Research Opportunities
If you're a student interested in biological sciences, you'll be happy to know that our department has 14 research faculty, each with a fully equipped lab. Our faculty also receive support from various federal and private organizations, like the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Gates Foundation, to name a few.
In addition to individual faculty labs, we also offer shared facilities that include a microscopy suite, a sequencing and genomic analyses suite, cell culture facilities, and various other modern molecular instruments including microplate readers and high-resolution imagers. These resources are available for collaborative research involving students.
Our recently-renovated teaching labs create an interactive and collaborative environment for hands-on laboratory experiences, complementing classroom teaching. As a student, you can also participate in exciting faculty-led projects in one or more of the research areas below.
If you're interested in studying genomes, cells, and the molecules that regulate their
functions, you might explore Cell and Molecular Biology or Genomics. This area of
study covers topics like, cell signaling, organelle function, metabolism, and the
regulation of gene expression. It's especially relevant if you're considering a career
in medicine, genetic counseling, or basic research. Interleukin-1 and Toll Family receptors in mammalian immune cells Molecular alteration of host cells by herpes viruses Cell division and genomic segregation Membrane biogenesis and homeostasis Gene regulation during pain perception; pain intervention with nanomedicines If you're passionate about exploring population dynamics, evolution, ecology, and
species conservation, this field could be an ideal fit for you. It is especially relevant
for those pursuing careers in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, population genetics,
or fundamental research. Population genetics and genomics of wild felines Ecology and conservation genetics of North American fishes and birds Genetic basis of adaptation in humans, apes and other primates Environmental endocrine disrupters Microbial-mineral interactions in biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites If you're fascinated by microorganisms and their biology, ecology, and evolution,
you might be interested in studying this field. It also covers mechanisms of pathogenesis
in infectious diseases which are relevant to careers in epidemiology, medicine, healthcare,
ecology, or basic research. Molecular alteration of host cells by herpes viruses Control of insect-transmitted diseases with genetically modified bacteria Cell division and genomic segregation Microbial ecology and interaction Membrane biogenesis and homeostasis Microbial-mineral interactions in biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites Bioremediation of toxic industrial sites If you're interested in studying the physiology, endocrinology, developmental biology,
or neurobiology of different species, including humans, this field might interest
you. It's particularly relevant if you're considering a career in medicine, healthcare,
or basic research.
Control of insect-transmitted diseases with genetically modified bacteria Gene regulation during pain perception; pain intervention with nanomedicines Physiology and pathology of steroid hormones & steroid hormone mimickers Impacts of environmental stressors on animal health and diseaseCell and Molecular Biology
Phillip Auron, Ph.D.
Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.
Joseph McCormick, Ph.D.
Jana Patton-Vogt, Ph.D.
John Pollock, Ph.D.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Jan Janecka, Ph.D.
Brady Porter, Ph.D.
Michael Seaman, Ph.D.
Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.
John Stolz, Ph.D.
Microbial Biology
Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.
David Lampe, Ph.D.
Joseph McCormick, Ph.D.
Wook Kim, Ph.D.
Jana Patton-Vogt, Ph.D.
John Stolz, Ph.D.
Nancy Trun, Ph.D.
Physiology and Organismal Biology
David Lampe, Ph.D.
John Pollock, Ph.D.
Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.
Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.
Hear From A Student
"As a doctoral student in the biological sciences program, I have been able to see myself as a scientist through the supportive community here at Duquesne. I've actively been encouraged to explore Ph.D. career opportunities by working with the Center for Teaching Excellence, presenting my dissertation research at multiple national conferences, and through a research collaboration with the Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory."