Graduate students in the MS program carry out significant research project which will lead to the publication of the work. MA students carry out directed literature research resulting in a paper reviewing some aspect of biological science for publication.

We strongly encourage our undergraduate students to be involved in research. In doing so, the students gain invaluable skills in laboratory and field techniques, and develop better understanding of the scientific process. Students often carry out independent research, present their finding in professional meetings, and publish their results.

Dave Baker

M.S. student David Baker (R) won the College of Arts and Sciences Award for Outstanding Presentation by a Graduate Student for his presentation entitiled, "Stable Isotope Analysis of Gorgonia ventalina: Spatial Variability and Trophic Status as Indicated by 15N". Mr. Baker was advised on this project by Dr. Kiho Kim (L), Director of the Environmental Studies Program at American University.

Mr. Baker also won the prestigious National Science Foundation-Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
Program (NSF-IGERT) for the 2004-2005 academic year. The award provides for support of graduate student stipends and a Cost of Education allowance.

Ethan Bassett

Ethan Bassett won a University Honors Program 2004 Capstone Award for his outstanding research project titled “Tissue Turnover Rates in Mus Musculus using Stable Isotope Analysis”. Ethan (L), is pictured here
with his advisor, Dr. Stephen MacAvoy.

Lanna Ali-Hassan

Lanna Ali-hassan, an MS student in the Department of Biology, is compiling a database for internal use only of all public notices for listing endangered species in her position as an intern at NOAA's Office of Protected Resources.  The document will detail the history of regulations for all species within NOAA oversight jurisdiction, including dolphins, seals and fish.  Lanna's work will provide all the information needed to track the legal process from the initial petition all the way to listing or, in some cases, the refusal to list endangered species. 

Vittoria Delucia

At American University's Fourteenth Annual Student Research Conference, Vittoria Delucia, an AU science student, won the College of Arts and Sciences Award for the Best Presentation by an Undergraduate of a
Visual Informational Display. Vittoria's poster was entitiled, "Labeling neurotransmitters in the retina". She is pictured here (R) with her advisor, Dr. Victoria Connaughton.

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