Few experiences are more valuable for undergraduates studying biology than hands-on research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, and few colleges offer more opportunities for such experiences than Gettysburg. Nearly 70% of the College's biology majors participate in undergraduate research, on topics that include cell cycle regulation, aquatic toxins, symbiosis, fish neurobiology, vibrational communication, marine biodiversity and a wide range of other topics.
Students who want to do research can get involved at any stage of their undergraduate career. They usually choose a topic of interest to them and then work closely with a faculty member to develop a research program. Research may be conducted during the academic year, in the summer, or both, either at Gettysburg or at some other location. Research projects typically culminate in a campus presentation, and many students also become co-authors of research publications, or present research at regional or national meetings. Experiences such as these can be extremely important when applying for future jobs or graduate and professional schools