Research Opportunities Starting in Your First Year
From the moment you step on campus, you’ll participate in hands-on research and other experiences that will prepare you for your bigger goals of being a scientist. You’ll work alongside our world-renowned faculty in research funded by the federal government and private organizations in our super labs with state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and confocal microscopes, to name just a few. And along the way, you will share your research with faculty, peers and potential employers by attending or presenting at various conferences, including at Duquesne’s Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
General Overview
Currently, we’re offering the General URP, open to Duquesne students, and the NSF Chemistry REU and NIH Neuroscience PURE/NURE programs, open to students from any university, with housing accommodations provided for visiting participants.
Programs run from May 20-July 26, 2024. Learn more and apply now!
General URP (Duquesne Students)
The School of Science and Engineering undergraduate research program (general URP) is an exclusive opportunity for Duquesne University undergraduates within the School of Science and Engineering. Applicants will be chosen based on their academic achievements, previous lab experience, and potential in their respective fields. The program offers undergraduate research positions in various disciplines, including biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science and law, and physics.
To apply for the program, students are required to complete the application form provided below. Additionally, they must submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member at Duquesne University, as well as their Duquesne transcript. All transcripts must be submitted via email%20or mailed to Duquesne University School of Science and Engineering: Undergraduate Research Program, 100 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. The program runs from May 20-July 26, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.
Please have your recommenders upload their required references below.
NSF CHEMISTRY-REU
The Integrated Computational and Experimental Chemistry NSF-REU Program welcomes applications from undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry and chemistry. This program is made possible through the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Defense's Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Education (ASSURE) program and the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program.
To apply for the program, students are required to complete the application form provided below. Additionally, they must submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, as well as their transcript. All transcripts must be submitted via email%20or mailed to Duquesne University School of Science and Engineering: Undergraduate Research Program, 100 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. The program runs from May 20-July 26, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.
Please have your recommenders upload their required references below.
NIH Neuroscience PURE/NURE
Participate in Duquesne University's Pain and Neurodegenerative Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE and NURE) programs, offering a 10-week summer residency for biomedical research in pain and neuroscience.
- Receive free on-campus housing close to Pittsburgh activities (VisitPittsburgh.com) and a competitive stipend of $4,500
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Attend an integrated ethics course and professional development workshops
- Participate in monthly journal club and discussion sessions to review primary literature with faculty, students and clinicians
- Understand the personal and practical impacts of pain management from individuals living with chronic conditions
To apply for the program, students are required to complete the application form provided below. Additionally, they must submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, as well as their transcript. All transcripts must be submitted via email%20or mailed to Duquesne University School of Science and Engineering: Undergraduate Research Program, 100 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. The program runs from May 20-July 26, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.
Please have your recommenders upload their required references below.
Participating Faculty
NIH PURE/NURE program applicants select up to three faculty with which to do research.
Mi Suk Bae, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Mechanism underlying the increase in von Willebrand factor secretion and pain in sickle cell disease
Erica Biedler, MEd., Ph.D. (Athletic Training)
Research area: Intersection of psychological, social, and cultural factors that impact the patient’s concussion experience.
Jane Cavanaugh, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Cellular events underlying age-related neurodegeneration with normal and diseased aging
Michael Cascio, Ph.D. (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Research area: Structural characterization of allostery in paradigmatic ion channels and transporters
Jill Dembowski, Ph.D. (Biological Sciences)
Research area: Involvement of cellular proteins in the regulation of viral DNA replication and gene expression
Elena V. Donoso Brown, PhD., (OTR/L Occupational Therapy)
Research area: Assessment of impairments in neurological populations including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease
Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D. (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Research area: Using chemical theory and computation to investigate the energetics and mechanisms of phosphoryl transfer reactions and RNA interactions in viral infection
Patrick Flaherty, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Development of new paradigms for medicinal Chemistry with focus on CNS and anti-cancer agents
David Heisler, Ph.D. (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Research area: Role of proten-protein and cholesterol in hostpathogen interactions
Jelena M. Janjic, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Development of COX-2 in macrophages, targeted nano medicines for imaging and treatment of inflammation and pain
Matthew Kostek, Ph.D. (Physical Therapy)
Research area: Treatment therapy to reduce inflammation, increase utrophin and improve function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
David Lapinsky, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Rational design and synthesis of clickable covalent compounds for chemical biology and medicinal chemistry
Rehana K. Leak, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Study mechanisms underlying the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders and test potential therapies
Devika Manickam, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Pharmacological responses of blood-brain barrier to polymeric carriers
Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D. (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Research area: Protein-RNA interactions in Fragile X syndrome and ALS/FTD
Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D. (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Research area: Investigating catalyst systems and their utilization to synthesize complex and biologically interesting synthetic targets.
Lauren A. O’Donnell, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Research area: Study how the anti-viral immune response impacts on development of neural cells during CNS infections
John A, Pollock, Ph.D. (Biological Sciences)
Research area: Study chronic pain to measure changes in gene expression that result from behaviorally assessed changes in pain sensitivity
Kimberly Szucs, Ph.D., M.S., (OTR/L Occupational Therapy)
Research area: Mechanisms for the development of workrelated musculoskeletal injury and pain and determining the best therapeutic interventions for treating chronic pain conditions
Melikhan Tanyeri, Ph.D. (Biomedical Engineering)
Research area: Development of technologies for sensing, tracking and manipulation of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms
Sarah Woodley, Ph.D. (Biological Sciences)
Research area: Interaction of stress and immune system in CNS
Gain Hands-On Research Experience
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) attracts hundreds of students eager to immerse themselves in a transformative 10-week experience.
You will establish meaningful connections within the scientific community and peers during the summer program that offers you opportunities to:
- Conduct research in chemistry, biology, pain research and neurodegeneration research
- Explore various science-related fields and careers
- Participate in community engagement projects and ethics education
- Present your findings at an on-campus research symposium
- Engage with faculty members, industry professionals and fellow researchers
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Receive on-campus lodging plus a stipend