Mentored Research in Biological Sciences

At Mount Holyoke, students can apply to carry out mentored research with a faculty member in Biological Sciences at any point during their undergraduate career.

You do not need prior research experience, and you do not need to be a Biological Sciences major to apply.

Whether your interests lie in gene expression, animal behavior, plant biology, neuroscience, or beyond, research experiences allow you to deepen your understanding of biology through hands-on discovery.

Our laboratory courses provide a strong foundation, giving you experience designing experiments, working with modern equipment, collecting data, and analyzing results. Mentored research builds on these skills and offers opportunities to contribute to ongoing faculty-led projects or to pursue your own questions.

Pathways into Research

Students can participate in research for academic credit during the fall or spring semesters through BIOL-295 or BIOL-395 Independent Study. Time commitments can range from just-getting-your-feet-wet (e.g. 1-2 credits of BIOL-295), to spending your senior year taking 8 credits of BIOL-395 working on an original Senior Honors thesis.

Paid opportunities are also often available during the summer, funded by LYNK or faculty grants.

Finding Opportunities

To learn more about faculty research programs and to explore current research opportunities,  visit the following links:

• Biological Sciences Faculty Research Profiles

• Research Opportunities in Biological Sciences (updated regularly)

Applying to Research Labs

All students seeking new research positions must submit the departmental application form, even if you have already spoken with a faculty member or applied in a previous semester. This process allows us to track interest and ensure equitable access.

Note that students who are continuing 295/395 research in the same lab, with faculty approval, do not need to reapply.

There are three application deadlines each year:

• March: for summer research opportunities

• April: for fall semester research opportunities

• November: for spring semester research opportunities

See the top of this page for information on specific due dates and the status of particular application cycles.

What to Expect

Despite wanting to make mentored research available to all students, positions are limited. Placement in a lab may take more than one application cycle, and we encourage you to apply multiple semesters in a row. 

Students may apply to multiple labs, including in other departments, but may accept only one offer.

After applications are reviewed, faculty mentors will contact selected students directly. A final notification will be sent once the process is complete.

Questions?

Biology faculty are always happy to talk about research, please don’t hesitate to reach out!