Interested in Joining Us?

Lewis-Clark State College is a primarily undergraduate student institution, and has only undergraduate students in the life sciences. As such, the research our lab accomplishes is driven entirely by undergraduate students.

Fortunately, mentoring undergraduate students is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job and the primary reason I wanted to work at LC State. 

I am always excited to welcome new students into the research lab. Below I have outlined some of the responsibilities I take on as a mentor of undergraduate students and the expectations that you would take on as a research student in the lab.

My responsibilities to students: 

• Ensure that you receive the appropriate training (either from me directly or from senior students in the lab) to enable you to work on the team to complete experiments and to participate in regular lab tasks.

• Assist you in the development of your scientific skills – the scientific method, forming hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, communicating results (written and oral).

• Oversee the analyzing and interpreting of research results.

• Substantially contribute to the writing of and editing of written research results.

• Meet regularly to discuss research and coursework progress.

• Discuss future career goals with you and help you plan ways to achieve those goals.

• My responsibilities will not end with your graduation. I continue to be available as a reference, an advisor, or a friend to graduated research students as they begin their own career journeys.

Undergraduate Student Expectations in the Lab:

The most important aspects of work in the lab involve good communication. That includes personal communication and scientific communication. Below is a list of student expectations for working in the lab:

• Utilize the lab communication methods to keep Eric and others apprised of things that are happening in the lab and/or issues that affect your lab activities.

• Respond in a timely manner to communications from Eric or other students regarding lab activities.

• Make sure you are receiving lab communications so you can respond to them as necessary.

• Be available in the lab for a minimum number of pre-arranged hours to facilitate interactions and research progress.

• Participate in lab meetings (weekly, when possible)

• Maintain a set of lab notes, including detailed methods, results, and information about data storage location. 

  • Methods need to be sufficient to reproduce results without additional instructions.

• Keep up with your coursework and maintain passing grades in your courses.

  • You are, first and foremost, students. Your coursework is your first priority, and your participation in the lab requires that you are succeeding in your coursework.

  • Any time conflicts arise between your coursework commitments and lab commitments, it is crucial that you communicate with Eric to make sure necessary lab duties are covered by others.

• Participation in the lab may continue until graduation upon mutual agreement.

• Interest in summer research experience should be communicated to Eric.

If you want to be considered for a position in the lab, your first step is to fill out this form. Eric will contact you from there.

Feel free to browse this site for more information on the lab.