Vertically Integrated Project

Started in Fall 2022, Current ISU students at every level - undergraduate or graduate, can sign up for AMOEBA=Mentored Research Alliance with Drs. Ray and Pradhan!

Research Roundup 2023

What is VIP?

VIP is a research-based mechanism for multiple students to work on a single project across several years (for course credit; 1 credit= 50 h per semester; no limit to the number of semesters). Students work in a group setting to solve a real-word question and engage in solving scientific mystries through working on different aspects of the problem.

From beginning researchers, to experienced scholars - there is something in it for everybody.

Try it out to see if it is the right fit for you!

Within the framework of this course, students will build conceptual mastery gradually and reinforced through a variety of activities that draw on increasingly higher order skills, ultimately culminating in independent research in molecular biology and related areas. In accordance with the National Research Council, students will gain a fundamental understanding of living systems from the organismal to molecular level. 

This goal will be accomplished through students works on describing the anatomical distribution of endocrine network genes and developmental genes in Lythrypnus dalli. 

How does VIP work?

3-7 students, including graduates and undergraduates will enroll per semester. The Diverse “big ideas” of introductory biology will be woven throughout, especially when a student takes a class for the first time. Modules will include web resources and one-on-one training that help students gain the toolset for research: background literature searches, writing in laboratory notebooks, recording, and analyzing data, and making graphs. Students will engage in scientific cycles of observation, hypothesis formulation and hypothesis testing, and communication – modules that instructors and graduate student(s)  will develop.

Why choose a VIP?

• Work independently or in a team-based setting - either way, you develop a research community
• Learn from your peers and teach your peers
• Flexible hours 
• Opportunity to work on your own research question under the general theme
• Learn vigorous scientific opproaches, ethics in research, and cutting edge research tools
• Great opportunity to pursue an Honors Thesis or Senior Thesis
• Highly invested students can author a scientific paper by graduation
• Graduate students get mentoring opportunity, learn project management skills 
• Opportunities to present at scientific conferences
• Great way to build relationships with your senior mentors for future recommendation letters