Undergraduate Research: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

NKU Biological Sciences students doing field research, collecting samples from a stream.

NKU Biological Sciences students doing summer research in the lab.

NKU Biological Sciences students doing field research, looking up into the trees.

In addition to undergraduate course instruction, the Department of Biological Sciences places great emphasis on undergraduate research, which is one of the defining characteristics of our department. For decades, NKU students have been an integral component of faculty research in a variety of roles and research methods, such as bench research (in the lab), field research (data collection outside of the lab), writing grant proposals for research funding, and presenting research at regional, state, and national meetings.

Experience the Basics

Before pursuing research opportunities, students should have a basic foundation in Biological Sciences, which generally includes at least one semester of college work (to acclimate to college life), and successful completion of BIO 150/L (ensuring exposure to basic laboratory skills).

Talk to Instructors

Ask instructors about their research projects. If a project or topic interests you, share with them why you're interested, relevant experiences you've had (if any), your career goals, etc. A simple conversation can open the door to a lot of opportunities.

View Faculty Research Interests

The following are the different forms of compensation for undergraduate research and how you can find these opportunities.

COURSE WORK

Certain courses will give you (unpaid) research experience that is tracked on your college transcipt.

PAID / FUNDED

Student researchers can receive compensation in the form of hourly pay, or financial support for supplies and equipment. Students generally apply for funded research opportunities and/or are approached by faculty for grant-funded projects.

VOLUNTEER

Whether your class schedule is already full of credits, or paid opportunities aren’t currently available in the lab, this is another way to get involved (usually with a lesser time commitment).

Course Work Opportunities

Talk to your Academic Adisor about these NKU course options:

BIO 292: Introduction to Research in Biology (0 cr.)
BIO 392: Techniques of the Biological Sciences (1-2 cr.)

Paid / Funded Opportunities

Apply for UR-STEM (summer research experience for NKU students early in their college careers) through NKU's CINSAM.
Apply for a Summer Research Fellowship through NKU's Institute for Student Research and Creativity.
Find a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for all STEM disciplines in labs across the country.

NKU Research Celebrations

These annual events are perfect for practicing your presentation skills in a formal, but familiar setting with peers and family. These events are free and open to the public.

Heather Bullen Summer Celebration of Research (Fall event)
Celebration of Student Research & Creativity (Spring event)

Regional & National Meetings/Conferences

Each year, our department provides funding for several undergraduate students and faculty to attend regional and national scientific conferences such as:

Undergraduate Research

Where to Start