Semester (physiology, genetics, and behavior tract), and complete my own research. I also stayed here because I quickly found that the professors and faculty really care for students and want to help you succeed. They write endless letters of recommendation, read and reread your work, and provide any support they can to help you further your academic career. 

Involvements while at UM?

I have worked in the Toadfish Lab with Dr. M. Danielle McDonald since my sophomore year and am now completing a senior thesis with her. My thesis is on the impact of antidepressants on hypoxia tolerance in Gulf toadfish. I was involved with Ocean Awareness Week for two years; during my sophomore year I was an Education Chair and this year I was the Vice President and Secretary. Ocean Awareness Week is a series of events that help educate our campus community on the importance of ocean conservation and raise money for a selected non-profit. This year, we raised over $2,000 for SeaTrees. I have had jobs throughout campus, first as a tutor at the Camner Center and now as an Office Assistant at the Rosenstiel Undergraduate Office. I was also a Workshop Leader for BIO 150 during Fall 2021. I went to the Galapagos in Spring 2023, and during my time there I volunteered at the National Park Tortoise Center. I then completed Saltwater Semester in Fall 2023. I have been a member of RhoRhoRho Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society since Spring 2021. Outside of UM, I completed an education internship at the Aquarium of Niagara.

How did UM help you to identify a career choice or path? 

Through my professors and the graduate students I have met, I was able to learn about possible career opportunities. When I first arrived at UM, I wasn’t sure what career choices were available in marine science, but the Rosenstiel community emphasizes education on different career paths. During Saltwater Semester, we had the opportunity to meet with diverse professionals who explained to us their path and how they got to their current position. Our Teacher’s Assistants (TAs) are also beneficial for identifying a career choice as they all have different backgrounds in terms of their degree and previous careers, so they were pivotal in my understanding of what comes after undergrad. RhoRhoRho also has multiple opportunities throughout the year to hear from experts in several fields, again increasing my understanding of career options. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in research through these opportunities. 

How has UM prepared you for the future?

UM has prepared me for the future by providing me with an in-depth understanding in my field of interest. Beyond academia, UM has increased my confidence in my leadership and collaborative skills, which is essential in any career path. 

Who or what made a great impact on your collegiate career at UM?

Going to the Galapagos had the greatest impact on my time at UM. I was able to build relationships with my host family, students, and professors that I will forever be grateful for. Our professors that teach us during Galapagos classes are incredibly enthusiastic, and it was inspiring to see professors take such pride and interest in their work. I was able to learn a lot about myself and what I want in my future through this experience. 

What experience or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my senior thesis work in the Toadfish Lab with Dr. McDonald. Collecting my data was a difficult process that required a lot of time and effort from the entire Toadfish Lab, so I am really pleased that I am now able to present my work and complete a thesis on it. Doing a thesis has also taught me how to complete your own research and how to handle the difficulties that come with it, which gave me the skills and confidence to pursue graduate school. 

What is your favorite: campus experience, tradition, UM memory, spot on campus, etc.?

My favorite spot on campus is the Arboretum because it is a peaceful spot to go on a walk or sit and do work. My favorite tradition is the Canes Carnival because it is a really fun way to wrap up a semester and take a break from finals. 

Who or what will you miss the most about UM?

I will miss my friends the most- I have been lucky in finding kind, funny, and supportive friends that are there for me always. I will also miss my professors ( especially Dr. Lynne Fieber and Dr. M. Danielle McDonald) who showed me what true enthusiasm for your work looks like. Having professors that love their research and want to share that passion is what inspired me to further my education. The Rosenstiel faculty have been incredible role models and I know they will always be there to cheer me on. 

What’s next?

I will be attending the Marine Science Institute at the University of Texas, Austin starting in the fall to get my Ph.D. in marine science with a focus on toxicology.

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Food for Thought: How and Why Tapeworms Find Their Way Into Your Brain

Prof. Villa breaks down a condition known as neurocysticercosis, when tapeworm larvae get into your circulatory system and make it into your brain, forming what's called a cyst.  ( Graphic from Dusan Stankovic via Getty Images)

When independent candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last week that doctors had found a dead parasite in his brain over 10 years ago, we reached out to Biology Professor  Scott Villa . 

Villa will teach a “Parasites and Pathogens” course this fall and studies the effects of parasites on monarch butterflies, among other topics.

It is unconfirmed but the consensus seems to be that Kennedy Jr. had contracted a pork tapeworm. A  New York Times story quoted Kennedy saying that a doctor believed the worm had gotten into his brain and eaten a part of it. Do pork tapeworms actually feed on your brain?

Kennedy could have suffered from a condition known as neurocysticercosis, when tapeworm larvae get into your circulatory system and make it into your brain. There, they can burrow into brain tissue and form what’s called a cyst, which is just a protective capsule that allows the parasite to evade the immune system. 

The fact that they form cysts in the brain is a rather fine distinction: They burrow into brain tissue and can hang out there for a long time but they are not actually feeding on the brain. 

What happens to the host in that case?

It varies because it depends on where the cysts form. People can live asymptomatically with cysts if the parasites aren’t affecting the parts of your brain that control movement or speech. It's like any parasitic infection, the more cysts you have the worse it is.

Tapeworms are most common in places without high standards of sanitation, right? 

First, this tapeworm is more common in places that eat a lot of pork. And people in the U.S. do eat a lot of pork. So, while extremely rare, it’s possible to contract this type of tapeworm from eating undercooked pork from an infected pig. It’s more prevalent in underdeveloped countries or areas with poor sanitation protocols. 

Are there other parasites that can affect the brain like this? 

There are other parasites that affect the brain but the most common are members of the class of parasites called “cestodes,” which are more commonly known as tapeworms.  Different tapeworm species may cause different pathologies but generally all follow the same route: A mature tapeworm lodged in their host’s intestinal tract starts to produce thousands of eggs that get flushed out through feces into the environment. They are transmitted when pigs ingest the eggs through dirty water or sewage. Then, the eggs hatch into larval stages which can enter your circulatory system and they find muscle, brain, liver, and other organ tissue to develop into cysts. Striated muscle tissue is the most common landing spot for these larvae – and that’s how humans often contract it by eating undercooked pork.

What’s interesting is that the actual mature tapeworms in your intestines don’t really hurt you. The larval stages are the ones that cause problems.

Why would a tapeworm be attracted to brain tissue?

It's relatively unknown what mechanisms parasites use to find certain host tissues. Certainly there is a bit of chance at play. Again, a vast majority of larval tapeworms settle into muscle or the intestines. But, from an evolutionary standpoint, sitting in the brain might be adaptive for increased transmission in some cases. In the wild, predators will often eat the brains of their prey first and if the prey was a host of a tapeworm, the tapeworm will be ingested by the predator. But the jury is still out on the efficacy of these transmission dynamics.

Explore Biology at Davidson College

The Biology department provides students with strong foundations that enable them to think critically about biological topics, learn technical skills for solving biological problems, and communicate biological information in multiple formats. Beyond the classroom and affiliated lab work, students have opportunities to gain experience in independent research, thesis projects and paid summer internships.

• May 17, 2024
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PhD student computational biology / bioinformatics (m/f/d) (ID: 24264)

Job information, offer description.

PhD student computational biology / bioinformatics (m/f/d) (fulltime)

The position will be hosted at the Institute of Human Genetics, in the workgroup "Regulatory Genomics" of Prof. Martin Kircher. The bioinformatics group performs research in the fields of sequence analysis, data mining, machine learning and functional genomics ( https://kircherlab.github.io/ ). Our research focuses on computational approaches of identifying functionally relevant genetic changes in disease and adaptation as well as developing more sensitive methods in diagnostics (especially exome, genome and cell-free DNA sequencing). For example, we devise computational approaches (e.g. CADD, CADD-SV, ReMM) to score and identify functional genetic changes in the human genome through Massively Parallel Reporter Assays and genome pertubation. Understanding how gene regulation is encoded in our genomes across development and the diversity of cell-types is one of our fundamental research questions.

Start in our team

The position is immediately available. The full-time contract will be issued for 3 years with the prospect of extension to finish the thesis work and preparation of related publications.

• A collaborative research environment that encourages and supports scientific curiosity, innovation, and development of its team members
• Training in computational biology and independent research, as well as receiving guidance on PhD requirements and thesis work
• Career development and collaboration with internal and external partners
• Participation in international meetings and scientific conferences
• Salary based full-time payment on the German E13 TV-L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled. This for example also includes 30 paid vacation days per year.
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly environment  

Your responsibilities:

• Work on cutting-edge projects using state-of-the-art technology and gain insights into the sequence encoding of molecular function and its relation to disease as well as epigenetic and 3D genome annotations
• Develop deep neural nets or classical machine learning models that integrate sequence features and molecular measures
• Develop or improve methods to infer disease and regulatory mechanisms and develop data standards as well as prepare data for analysis or computational modeling
• Analyze high-throughput sequencing data and develop custom computational tools,
• Apply and improve methods for model interpretation, and actively contribute to the lab, institute and international collaborations  

Requirements:

• Master degree or equivalent in bioinformatics, computational biology or similar, alternatively in computer sciences with experience in molecular biology and large-scale data analysis
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology, gene regulation and epigenetics as well as deep understanding of sequence analysis, statistical concepts and machine learning
• Highly skilled in a programming language such as Python, R, C++, or Java and intermediate skills in a statistical modeling or analysis environment like R or Python scipy/scikit learn
• Prior experience with Unix and bash scripting, previous exposure to HPC environments is an advantage 
• Exposure to reproducible work and FAIR principles
• Highly motivated to expand knowledge and develop innovative approaches as well as diligent, goal-oriented and independent work attitude
• Team-oriented with interdisciplinary communication skills and very good English language skills  

We are looking forward to your application under the following Link: PhD student computational biology / bioinformatics (m/f/d) (uksh.de) . Please submit your application until 05.06.2024, indicating your earliest possible starting date as well as the reference number 24264.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Prof. Martin Kircher: [email protected]

We live diversity and strongly encourage qualified female scientists to apply. UKSH and the University of Lübeck aim to increase the number of women among faculty and staff. Applications from people with an immigrant background who meet the hiring requirements are encouraged. Disabled candidates who are equally qualified will receive preference.

Requirements

Additional information, work location(s), where to apply.