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, tropical marine biodiversity and a wide range of other topics.
Biology students who want to do research can get involved at any stage of their undergraduate career. They usually choose a topic of interest 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 scientific meetings. Experiences such as these can be extremely important when applying for future jobs or graduate and professional schools.