biology research proposal

Excellent opening paragraph stating why is the research important and leading to the research goals

Clear and concise presentation of research aims \(questions\)

Research plan is well \ detailed starting from third paragraph.

Pronoun problem: who is the "w\ e"? Earlier, "I" is very clear, but this "we" lacks a clear antecedent.

Writing tip: good use of "signa\ l" words \("first," "second"\) to organize information and highlight key points.

Contributors: P. Pazos, Searle Center for Teaching Excellence and P. Hirsch, The Writing Program, [email protected]

Posted: 2008

TITLE: The Mitochondrial Stress Response and the Communication of Stress Responses Between Subcellular Compart\ ments

Compelling presentation of preparation from courses and prior lab experience.

Very detailed presentation of techni\ ques learned that are relevant to the project

Writing tip: "data" is a p\ lural word. Say, "The data suggest. . . " and "they [meaning the data] indicate."

Overall comments:

Good quality proposal overall. The author clearly explains the aims a\ nd methods to carry out those aims.

Research question: Analysis of mitochondria's unfolding protein response and its crosstalk with other folding envir\ onments in the cell.

Compelling presentation of prior experience in courses and labs. Could include specific techniques learned.

Good use of citations and references

Suggestions:

Should add headings to make it more readable and add some structure.

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Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On September 5, 2023

Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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The central idea of this excerpt revolves around the exploration of key themes, offering insights that illuminate the concepts within the text.

What is a manuscript? A manuscript is a written or typed document, often the original draft of a book or article, before publication, undergoing editing and revisions.

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Department of Biological Sciences

Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects

Fall 2021 projects, previous projects.

Science & Quantitative Reasoning Education

Yale undergraduate research, how to write a proposal.

The abstract should summarize your proposal. Include one sentence to introduce the problem you are investigating, why this problem is significant, the hypothesis to be tested, a brief summary of experiments that you wish to conduct and a single concluding sentence. (250 word limit)

Introduction

The introduction discusses the background and significance of the problem you are investigating. Lead the reader from the general to the specific. For example, if you want to write about the role that Brca1 mutations play in breast cancer pathogenesis, talk first about the significance of breast cancer as a disease in the US/world population, then about familial breast cancer as a small subset of breast cancers in general, then about discovery of Brca1 mutations in familial breast cancer, then Brca1’s normal functions in DNA repair, then about how Brca1 mutations result in damaged DNA and onset of familial breast cancer, etc. Definitely include figures with properly labeled text boxes (designated as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc) here to better illustrate your points and help your reader wade through unfamiliar science. (3 pages max)

Formulate a hypothesis that will be tested in your grant proposal. Remember, you are doing hypothesis-driven research so there should be a hypothesis to be tested! The hypothesis should be focused, concise and flow logically from the introduction. For example, your hypothesis could be “I hypothesize that overexpressing wild type Brca1 in Brca1 null tumor cells will prevent metastatic spread in a mouse xenograph model.” Based on your hypothesis, your Specific Aims section should be geared to support it. The hypothesis is stated in one sentence in the proposal. 

Specific Aims (listed as Specific Aim 1, Specific Aim 2)

This is where you will want to work with your mentor to craft the experimental portion of your proposal. Propose two original specific aims to test your hypothesis. Don’t propose more than two aims-you will NOT have enough time to do more. In the example presented, Specific Aim 1 might be “To determine the oncogenic potential of Brca1 null cell lines expressing wild type Brca1 cDNA”. Specific aim 2 might be “To determine the metastatic potential of Brca1 null cells that express WT Brca1”. You do not have to go into extensive technical details, just enough for the reader to understand what you propose to do. The best aims yield mechanistic insights-that is, experiments proposed address some mechanisms of biology. A less desirable aim proposes correlative experiments that does not address mechanistically how BRCA1 mutations generate cancer. It is also very important that the two aims are related but NOT interdependent. What this means is that if Aim 1 doesn’t work, Aim 2 is not automatically dead. For example, say you propose in Aim 1 to generate a BRCA1 knockout mouse model, and in Aim 2 you will take tissues from this mouse to do experiments. If knocking out BRCA1 results in early embryonic death, you will never get a mouse that yields tissues for Aim 2. You can include some of your mentor’s data here as “Preliminary data”. Remember to carefully cite all your sources. (4 pages max; 2 pages per Aim)

Potential pitfalls and alternative strategies

This is a very important part of any proposal. This is where you want to discuss the experiments you propose in Aims 1 and 2. Remember, no experiment is perfect. Are there any reasons why experiments you proposed might not work? Why? What will you do to resolve this? What are other possible strategies you might use if your experiments don’t work? If a reviewer spots these deficiencies and you don’t propose methods to correct them, your proposal will not get funded. You will want to work with your mentor to write this section. (1/2 page per Aim)

Cite all references, including unpublished data from your mentor. Last, First, (year), Title, Journal, volume, pages.

*8 page proposal limit (not including References), 1.5 spacing, 12pt Times New Roman font

• View an example of a research proposal submitted for the Yale College First-Year Summer Research Fellowship (PDF).  
• View an example of a research proposal submitted for the Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship and the Rosenfeld Science Scholars Program (PDF) .

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1.4: Research Proposals

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Learning Objectives

• Perform biodiversity research through making and translating your observations of the natural world into research questions, hypotheses, and experimental design that are grounded in scientific literature.
• Communicate the research process to your peers in a clear, effective, and engaging manner.

Written Proposal

Writing about research is a primary method scientists use to communicate their work. Thus, this course will involve developing a written research proposal. We will use several drafts to refine the research proposal. The first draft can utilize the template available in Appendix 6. Subsequent drafts should become more refined and start to take the format of a scientific paper. The proposal should include an introductory section providing background on the topic of interest, drawing from several primary research articles. This section also develops the argument for why the research question is worth studying. The research question and hypothesis should also be included in the introduction.

The second section should include the proposed methodology. Describe how the hypothesis will be tested. It should outline the experiments and what will be needed to perform them. Ideas can be supported by referring to previously published research. The third section will address anticipated results. Consider the expected findings and the implications of those findings for the original research question and hypothesis. Consider what it would mean if the results turned out a different way. Finally, be sure to include both in-text citations and a full reference list at the end. The proposal should have good narrative flow and be proofread for proper spelling and grammar. See the rubric in the Appendix 3 for evaluation guidelines.

Oral Presentation

Scientists also frequently share their research findings via presentations, such as at meetings with other scientists. Developing an oral presentation of the research proposal provides an opportunity to practice communicating science to our peers. The presentation should be ~10 minutes and delivered via a slideshow. The presentation should include the same content as the written portion, but the distinction here the audience will be engaged in a different way. The best presentations tell a good story, so think about how to translate the proposal into a story – typically start with background information so the audience members have some understanding of the context. Then use the background information strategically to build up to the identified research gap and the corresponding research question. The question then leads naturally into the hypothesis or hypotheses to be tested. The final part of the presentation will be the experimental plan – how will the hypothesis be tested? Try to envision all possible outcomes from the experiment and how that will support or refute the hypothesis and inform on the interpretation of the results.

There will be opportunities for questions from peers at the end. It is important to try to ask questions at the end of presentations in order to practice giving this kind of feedback. This is a very common way in which scientists provide feedback to each other on their work. Attending departmental seminars or conferences will enable witnessing this first hand. See the rubric in the Appendix 3 for evaluation guidelines.

Proposal Workshop I

Proposing research ideas is a key element of working in the biodiversity science field. Thus this first workshop will be focused on sharing and expanding upon initial ideas for a research proposal. It will take a lab meeting format with a round table discussion where each student has the opportunity to share their research proposal ideas. Peers will then ask follow-up questions to help support idea development. Incidentally, this also serves as an opportunity to practice communicating science to peers. It takes practice to clearly articulate ideas. Following the workshop, begin exploring some literature related to the topic of interest and start putting ideas down on paper – they will not be polished yet, but it will help to develop the initial draft of the research proposal. See the Appendix 6 for a proposal first draft template.

Proposal Workshop II

This workshop will continue to develop the research question, hypothesis, and experimental design. We will discuss developing ideas in pairs with both the course instructor and classmates. We will work to develop ideas into excellent proposal material by digging into the following questions.

Research Question

• What is your research question?
• Is your question clearly stated and focused? If not, how might you tailor it?
• Why are you interested in this question? What makes you curious about it? What have you learned from previous studies that lead you to want to ask this question?

Hypotheses/predictions

• What are your hypotheses/predictions?
• Are they stated clearly? If not, what needs to be adjusted?
• Are they aligned with the question you are asking?
• Why are you interested in this hypothesis?

Experimental Plan

• What is your experimental plan?
• Does the design fit with your hypothesis?
• Are there things that still need to be considered? If so, what are they?

Proposal Workshop III

This workshop is an opportunity to polish. Use this time to solicit final feedback from peers, test out design ideas for the final presentation, or practice delivering the presentation in front of an audience.

• Research Process

Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

• 5 minute read
• 101.2K views

Table of Contents

The importance of a well-written research proposal cannot be underestimated. Your research really is only as good as your proposal. A poorly written, or poorly conceived research proposal will doom even an otherwise worthy project. On the other hand, a well-written, high-quality proposal will increase your chances for success.

In this article, we’ll outline the basics of writing an effective scientific research proposal, including the differences between research proposals, grants and cover letters. We’ll also touch on common mistakes made when submitting research proposals, as well as a simple example or template that you can follow.

What is a scientific research proposal?

The main purpose of a scientific research proposal is to convince your audience that your project is worthwhile, and that you have the expertise and wherewithal to complete it. The elements of an effective research proposal mirror those of the research process itself, which we’ll outline below. Essentially, the research proposal should include enough information for the reader to determine if your proposed study is worth pursuing.

It is not an uncommon misunderstanding to think that a research proposal and a cover letter are the same things. However, they are different. The main difference between a research proposal vs cover letter content is distinct. Whereas the research proposal summarizes the proposal for future research, the cover letter connects you to the research, and how you are the right person to complete the proposed research.

There is also sometimes confusion around a research proposal vs grant application. Whereas a research proposal is a statement of intent, related to answering a research question, a grant application is a specific request for funding to complete the research proposed. Of course, there are elements of overlap between the two documents; it’s the purpose of the document that defines one or the other.

Scientific Research Proposal Format

Although there is no one way to write a scientific research proposal, there are specific guidelines. A lot depends on which journal you’re submitting your research proposal to, so you may need to follow their scientific research proposal template.

In general, however, there are fairly universal sections to every scientific research proposal. These include:

• Title: Make sure the title of your proposal is descriptive and concise. Make it catch and informative at the same time, avoiding dry phrases like, “An investigation…” Your title should pique the interest of the reader.
• Abstract: This is a brief (300-500 words) summary that includes the research question, your rationale for the study, and any applicable hypothesis. You should also include a brief description of your methodology, including procedures, samples, instruments, etc.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph of your research proposal is, perhaps, the most important. Here you want to introduce the research problem in a creative way, and demonstrate your understanding of the need for the research. You want the reader to think that your proposed research is current, important and relevant.
• Background: Include a brief history of the topic and link it to a contemporary context to show its relevance for today. Identify key researchers and institutions also looking at the problem
• Literature Review: This is the section that may take the longest amount of time to assemble. Here you want to synthesize prior research, and place your proposed research into the larger picture of what’s been studied in the past. You want to show your reader that your work is original, and adds to the current knowledge.
• Research Design and Methodology: This section should be very clearly and logically written and organized. You are letting your reader know that you know what you are going to do, and how. The reader should feel confident that you have the skills and knowledge needed to get the project done.
• Preliminary Implications: Here you’ll be outlining how you anticipate your research will extend current knowledge in your field. You might also want to discuss how your findings will impact future research needs.
• Conclusion: This section reinforces the significance and importance of your proposed research, and summarizes the entire proposal.
• References/Citations: Of course, you need to include a full and accurate list of any and all sources you used to write your research proposal.

Common Mistakes in Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

Remember, the best research proposal can be rejected if it’s not well written or is ill-conceived. The most common mistakes made include:

• Not providing the proper context for your research question or the problem
• Failing to reference landmark/key studies
• Losing focus of the research question or problem
• Not accurately presenting contributions by other researchers and institutions
• Incompletely developing a persuasive argument for the research that is being proposed
• Misplaced attention on minor points and/or not enough detail on major issues
• Sloppy, low-quality writing without effective logic and flow
• Incorrect or lapses in references and citations, and/or references not in proper format
• The proposal is too long – or too short

Scientific Research Proposal Example

There are countless examples that you can find for successful research proposals. In addition, you can also find examples of unsuccessful research proposals. Search for successful research proposals in your field, and even for your target journal, to get a good idea on what specifically your audience may be looking for.

While there’s no one example that will show you everything you need to know, looking at a few will give you a good idea of what you need to include in your own research proposal. Talk, also, to colleagues in your field, especially if you are a student or a new researcher. We can often learn from the mistakes of others. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are prior to writing your research proposal, the more likely you are to succeed.

Language Editing Services

One of the top reasons scientific research proposals are rejected is due to poor logic and flow. Check out our Language Editing Services to ensure a great proposal , that’s clear and concise, and properly referenced. Check our video for more information, and get started today.

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BIO 1115: Cell Biology

• Research Proposal
• Topic Development
• Proposal Outline
• Literature Review
• Testable Hypothesis
• Final Proposal

Nathanael Davis | STEM/Business Librarian

Welcome to Your Research Proposal Guide!

WELCOME  to your Research Proposal Library Guide .  In this guide you will find resources to help your lab group develop, outline, and submit a working research proposal. Please take time to review your syllabus and instructions given by your instructor on how best to use this guide in your coursework. As always, consult with your instructor as the final authority for establishing course and assignment specific requirements.

TO BEGIN : Review the   Research Proposal Guidelines

HERE TO HELP !  As your science librarian, I am here to support you and help you navigate the process of technical writing and scientific research.  Feel free to email me ( [email protected] ) or schedule an appointment (see left hand column).  I am excited to serve, so don't be shy! I look forward to working with you this semester. :)

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Writing a Theoretical Research Proposal Bioscene 17 Engaging Biology Undergraduates in the Scientific Process Through Writing a Theoretical Research Proposal

Abstract: It has been suggested that research experiences are an important element that should be included in all undergraduate Biology curricula. This is a difficult suggestion to accommodate due to issues with cost, space and time. We addressed this challenge through development of a capstone project in which Biology majors work in groups to develop novel theoretical research proposals with guidance from a faculty mentor. Though students are not directly working at the bench, they are being mentored in aspects of the scientific process such as synthesizing information from the literature, asking novel research questions, constructing logical aims, designing experiments and writing scientifically. Since this project began, we have mentored 417 students in proposal writing and have assessed their experiences through pre- and post-surveys. Students have made gains in several areas, but most notably in their ability to pose novel questions and develop an experimental plan, and in the ...

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This article reports on a one-semester Advanced Cell Biology course that endeavors to bridge the gap between gaining basic textbook knowledge about cell biology and learning to think and work as a researcher. The key elements of this course are 1) learning to work with primary articles in order to get acquainted with the field of choice, to learn scientific reasoning, and to identify gaps in our current knowledge that represent opportunities for further research; 2) formulating a research project with fellow students; 3) gaining thorough knowledge of relevant methodology and technologies used within the field of cell biology; 4) developing cooperation and leadership skills; and 5) presenting and defending research projects before a jury of experts. The course activities were student centered and focused on designing a genuine research program. Our 5-yr experience with this course demonstrates that 1) undergraduate students are capable of delivering high-quality research designs that...

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As part of a wider reform to scaffold quantitative and research skills throughout the biology major, we introduced course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) in sections of a large-enrollment introductory biology laboratory course in a mid-level, public, minority-serving institution. This initiative was undertaken as part of the in the National Science Foundation / Council for Undergraduate Research Transformations Project. Student teams performed two or three experiments, depending on semester. They designed, implemented, analyzed, revised and iterated, wrote scientific paper-style reports, and gave oral presentations. We tested the impact of CURE on student proficiency in experimental design and statistical reasoning, and student research confidence and attitudes over two semesters. We found that students in the CURE sections met the reformed learning objectives for experimental design and statistical reasoning. CURE students also showed higher levels of experimental d...

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Participation in research provides personal and professional benefits for undergraduates. However, some students face institutional barriers that prevent their entry into research, particularly those from underrepresented groups who may stand to gain the most from research experiences. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) effectively scale research availability, but many only last for a single semester, which is rarely enough time for a novice to develop proficiency. To address these challenges, we present the Pipeline CURE, a framework that integrates a single research question throughout a biology curriculum. Students are introduced to the research system-in this implementation, C. elegans epigenetics research-with their first course in the major. After revisiting the research system in several subsequent courses, students can choose to participate in an upper-level research experience. In the Pipeline, students build resilience via repeated exposure to the same research system. Its iterative, curriculum-embedded approach is flexible enough to be implemented at a range of institutions using a variety of research questions. By uniting evidence-based teaching methods with ongoing scientific research, the Pipeline CURE provides a new model for overcoming barriers to participation in undergraduate research.

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School biology often entails undertaking practical work, which is generally intended to help students gain conceptual understanding, practical and wider skills, and understanding of how biologist work (Kampourakis & Reiss, 2018). However, the literature on practical work in school science indicates that it often achieves less than its proponents intend (Abrahams & Millar, 2008; Gatsby Charitable Foundation, 2017). Investigative school research projects are relatively uncommon, relative to other types of practical work, such as confirmatory practical activities (intended to produce the same result for all students every time), but it has been argued that they can give students a better understanding of what it is like to undertake authentic science. A systematic review found that investigative student science research projects could have a number of benefits for students including the learning of science ideas, affective responses to science, intentions to pursue careers involving science, and development of a range of skills, some specific to practical work and others, such as collaborative teamwork, more general (Bennett et al., 2018). Nevertheless, this same review concluded that further work is needed to enhance the quality of the available evidence and to explore more fully the potential longer-term benefits of participation in such projects at secondary school level.

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Top 11 Biology Research Proposal Ideas with Samples and Examples (Free PDF Attached)

Hanisha Kapoor

“Cancer cure is finally here! Doctors found the miracle drug! Cancer in all patients vanishes,” these have been some screaming headlines in newspapers in 2022. Even as the discovery of the cure (with many qualifiers as of now) is a miraculous achievement, it took real hard work.

At the centre of any sublime achievement in health sciences is a team of world-class researchers and doctors, who worked hard to draft a biology research proposal idea that got the nod of funding agencies. In the specific example cited above, Dostarlimab, was the drug that was researched.

What we illustrate through this study is the necessity and essentiality of crafting a research proposal that meets its goals and outperforms competition.

Explore this guide to write an impeccable research proposal to ensure you always write a winning proposition, and turn ideas into reality.

In this blog, we study the nuts and bolts of a well-structured presentation. The thing to ensure is that the research proposal covers all bases and leaves nothing to chance.

Biology Research Proposal Ideas Templates to Get Funded for New Discoveries and Advancements

If you want to project new developments and innovation that your research will bring to life, perk up your presentations with SlideTeam’s well-designed PPT Templates. Whether it is about showcasing different experiments or drug testing, incorporate our ready-made PPT Templates to gain that extra edge and purpose.

Persuade reviewers to support your findings using our actionable PowerPoint diagrams.

Writing a thorough dissertation proposal is a stepping stone to excelling in your academic projects. Read this blog and learn more on structuring your thesis.

Browse this collection of PowerPoint slides to make a substantial positive impact on how your research proposal is seen.

Let's begin!

Template 1: Biology Research Proposal PowerPoint Template

This is a 29-slide research proposal PPT diagram to help you put forth your ideas and discoveries in the field of biology. Use these well-crafted PowerPoint Templates to give your audience an overview of the project. You can also showcase steps of your research process, requirements, and other capabilities for completing the study. This ready-made PowerPoint Deck also comprises a slide on Budgeting to help you convince your reviewers to sanction that grant. Download this PPT Template now!

Download this template

Template 2: Biology Cover Letter Research Proposal Idea PPT Slide

As the adage goes, First Impression is the Last Impression . Ensure that you leave a long-lasting impression on your audience with the showcasing of your new research using this engaging PPT Template. Deploy a predesigned and easy-to-use PowerPoint Layout to pitch your client your project idea. Get a head-start from your reviewer and dig deeper into your research with this template as the reference. Download now!

Grab this slide

Template 3: Vision and Mission for Biology Research Proposal PowerPoint Graphic

Want to showcase the aim and goal of your research project? Get this content-ready PPT Template to pen down the vision and mission of your biology research proposal project. Present your future goals and expectations from this study with this fully editable PowerPoint Slide and help your audience comprehend your mission for this project. This PPT diagram can easily be downloaded. Just click the link below and use it as per requirements.

Grab this template

Template 4: Biology Project Objectives PowerPoint Template

What you plan to achieve by the end of the project is what matters the most to the reviewers. Thus, ensure that you highlight the project objectives, which include timelines, budget, etc., with this content-ready PowerPoint Template. Leave no scope for error and uncertainties in your proposal. Get your audience on board with you on your research idea using this customizable PPT slide. Download now!

Template 5: Biology Research Idea Context PPT Diagram

Here is another ready-to-use PowerPoint Template that helps you with the framework of how to contextualize your project. Walk your audience through the strategies you plan to execute to create practical solutions to the problems. Incorporate this fully editable PPT diagram and highlight the best possible treatment, medicines, vaccinations, etc., to combat disease. Use this custom-made PowerPoint Slide and present your detailed study with confidence. Grab this slide now!

Template 6: Methods for Biology Research Proposal PowerPoint Slide

This ready-made PowerPoint Diagram is well designed to help you demonstrate actionable methods that fight diseases. Be methodical and explain each process using this PPT design. Convince reviewers and ensure to get funded for your research with this customizable PowerPoint Graphic. Download now!

Template 7: Roadmap Biology PowerPoint Template

Deploy this preset as a communication tool to draw a painting review of your action plan. Define major tasks and goals and lay out your strategies to achieve those targets. This roadmap PPT Template helps showcase major steps and milestones in your journey. Use this ready-made PowerPoint Graphic as a guide to keep everyone in your team informed on the project status. Download now!

Template 8: Gantt Chart Research Proposal PowerPoint Design

Wish to complete your project on time? Grab this actionable PowerPoint Template and set dates and times for each task. This PPT Template also allows you to keep track of business activities and ensure your project’s timely completion . It is a customizable PowerPoint Diagram to help you change time and date as per requirements. Grab this useful PowerPoint Layout now!

Template 9: Budget Research Proposal PPT Diagram

Struggling to create a budget for your research proposal idea? How about using this illustration to outline a detailed expected project cost? This PPT Template helps you list all activities and the estimated cost of each. Justify your budget and get approval from your stakeholders using this customized PPT Diagram. Download now!

Template 10: Next Steps for Biology Research Proposal PowerPoint Template

Want to seal the deal with researchers for your next biology project? Use this content-ready PowerPoint Template and state the next steps for your study in a professional manner. This PPT Diagram also allows you to include some content. Use this template to  convince your reviewers that you are a step ahead of all possible negative scenarios. Download now!

BONUS SLIDE

Contact us biology research ppt side.

It is impolite not to leave your contact number for your researchers or stakeholders. Thus, ensure you provide a point of contact so that your clients reach out to you without any inconvenience. Deploy this neat, clutter-free PPT Slide to add your address, phone number, and email id. It is a custom-made slide. You can use it as per requirement. Download now!

Justifying and presenting practical ways to study a research problem is a task. Thus, ease the burden and incorporate SlideTeam's ready-made research proposal presentation PPT Templates to showcase your analysis and in-depth research on a subject. These handy PowerPoint Diagrams can be customized with a single click. Download these ready-made and premium PowerPoint Slides from our monthly, semi-annual, annual, annual + custom design subscriptions here .

PS: Wish to present your scholarly literature review in a concise and easy manner? Explore this exclusive guide replete with literature review templates to make sure you reach the public as well, with your authoritative point of view.

FAQs On   Biology Research Proposal Ideas

How to write a research proposal in biology.

Every research proposal is unique and aims to tackle a specific problem statement or hypothesis. It should focus on potentially valuable outcomes, fill in the gaps, and lead to progress of Scientific Knowledge in general. In biology, of course, there is still endless ground to cover in terms of our ability to tackle diseases; the Covid-19 pandemic brought out all our inadequacies to the fore as well.

As the starting point for any effort to improve things, writing an effective research proposal in biology is the key skill to inculcate for hard-core researchers and the academia. Given below are the five key steps we need to master before we put pen to paper for a biology research paper that rocks.

• Study the existing literature
• Narrow the topic down
• Identify keywords
• Formulate the topic

What is the purpose of research in the field of Biology?

Biological scientists conduct research to gain better understanding of life processes and apply that understanding to developing new products and processes. Here, the aim is to know better and deeper, and work to develop novel solutions to diseases. Remember, disease prevention is even more important than developing cures.

How long should a biology proposal be?

A focused and extensive thesis proposal should not be longer than 12 pages of text. Figures and data can be presented on additional pages, if these are critical to the persuasive pitch. Please remember it is purpose of the research proposal, its organization of information and the real-life connect it has that gets it the money. Length of the proposal is required, but a part of the format that every other researcher will have to comply to. You shine when your problem statement and hypothesis are the most relevant.

What are the features of a successful biology research proposal?

A good research proposal must:

• Cover the basics
• Describe the relevance
• Focus on the significance of the research
• Explain the approach
• Highlight your expertise

In short, explaining your approach in a relevant manner is the key differentiator that mark out the successful projects as a class apart. Your sincerity of purpose and attention to detail also has to be evident when it is show-time for presentations.

Download the free Biology Research Proposal .

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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Thesis proposal example 2

Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal

Albert B. Ulrich III Thesis Advisor: Dr. Wayne Leibel 11 September 1998

Introduction:

Neotropical fish of the family Cichlidae are a widespread and diverse group of freshwater fish which, through adaptive radiation, have exploited various niches in freshwater ecosystems. One such evolutionary adaptation employed by numerous taxa is miniaturization, an evolutionary process in which a large ancestral form becomes reduced in size to exploit alternative niches. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the effects of miniaturization on amphibians (Hanken 1983), but although miniaturization has been found to occur in 85 species of freshwater South American fish, little has been done to investigate the effects which miniaturization imposes on the anatomy of the fish (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Background:

Evolution is the process by which species adapt to environmental stresses over time. Nature imposes various selective pressures on ecosystems causing adaptive radiation, where species expand and fill new niches. One such adaptation for a new niche is miniaturization. Miniaturization can be defined as “the evolution of extremely small adult body size within a lineage” (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization is observed in a variety of taxa, and evolutionary size decreases are observed in mammals and higher vertebrates, but it is more common and more pronounced in reptiles, amphibians and fish (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization evolved as a specialization which allowed the organisms to avoid selective pressures and occupy a new niche. Miniaturization as a concept is dependent on the phylogenetic assumption that the organism evolved from a larger predecessor. Over time, the miniature organism had to adapt to the new conditions as a tiny species. All of the same basic needs had to be met, but with a smaller body.

In miniature species there is a critical relationship between structure of the body and body size, and frequently this downsizing results in structural and functional changes within the animal (Harrison 1996). Within the concept of miniaturization is the assumption that the species evolved from a larger progenitor. It is necessary then to explore the effects of the miniaturization process. “Miniaturization involves not only small body size per se, but also the consequent and often dramatic effects of extreme size reduction on anatomy, physiology, ecology, life history, and behavior” (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Hanken and Wake 1993 found that the adult skulls of the salamander Thorius were lacking several bones, others were highly underdeveloped, and many species within the genus were toothless. Several invertebrate species display the wholesale loss of major organs systems as a result of the drastic reduction in body size (Hanken and Wake 1993). Hanken and Wake also have shown that morphological novelty is a common result of miniaturization. Morphological novelty, in essence, is the development of new structures in the miniature organism. For example, as body size decreases, certain vital organs will only be able to be reduced by a certain amount and still function. As a result organs such as the inner ear remain large relative to the size of the miniature skull, and structural innovations have to occur in order to support the proportionately large inner ear.

In 1983, James Hanken, at the University of Colorado determined that the adult skull of the Plethodontid salamanders could be characterized by three observations: 1) there was a limited development or even an absence of several ossified elements such as dentition and other bones; 2) there was interspecific and intraspecific variability; 3) there were novel mophological configurations of the braincase and jaw (Hanken 1983).

In his experiments, Hanken found that cranial miniaturization of the Thorius skull was achieved at the expense of ossification. Much of the ossified skeleton was lost or reduced, especially in the anterior elements, which are seen typically in larger adult salamanders (Hanken 1983). In contrast to this ossified downsizing, many of the sensory organs were not diminished in size — therefore present in greater proportion to the rest of the reduced head. He also reported that due to the geometrical space availability, there is a competition for space in reduced sized skulls, and the “predominant brain, otic capsules, and eyes have imposed structural rearrangements on much of the skull that remains” (Hanken 1983).

Hanken proposed that paedomorphosis was the mode of evolution of the plethodontid salamanders (Hanken 1983). Paedomorphosis is the state where the miniaturized structures of the adult salamanders can be described as arrested juvenile states. To support this theory, Hanken showed data where cranial skeletal reduction was less extreme in the posterior regions of the skull. One of the hallmarks of paedamorphosis is the lack of conservation in structures derived late in development. Early developed structures are highly conserved, and the latter derivations become either lost, or greatly reduced. Again, Hanken has shown that elements appearing late in development exhibit greater variation among species than do elements appearing earlier in ontogeny (Hanken 1983). But the presence of novel morphological features cannot be accounted for merely by truncated development and the retention of juvenile traits. Miniature Plethodontid salamanders display features that are not present in other species, juvenile or adult. These novel morphological features are associated with the evolution of decreased size and are postulated to compensate for the reductions occurring in other areas (Hanken 1983).

In 1985, Trueb and Alberch published a paper presenting similar results in their experiments with frogs. They explored the “relationships between body sizes of anurans and their cranial configurations with respect to the degree of ossification of the skull and two ontogenetic variables‹shape and number of differentiation events” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Trueb and Alberch examined three morphological variables: size, sequence of differentiation events, and shape changes in individual structures. Size and snout length were measured, and the data showed that the more heavily ossified frogs tended to be smaller, whereas the less-ossified species were of average size, contrary to what was hypothesized. But Trueb and Alberch also attributed the diminution in size to paedomorphosis, citing that the smaller frogs lacked one or more of the elements typically associated with anuran skulls‹these missing elements were typically late in the developmental sequence. It is significant to note, however, that although there was an apparent paedomorphic trend, it could not be “applied unequivocally to all anuans” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Very little research has been done on the effects of miniaturization on fish. In 1993, Buckup published a paper discussing the phylogeny of newly found minature species of Characidiin fish, but the extent of the examination was merely an acknowledgment that the species were indeed miniatures so that they could be taxonomically reclassified ( Buckup 1993). It is this deficit of knowledge with regard to miniaturization in fish that prompts this research.

Statement of the Problem:

How does miniaturization affect other vertebrates, such as fish? There are over 85 species of freshwater South American fish which are regarded as miniature, spanning 5 orders, 11 families and 40 genera (Hanken and Wake 1993). One such species, Apistogramma cacatuoides, is a South American Cichlid native to Peru. It lives in shallow water bodies in the rainforests, where miniature size is necessary. Males in this species reach approximately 8cm, and females only 5cm. This makes A. cacatuoides an ideal specimen for examination. In this senior honors thesis, I intend to examine the effects of miniaturization on cranial morphology of A. cacatuoides.

Plan of Research:

In this thesis, I will compare the cranial anatomy of A. cacatuoides to that of “Cichlasoma” (Archocentrus) nigrofasciatum, a commonly bred fish reared by aquarists known as the Convict Cichlid, a “typical” medium-sized cichlid also of South American origin. The Convicts will be examined at various stages in development, from juvenile to adult, and will be compared to A.cacatuoides.

The first part of this project will involve whole mount preparation of A. cacatuoides, utilizing the staining and clearing procedures described by Taylor and Van Dyke, 1985. This procedure involves the use of Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue to stain bone and cartilage, and takes into account the adaptations and recommendations Proposed in an earlier paper (Hanken and Wassersug 1981). The Taylor and Van Dyke procedure is specifically for the staining and clearing of small fish and other vertebrates. I tested the procedure during last semester¹s Independent Study and made a few minor adjustments to the protocol.

First, the specimens will be placed serially into an absolute ethyl alcohol solution and stained with Alcian Blue. The fish will then be neutralized in a saturated borax solution, transferred to a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution in potassium hydroxide, and then bleached under a fluorescent light. The unwanted soft tissues will then be cleared using trypsin powder, and then stained in KOH again with alizarin red. The final preparation of the fish involves rinsing the fish, and placing them serially into 40%, 70%, and finally 100% glycerin.

Following the above preparation of the specimens, the crania of the A. cacatuoides specimens will be examined for morphological variation and compared to the cranial anatomy of the Convict cichlid as a progenitor reference point examined at various developmental stages to see if paedomorphosis in indeed the mechanism of miniaturization in A. cacatuoides.

Expected Costs:

The project is estimated to cost no more that five hundred dollars for chemicals and supplies for the entire year.

Literature Cited:

Hanken, J., 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morphology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). I. Osteological Variation”. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (London) 23: 55-75.

Hanken, James, 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morhology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia, Plethodintidae): II.The Fate of the Brain and Sense Organs and Their Role in Skull Morphogenesis and Evolution . Journal of Morphology 177: 255-268.

Hanken, James and David Wake, 1993. Miniaturization of Body Size: Origanismal Consequences and Evolutionary Significance. Annual Review of Ecological Systems 24: 501-19.

Harrison, I. J., 1996. Interface Areas in Small Fish. Zoological Symposium No. 69. The Zoological Society of London: London.

Miller, P. J., 1996. Miniature Vertebrates: The Implications of Small Body Size. Symposium of the Zoological Society of London. No. 69: 15-45.

Taylor, William R. and George Van Dyke, 1985. Revised Procedures for Staining and Clearing Small Fishes and Other Vertebrates for Small Bone and Cartilage Study. Cybium. 9(2): 107-119.

Trueb, L. and P. Alberch, 1985. Miniaturization and the Anuran Skull: a Case Study of Heterochrony. Fortschritte der Zoologie. Bund 30.

Williams, T. Walley, 1941 Bone and Cartilage. Stain. Tech. 16:23-25.

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An research proposal examples on biology is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of biology research proposal:

• the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of biology research proposal topic.
• The research proposal expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on biology and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
• As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
• in the content of an research proposal samples on biology , first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an research proposal in biology is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an research proposal is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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Department of Biology

Forbes-Lea Research Fund

The Forbes–Lea Endowed Fund honors the memory of two great professors of Biology at Portland State University: vertebrate biologist Dr. Richard B. Forbes, and cell physiologist Dr. Malcolm Lea. A fund was started in their honor in 1998 in order to support student research efforts. Interest from the endowed fund is now sufficient to accomplish that goal.

It is anticipated that for this year there will be no more than approximately 7–10 proposals funded, but the number of awards and level of funding depend on number and amounts of requests, as well as the return from the endowment, having historically run between $400 and $1,000 each. Include your FULL BUDGET and indicate how expenses not covered by a Forbes Lea award will be covered.

Funds awarded must be spent by April 30 of the following year barring exceptional circumstances. In case of limited funding being available, second–time awards and travel to conferences will receive lower priority. In keeping with the spirit of student inquiry encouraged by these great professors, the Forbes–Lea Research Fund will support a limited number of student projects that best fit the following criteria:

• Are the hypotheses clearly enunciated within the framework of hypothesis testing?
• Will the research plan as outlined lead to adequate testing of the hypotheses?
• Is the science sound?
• Is the problem to be addressed well researched and placed within a historical context?
• Is the research innovative and significant?
• Are the project goals clearly stated and realistic within the time frame proposed?

Proposal Instructions

Apply via this form .

Deadline: Applications due Feb. 28, 2023.

First Page: title, name of investigator, name of research sponsor, amount requested, and abstract of proposed research, including significance of proposed research.

Research Proposal: limit of three pages of text and figures, on standard 8.5 by 11 inch (21.6 by 27.9 cm) paper with no less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) margins all around, no smaller than 11 point font (no more than 15 characters per inch), and no less than single space (six lines of type per inch).

The proposed investigation must address the criteria outlined above and be sufficiently detailed so as to be evaluated by biological scientists potentially outside the area of expertise of the investigator.

In brief, the description should provide a clear statement of the work to be undertaken, objectives for the period of the proposed work, expected significance, relation to longer–term goals of the investigator’s project; and relation to the present state of knowledge in the field and to work in progress by the investigator and elsewhere. The description should outline the general plan of work, including the broad design of activities to be undertaken, and provide a clear description of methods and procedures, plans for anticipated data (results), samples, physical collections, and other potential products. A separate section on the broader impacts of Literature cited: no limit on citations; literature cited is separately paginated and does not count against the three page limit of the research proposal.

Budget: Up to one page for budget, one additional page for justification (two pages maximum for budget and justification). INCLUDE YOUR FULL BUDGET even if it is more than $1,000. Please indicate how expenses above the Forbes Lea award will be covered. The most common items eligible for funding would be consumable supplies or expendable equipment, living expenses in the field or at a research station, and travel expenses. Please use estimates of actual expenses. The budget must clearly show the amounts and purposes of all expenditures.

Letter of Support:  A letter of support from your graduate advisor is required. The form is available here .

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WSU SURCA Undergraduate Researchers Land 49 Awards at Showcase 2024

Fifty-three students at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2024 were the recipients of 49 awards totaling $10,900, announced the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), host of the March 25 event.

Awardees are from two of all six represented campuses: WSU Pullman, with 52, and the Global Campus, with 1.

“We enjoyed more than 200 exceptional posters this year from students who study and research at all six campuses, and those who received awards were judged to have delivered the very top presentations on their research, scholarship, and creative activities,” said Jeremy Lessmann, OUR director.

Held since 2012, SURCA is the only WSU-wide venue for students systemwide in every major and year in college to share their mentored research. The number of 2024 presenters and judges set new records, Lessmann said. Some presented in pairs or groups.

The award ceremony was led by WSU Provost and Executive Vice President, and WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton; interim Vice Provost for Academic Engagement and Student Achievement William B. Davis; WSU Pullman Vice Chancellor for Academic Engagement Clif Stratton; Assistant Vice Provost Mary Sánchez Lanier; and Lessman.

Abstracts and additional information about each SURCA presenter is available online.

By SURCA categories in alphabetical order, each awardee’s name, campus, major, mentor, and project titles are:

Applied Sciences

• Simon Scheel WSU Pullman Chemistry Mentor: Liane Moreau “Developing Neutron Irradiation as a Method to Synthesize Controlled, Unprecedented Metal Alloy Nanoparticles”
• Jacob Buursma WSU Pullman Neuroscience, Honors College Mentor: Kristen Delevich  “Long-term Effects of Adolescent Cannabis Vapor Exposure on Corticostriatal Circuits Responsible for Decision Making”
• Avery Pruitt WSU Pullman Neuroscience   David Soto WSU Pullman Neuroscience   Mentor: Rita Fuchs   “Cell Type of Dorsal Raphe to Basolateral Amygdala Projecting Neurons Involved in Cocaine-memory Reconsolidation”

Arts and Design

• Jasper Willson WSU Pullman Multimedia Journalism, Honors College Mentor: Lisa Waananen Jones  “Forest on Fire: A Documentary About the Changing Relationship of Fire in the Sequoia Ecosystems”
• Amanda Moed WSU Pullman Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles Mentor: Armine Ghalachyan  “Adaptive Weighted Jacket”

Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Information Sciences

• Nicholas Kraabel WSU Pullman Computer Science, Economic Sciences Mentor: Kirti Rajagopalan  “Advancing Hourly Temperature Disaggregation for Agroecosystems Modeling: LSTM-based Approach”
• Nicholas Mayer WSU Pullman Architectural Studies Mentor: Julia Day, Shelby Ruiz  “Empowering Efficiency: Tech-Driven Sustainability”

Engineering and Physical Sciences

• Yecenia Cortez WSU Pullman Biology Mentor: Xiaofeng Guo  “Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermodynamic Study of Rare Eu(II) Materials”
• Jesus Jimenez WSU Pullman Mechanical Engineering   Harish Varatharaj WSU Pullman Mechanical Engineering   Mentor: Hui Li   “Novel Composites from Recycled Wind Turbine Blade Materials: Physical, Mechanical, and/Fire Performance”
• Dylan Suina WSU Pullman Mechanical Engineering, Honors College Mentor: Jeffrey Bell  “Modifying 3D Printed Carbon-infused Thermoplastics for Applications in Potentiometry”
• Suzanne Gelston WSU Pullman Chemical Engineering, Honors College   Carolina Perez WSU Pullman Bioengineering   Mentor: Dilara Ozdemir   “In Vitro Activity of HOCl Generating Scaled-up Electrochemical Bandages”
• Kenneth Goody WSU Pullman Chemistry Mentor: Anjali Sharma  “PSMA-targeted Dendrimer as an Efficient Anticancer Drug Delivery Vehicle for Prostate Cancer”
• Liam Crafton WSU Pullman Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy Mentor: Qingze Guan  “Chaotic Spin Dynamics of Spin-1 Bose-Einstein Condensates with Broken Conservation of Magnetization”

Early Career

• Connor Reschke WSU Pullman Materials Science and Engineering, Spanish, Honors College Mentor: Hui Li  “Recycling Wood Waste with Particleboard and Pelleting”
• Akira Park WSU Pullman English Mentor: Ashley Boyd  “Analyzing the Inclusion of and Teacher Practices Around Asian-American Literature in English Language Arts Classrooms”
• Samuel Neunzig WSU Pullman Human Biology Mentor: John Blong  “New Views on Ancient Coprolites: Non-destructive Analysis Using μCT 3D Imaging”
• Matthew Bunge WSU Pullman Economic Sciences, Honors College Mentor: Shawna Herzog  “Britain’s Financial Revolution and Class Exploitation, 1689 – 1740”

Molecular, Cellular, and Chemical Biology

• Ally Richards WSU Pullman Microbiology, Honors College Mentor: Sean McGuire  “Investigating the Role of Protein-protein Interaction of GPAT9 in Arabidopsis thaliana ”
• Tyrique Lewis WSU Pullman Microbiology Mentor: Bronwyn Gunn  “Engineering the Fc Domain of Antibodies to Better Control SARS-CoV-2”
• Sydney Ackerman WSU Pullman Neuroscience Mentor: Giuseppe Giannotti  “Contributions of the Prelimbic Cortex to Paraventricular Thalamus Pathway to Heroin Relapse”
• Megan Dines WSU Pullman Biology Mentor: Michael Konkel  “ Campylobacter jejuni Secretion Mechanism Promotes Host Cell Invasion, Leading to Cases of Human Gastroenteritis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome”
• Geselle Sotelo Mendoza WSU Pullman Microbiology Mentor: Anders Omsland  “Analysis of the Formation of Infectious Elementary Bodies in the Human Bacterial Pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis with Florescence Microscopy”
• Riana Abeshima WSU Pullman Neuroscience Mentor: Ryan McLaughlin  “Effects of Stress and Cannabis Use on Stress-induced Activation of Lateral Habenula Neurons in Rats”
• Corin Yanke WSU Pullman Biochemistry Mentor: Ryan Driskell  “The Effect of Skin Carcinogenesis on Epidermal Architecture”
• Lauren Benjamin WSU Pullman Neuroscience, Honors College   Hailey Landsparger WSU Pullman Neuroscience, Honors College   Mentor: Emily Qualls-Creekmore   “Identification of Neural Circuits That Participate in Stress Habituation”
• Mya Mackowski WSU Pullman Biochemistry Mentor: Miguel Rosas  “Investigating the Correlation Between Root Hairs and Nitrate Uptake in Brachypodium distachyon ”
• Stevie Fawcett WSU Pullman Microbiology, Spanish, Honors College Mentor: Stephanie Seifert  “In vitro Tool Development for the Study of Hantaviruses”
• Ashley Brightman WSU Pullman Biochemistry Mentor: Heather Koehler  “New Vaccines Against Pox Viruses: Are MVA vaccines efficient in neutralizing infection safely and effectively?”
• Anthony DeLuca WSU Pullman Agricultural Biotechnology Mentors: Sapinder Bali, Cynthia Gleason  “Identification and Characterization of Two Novel Meloidogyne chitwoodi Effectors”
• Eva Rickard WSU Pullman Data Analytics, Honors College Mentor: Sascha Duttke  “Decoding Gene Regulatory Networks Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia”
• Jasmin Chu WSU Pullman Neuroscience, Honors College Mentor: Kristen Delevich  “Microglial Ablation Effects on Adolescent Behavioral Flexibility”
• Sara Burres WSU Pullman Biology, Zoology Mentor: Sara Westbrook  “Long-Term Effects of Adolescent Cannabis Vapor on Parvalbumin Interneurons and Perineuronal Nets in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex”

Organismal, Population, Ecological, and Evolutionary Biology

• Molly Greiner WSU Pullman Biochemistry, Honors College Mentor: Hanna Delgado  “Characterizing symbiotic rhizobia isolated from native Trifolium”
• Olivia DeGrave WSU Pullman Biochemistry Mentor: Erica Crespi  “Investigating the Role of Leptin in Tail Regeneration: Validation of a New Method of Administration”
• HarleyJo Holman WSU Pullman Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences, Honors College Mentors: Lisa Shipley, Leah Brueggeman  “Mountain Caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou) Habitat in the South Selkirks: Zonal Shifts in Dynamic Landscapes”
• Arthur Kearney WSU Pullman Forestry Mentor: Robert Andrus  “Constructing a Chronology of Defoliator Pests in North America Using Dendrochronology”
• Braeden Stiffler WSU Pullman Biochemistry, Honors College Mentor: Janice Parks “How Pea-canola Intercropping (Peaola) Changes Soil Inorganic Nitrogen Content”
• Mila Singson WSU Pullman Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences Mentor: Jennifer Phillips  “How Distance From Sensory Pollutants Affects Avian Survival”

Research Proposal

• Zakora Moore WSU Pullman Bioengineering Mentor: Bernard Van Wie  “Direct Transfection of Autologous Melanocytes in a Perfusion Bioreactor for Cellular Transplantation to Repigment Vitiligous Skin”
• Areli Orozco WSU Pullman Psychology Mentor: Olusola Adesope  “Exploring Anxiety Among First-Generation, Culturally Diverse College Students”
• Ethan Johnson WSU Pullman Biology Mentor: Cliff Berkman  “Imidazoquinoline Small Molecule Drug Conjugates (SMDCs) for PSMA Targeted Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy”
• Sydney Campbell WSU Pullman Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles Mentor: Armine Ghalachyan  “Functional Headband Incorporating a Heating Unit for Pain Relief in TMD”

Social Sciences

• Karen Magana WSU Pullman Data Analytics Mentor: Michael Heim  “Measuring Program Effectiveness of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)”
• Cara Brauen WSU Pullman Psychology Mentor: Angela Henricks  “Dual-hit Hypothesis’ Impact on Corticosterone Levels Following Acute Restraint Stress Test”
• Matteya Proctor WSU Pullman Neuroscience, Psychology, Honors College Mentor: Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe  “The Moderating Effect of Cognitive Self-Efficacy on the Relation Between Cognition and Technology-Based Health Information Search in Middle-Aged and Older Adults”
• Isabella Santiago WSU Pullman Human Development, Psychology Mentor: Nicole Scalise “Relations Between High School Math Experiences and Current Math Attitudes and Achievement: A Self-determination Theory Perspective”
• Sandy Tlachi-Munoz WSU Pullman Psychology Mentor: Jessica Willoughby “The Discussion Around Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among First-generation Undergraduate Students In Living Situations”
• Androu Luzader WSU Pullman Basic Medical Sciences, Social Sciences Mentor: Caroline Owens “Assessing the College Food Insecurity  Environment”
• Hillary Minor WSU Global Campus Psychology Mentor: Lee Daffin “An Examination of the Relationship Between Mindfulness and GPA”