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Research

At the College of Biological Sciences we learn biology by doing biology, and our faculty are on the cutting edge of research and discovery in the field. Here you will find a collection of news, features and opportunities concerning research at CBS.

Hemp on the Horizon

Field trials allow researchers to determine what varieties of industrial hemp grow best in different parts of Minnesota.

George Weiblen

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) Information Session

Participating in a Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a great opportunity to engage in full-time research, investigate an in-depth question of interest, or explore something new. Hundreds of programs exist at universities locally, nationally, or internationally, so there’s something out there for everyone! Join CBS Undergraduate Research Coordinator on November 6 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in MCB 3-104 as we discuss the benefits of these programs, and how to find and apply to programs of interest.

A Long-Term Look at Range Limits

NSF renews funding for a multi-year study led by David Moeller investigating the ecological and evolutionary forces impacting the boundaries of species’ geographic ranges.

A central theme in evolutionary biology is that organisms frequently adapt to a variety of environemnts across their ranges. At the same time, it remains poorly understood as to why boundaries to geographic ranges form and remain stable over long periods of time.

Research Position in the Li Lab

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a public health crisis. Currently, no effective strategies to prevent or slow AD exist, largely due to the lack of a complete understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to AD pathophysiology.

Position in the Voytas Lab

The laboratory of Dr. Daniel Voytas on the St. Paul campus is currently looking for sophomore or junior undergraduate students interested in working on projects involving cutting edge genetic engineering systems in crop plants. This position is a great opportunity for students who are thinking about a research career in biotech/life sciences. While prior lab experience is a plus, it is by no means required. Students who are accepted will gain skills in: Molecular cloning, plant rearing and genetic screening, and methods of genetic modification

The Story Behind the Scientist with Katie Fixen

Katie Fixen

There are two absolutes in science: Failure is frequent and inevitable.

“A lot of what you do [day-to-day] in the lab doesn’t work,” says Dr. Katie Fixen, a microbiologist who recently joined the Plant and Microbial Biology Department on the St. Paul campus.

The Story Behind the Scientist with Feng Zhang

Feng Zhang

Feng Zhang was born and raised in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, China’s most populous province. Both math and science came easily to him, so he set his academic sights on genetics, a natural marriage of two passions that would allow him to “solve real problems in the real world.”