Genetic Engineering

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The Department of Biological Sciences at Cedar Crest College feels that conducting research is essential to a student's education. In the process of designing and carrying out original research projects, students learn how to think like a scientist and trouble-shoot problems. Our departmental faculty bring a variety of interests to the laboratory, and students can choose their research project based on their interests.  Although it is not required, a vast majority of GE majors participation in at least two semesters of research, with some spending as many as 7 semesters doing independent research.  

The following research opportunities are available:

The Freshman Research Project: All GE majors must take the introductory biology lab course. During the Spring semester, this course includes a research component in which students work as members of research teams to investigate a novel problem. They present their findings in a formal presentation, and write a research paper.

Research Directorship: As part of the The Freshman Research Project, upperclassman have the option to direct the research teams. These upperclassman work with faculty members to design the freshman projects, and then act as the primary contact for the research teams. Teaching is an essential part of learning, and this is an invaluable experience for our students.

Sophomore and Junior Research: Some students elect to begin their capstone research project early during their sophomore and junior years. This allows them the time to really develop their project into something spectacular.

Research Proposal:  All GE majors must write a research proposal to fulfill course requirements for Junior Colloquium (BIO 350).  The process of writing this proposal begins when students identify the faculty member with whom they would like to work.  In one-on-one meetings with this professor, they develop the concept for a research project.  The student then writes a proposal that describes the research question and outlines the methodology to be used to investigate their chosen research.  Development of a research project and proposal is an essential part of conducting graduate research, so GE alums have found the experience of writing one as an undergraduate to be very beneficial in the long-run.

Senior Capstone: All GE majors are encouraged to spend at least two semesters conducting an independent research project. At a minimum, students must write a proposal prior to beginning their project, and a thesis at the completion of their research. Students conducting research must also present their projects to the department in a seminar or poster session.