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Molecular and Cellular Biology Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

The Impact of a Non-ionic Adjuvant to the Persistence of Pesticides on Produce Surfaces , Daniel Barnes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating the Role of Got2 in Murine Organogenesis and Placenta Development , Olivia Macrorie, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Chromatin Accessibility Impacts Knockout of Mt-Bell4 Transcription Factor , Thomas Redden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTIONAL IMPACT OF DISEASE-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHORYLATION SITES ON THE NEURODEGENERATIVE PROTEIN TAU , Navya T. Sebastian, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2023 2023

Elucidating the Priming Mechanism of ClpXP Protease by Single-Domain Response Regulator CpdR in Caulobacter crescentus , Kimberly E. Barker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Discovery of a Novel Bacteria from a Large Co-assembly of Metagenomes , Matthew Finkelberg, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating Diterpene Biosynthesis in Medicago Truncatula , Sungwoo Hwang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Combining Simulation and the MspA Nanopore to Study p53 Dynamics and Interactions , Samantha A. Schultz, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Caulobacter ClpXP Adaptor PopA’s Domain Interactions in the Adaptor Hierarchy of CtrA Degradation , Thomas P. Scudder, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Climate Change, Giant Viruses and Their Putative Hosts , Sarah K. Tucker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2022 2022

Changes in Gene Expression From Long-Term Warming Revealed Using Metatranscriptome Mapping to FAC-Sorted Bacteria , Christopher A. Colvin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Determining CaMKII Variant Activities and Their Roles in Human Disease , Matthew J. Dunn, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Developmental Exposures to PFAS Mixtures Impair Elongation of the Exocrine Pancreas in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) , Emily M. Formato, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Metatranscriptomic Analysis of the Long-Term Effects of Warming on the Harvard Forest Soil Microbiome , Brooke A. Linnehan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Family in the Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex , Daniel Norment, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2021 2021

Exploring Knockdown Phenotypes and Interactions between ATAD3 Proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana , Eli S. Gordon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Development of a Site-Specific Labeling Assay to Study the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion Translocon in Native Membranes , Kyle A. Mahan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Liposomal Nanoparticles Target TLR7/8-SHP2 to Repolarize Macrophages to Aid in Cancer Immunotherapy , Vaishali Malik, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Hsp70 Phosphorylation: A Case Study of Serine Residues 385 and 400 , Sashrika Saini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Activation of Nrf2 at Critical Windows of Development Alters Protein S-Glutathionylation in the Zebrafish Embryo (Danio rerio) , Emily G. Severance, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Utilizing Fluorescence Microscopy to Characterize the Subcellular Distribution of the Novel Protein Acheron , Varun Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2020 2020

The Association Between Sperm DNA Methylation and Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number , Emily Houle, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Gene Expression Regulation in the Mouse Liver by Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complexes I and II , Anthony Poluyanoff, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Biomarkers as a Measure of Male Fecundity and Overall Sperm Quality , Allyson Rosati, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Exploration of the Association between Muscle Volume and Bone Geometry Reveals Surprising Relationship at the Genetic Level , Prakrit Subba, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2019 2019

Studies on the Interaction and Organization of Bacterial Proteins on Membranes , Mariana Brena, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating The Role Of LBH During Early Embryonic Development In Xenopus Laevis , Emma Weir, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2018 2018

Exploring the Influence of PKC-theta Phosphorylation on Notch1 Activation and T Helper Cell Differentiation , Grace Trombley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2017 2017

Partial Craniofacial Cartilage Rescue in ace/fgf8 Mutants from Compensatory Signaling From the Ventricle of Danio Rerio , Douglas A. Calenda II, Molecular & Cellular Biology

THE FAR C-TERMINUS OF TPX2 CONTRIBUTES TO SPINDLE MORPHOGENESIS , Brett Estes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Calcium Homeostasis Parameters in TRPV3 and CaV3.2 Double Null Mice , Aujan Mehregan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Microtransplantation of Rat Brain Neurolemma into Xenopus Laevis Oocytes to Study the Effect of Environmental Toxicants on Endogenous Voltage-Sensitive Ion Channels , Edwin Murenzi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Katanin Activity on Microtubules , Madison A. Tyler, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2016 2016

The Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating the Translatability and Stability of Target Messenger RNAs During the Atrophy and Programmed Cell Death of the Intersegmental Muscles of the Tobacco Hawkmoth Manduca sexta. , Elizabeth Chan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An in Vivo Study of Cortical Dynein Dynamics and its Contribution to Microtubule Sliding in the Midzone , Heather M. Jordan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Genetic Analysis of Cichlid Scale Morphology , Kenta C. Kawasaki, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modulation of Notch in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis , Manit Nikhil Munshi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

One-Carbon Metabolism Related B-Vitamins Alter The Expression Of MicroRNAS And Target Genes Within The Wnt Signaling Pathway In Mouse Colonic Epithelium , Riccardo Racicot, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterizing the Inhibition of Katanin Using Tubulin Carboxy-Terminal Tail Constructs , Corey E. Reed, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Identification of Notch1 Functional Domains Responsible for its Physical Interaction with PKCθ , Wesley D. Rossiter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Dynamics of Microtubule Networks with Antiparallel Crosslinkers , Kasimira T. Stanhope, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modifications of Myofilament Structure and Function During Global Myocardial Ischemia , Mike K. Woodward, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2015 2015

Regulation of Jak1 and Jak2 Synthesis through Non-Classical Progestin Receptors , Hillary Adams, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Antineoplastic Effects of Rhodiola Crenulata on B16-F10 Melanoma , Maxine Dudek, Molecular & Cellular Biology

RNAi Validation of Resistance Genes and Their Interactions in the Highly DDT-Resistant 91-R Strain of Drosophila Melanogaster , Kyle Gellatly, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Protein-Protein Interactions for Therapeutic Drug Design Utilizing Mass Spectrometry , Alex J. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Promoting Extracellular Matrix Crosslinking in Synthetic Hydrogels , Marcos M. Manganare, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Reconstituted and Native Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon , Kathryn R. Monopoli, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Thermocycle-regulated WALL REGULATOR INTERACTING bHLH Encodes a Protein That Interacts with Secondary-Cell-Wall-Associated Transcription Factors , Ian P. Whitney, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2014 2014

Engineering Camelina sativa for Biofuel Production via increasing oil yield and tolerance to abiotic stresses , Kenny Ablordeppey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Designing a Pore-Forming Toxin Cytolysin A (ClyA) Specific to Target Cancer Cells , Alzira Rocheteau Avelino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of the Novel Lupus Antigen, Acheron, in Moderating Life and Death Decisions , Ankur Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Expression and Purification of Human Lysosomal β-galactosidase from Pichia Pastoris , Sarah E. Tarullo, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Properties of Potential Substrates of a Cyanobacterial Small Heat Shock Protein , Yichen Zhang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2013 2013

Characterizing the Heavy Metal Chelator, Tpen, as a Ca2+ Tool in the Mammalian Oocyte , Robert A. Agreda Mccaughin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sustainable Biofuels Production Through Understanding Fundamental Bacterial Pathways Involved in Biomass Degradation and Sugar Utilization , James CM Hayes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stiffness and Modulus and Independent Controllers of Breast Cancer Metastasis , Dannielle Ryman, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2012 2012

The Pyrethroid Deltamethrin, Which Causes Choreoathetosis with Salivation (CS-Syndrome), Enhances Calcium Ion Influx via Phosphorylated CaV2.2 expresssed in Xenopus laevis oocytes , Anna-maria Alves, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Test of the Hypothesis That Environmental Chemicals Interfere With Thyroid Hormone Action in Human Placenta , Katherine Geromini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analyzing the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Male-Female Interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. , Eric A. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Rhythmic Growth And Vascular Development In Brachypodium Distachyon , Dominick A. Matos, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Polymer Prodrug Conjugation to Tumor Homing Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Nick Panzarino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigation of Differential Vector Competence of Bartonella quintana in Human Head and Body Lice , Domenic j. Previte, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Downregulation of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase or Caffeic Acid O-Methyltransferase Leads to Improved Biological Conversion Efficiency in Brachypodium distachyon , Gina M. Trabucco, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2011 2011

Evolutionary Relationship of the ampC Resistance Gene In E. cloacae , Shanika S. Collins, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sex Difference in Calbindin Cell Number in the Mouse Preoptic Area: Effects of Neonatal Estradiol and Bax Gene Deletion , Richard F. Gilmore III, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Investigations of Polymer Conjugates as Therapeutics , Elizabeth M. Henchey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Examination of Sexually Dimorphic Cell Death in the Pubertal Mouse Brain , Amanda Holley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Human Niemann-Pick Type C2 Disease Protein Expression, Purification and Crystallization , Yurie T. Kim, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Revealing the Localization of the Class I Formin Family in the Moss Physcomitrella patens Using Gene Targeting Strategies , Kelli Pattavina, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Connecting Motors and Membranes: A Quantitative Investigation of Dynein Pathway Components and in vitro Characterization of the Num1 Coiled Coil Domain , Bryan J. St. Germain, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2010 2010

The Protective Effects A Full-term Pregnancy Plays Against Mammary Carcinoma , Matthew p. Carter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analysis Of An Actin Binding Guanine Exchange Factor, Gef8, And Actin Depolymerizing Factor In Arabidopsis Thaliana. , Aleksey Chudnovskiy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of Ykl-40, a Secreted Heparin-Binding Glycoprotein, in Tumor Angiogenesis, Metastasis, and Progression: a Potential Therapeutic Target , Michael Faibish, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Visualization of Hedgehog Signaling in Zebrafish , Christopher J. Ferreira, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An In Vivo Study of the Mammalian Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 , Alyssa D. Gable, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Identification of Dynein Binding Sites in Budding Yeast Pac1/LIS1 , Christopher W. Meaden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Functional Characterization of Arabidopsis Formin Homologues Afh1, Afh5, Afh6, Afh7 and Afh8 , Shahriar Niroomand, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Crbp1 In Mammary Epithelial Cells , Stacy L. Pease, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Labeling Of A Model β-Clam Protein With A Fluorescent Amino Acid , Mangayarkarasi Periasamy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Characterization of Interactions Among Dynein Complex Components at Microtubule Plus Ends , Karen M. Plevock, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Anti-Diabetic Potentials of Phenolic Enriched Chilean Potato and Select Herbs of Apiaceae and Lamiaceae Families , Fahad Saleem, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Interconversion of the Specificities of Human Lysosomal Enzymes , Ivan B. Tomasic, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Deletions of Fstl3 and/or Fst Isoforms 303 and 315 Results in Hepatic Steatosis , Nathan A. Ungerleider, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2009 2009

A New Laser Pointer Driven Optical Microheater for Precise Local Heat Shock , Mike Placinta, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2008 2008

Cysteine Dioxygenase: The Importance of Key Residues and Insight into the Mechanism of the Metal Center , Jonathan H. Leung, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Invertebrate Phenology and Prey Selection of Three Sympatric Species of Salmonids; Implications for Individual Fish Growth , Jeffrey V. Ojala, Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation

Paralemmin Splice Variants and mRNA and Protein Expression in Breast Cancer , Casey M. Turk, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stability of the frog motor nerve terminal: roles of perisynaptic Schwann cells and muscle fibers , Ling Xin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2007 2007

Antioxidant Response Mechanism in Apples during Post-Harvest Storage and Implications for Human Health Benefits , Ishan Adyanthaya, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Progress Towards A Model Flavoenzyme System , Kevin M. Bardon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The effect of Rhodiola crenulata on a highly metastatic murine mammary carcinoma , Jessica L. Doerner, Molecular & Cellular Biology

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212 Unique Biology Research Topics For Students And Researchers

Every student studying something related to biology — botany, marine, animal, medicine, molecular or physical biology, is in an interesting field. It’s a subject that explores how animate and inanimate objects relate to themselves. The field unveils the past, the present, and what lies in the future of the relationship between the living and nonliving things.

This is precisely why you need custom and quality biology topics for your college and university essay or project. It’ll make it easy to brainstorm, research, and get to writing straight away. Before the deep dive, what is biology?

What Is Biology?

Everyone knows it’s the scientific study of life, but beyond that, biology facilitates the comprehension of living and nonliving things. It’s a branch that explores their anatomy, behavior, distribution, morphology, and physiology.

For example, it understands how genes are classified and constituted into generations. It encompasses various branches, including botany, medicine, genetics, ecology, marine biology, zoology, and molecular biology.

Here are what some of these mean:

Botany: This study of plants examines their structure, physiology, ecology, economic importance, and distribution, among others. It also deals with their biochemical processes, properties, and social interactions between plants. It extends to how plants are vital for human life, survival, and growth and how they play a significant role in stabilizing environmental health. Zoology: Zoology studies animal behavior, brain, structure, physiology, class, and distribution. It’s the general study of the lives of both living and extinct animals. It explains animal classification, the animal kingdom, evolution, habitat, embryology, and life span. Physiology: Physiology deals with the daily functions of the human body: How it works and the factors that make it work. It examines molecular behavior, the chemistry and physics behind locomotion, and how the cells in the living organisms’ body function. It helps understand how humans and animals get sick and what can be done to alleviate pain. Microbiology: Dealing with microorganisms, it examined how viruses, algae, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and slime molds become parts of human life. They’re regarded as microbes, which play substantial roles in the human biochemical processes, including climate change, biodegradation, biodeterioration, food spoilage, biotech, and epidemiology. Marine Biology: This is the scientific study of organs in the sea. It understands their family classification, how they survive, and what makes wild marine animals different from domesticated and consumable ones. It also explores their interaction with the environment through several processes. The marine biologist studies marines in their natural environment, collects data on their characteristics, human impact on their living, and how they relate with themselves.

Now that you know all these, here are some custom biology topics to research for your university or college essay and paper.

Controversial Biology Topics

There are many controversial subjects in every field, and biology isn’t exempt from controversy. If you’d like to create an original essay through diverse opinions, here are biology topics for you:

• What are your thoughts on the post-Roe V Wade world?
• How can the post-Roe V Wade policy affect developing countries looking up to America for their laws?
• Abortion and feminism: discuss
• Does saving life justify cloning?
• Explain the principle of abortion in medical practice
• The effects of cloning in medicine
• How does genetics contribute to obesity?
• Explain why a parent could have Hepatitis B virus and only one of five offspring have the virus
• Is homosexuality really in the gene?
• How does depression correlate with genetics?
• Additives and how they affect the genes
• Examine how genetic mutations work
• Discuss the grounds that you could prove for legalizing human cloning
• Which is more immoral: Human or animal cloning?
• How is nanotechnology different from biotechnology?
• Discuss the manifestation of nanotechnology in science
• Explain three instances where public opinion has held back scientific inventions
• How does transgenic crop work?
• Would you say genetically modified food is safe for consumption?
• Explain why sexual abuse leads to trauma.

Biology Research Paper Topics

You’d need to write an extensive paper on biology one day. This could be when you’re in your final year in college or the university or submitting to a competition. You’d need Biology topics to research for brainstorming, and here are 30 of them:

• Stem cells and tissue formation processes
• Why are there different congenital disabilities?
• Mixtures in anticancer drugs?
• What are the complexities of existing HIV drugs?
• What is the contribution of chemotherapy to cancer?
• Examine the chemotherapy process and why it doesn’t work for some patients.
• Explain the origin of developmental diseases
• How do germs affect the cells?
• What are the consequences of the sun on the white person’s and black person’s skin?
• Why are some diseases treatable through drugs while some are not?
• Scientific lessons learned from COVID-19 and ideas to tackle the next virus
• If animals are carriers of the virus, what should be done to them?
• Examine five animals in extinction and what led to it
• Discuss the subject of endangered species and why people should care
• Is a plant-based diet sustainable for human health?
• Account for the consequence of living on Mars on human health
• Discuss the inconveniences involved in space travel
• How does space flight contribute to environmental disasters
• Discuss the emergence of leukemia
• Explain how the immune systems in humans work
• Evaluate the factors that weaken the immunological system
• What would you consider the deadliest virus?
• Autoimmune: what is it, origin and consequences
• Immune disorder: origin and how it affects the body
• Does stress affect the ability to have sex?
• Contribution of vaccine to eradicating disease: Discuss
• What are the complexities in taking the Hepatitis B vaccine while being positive?
• Allergies: why do humans have them?
• DNA modification: how does it work?
• Explain the misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Interesting Biology Topics

Biology doesn’t have to be boring. Different aspects of biology could be fun to explore, especially if you’ve had a flair for the study since your elementary school classes.

You can either write an essay or paper with the following interesting biology research topics:

• Human emotions and conflicts with their intellectual intelligence
• Emotions: Its influence on art and music and how the perception of art influences the world
• The consequences of marijuana and alcohol on teenagers
• Compare and contrast how alcohol affects teenagers and adults
• Discuss the contributions of neuroscience to the subject of emotional pain
• Explain how the brain process speech
• Discuss the factors that cause autism
• Explain what is meant when people say humans are animals
• Why do scientists say humans are pessimists?
• Factors contributing to the dopamine levels human experience
• How does isolation affect the human brain?
• What factors contribute to instinctive responses?
• Noise pollution: how it affects living organisms
• Fire ecology: The contributions of plants to fire outbreak
• Explain the science behind how hot temperature, soil, and dry grass start a fire
• Microbes: what do you understand by bioremediation?
• Explain urban ecology and the challenges it pokes to solve
• Discuss how excessive internet usage affects the human memory
• Evaluate how conservation biology contributes to the extinction prevention efforts
• Discuss the role of satellites and drones in understanding the natural world
• Why do we need space travel and studies?
• Explain the limitations of limnology studies
• What are infectious-disease-causing agents all about?
• Discuss what epigenetics studies encompass
• Why is cancer research essential to the world?
• Discuss climate change: Governments are not interested, and there is no alternative
• How is behavioral science studies a core part of the understanding of the world?
• Discuss the issues with genetic engineering and why it’s a challenge
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the arguments for a plant-based diet
• Create a survey amongst students of biology asking why they chose to study the course.

Biology Research Topics For College Students

If you find any of the above beyond your intellectual and Research capacity, here are some topics you can handle. You can use these for your essays, projects, quizzes, or competitions.

These custom yet popular biology research topics will examine famous personalities and other discourse in biology:

• Effects of the human hormone on the mind
• Why do men get erect even when they’re absentminded?
• How does women’s arousal work?
• How can melatonin be valuable for therapy?
• Risky behavior: Hormones responsible for the risk
• Stem and cloning: what is the latest research on the subject?
• Hormones: changes in pregnancy
• Why do pregnant women have an appetite for random and remote things?
• The role of physical activities in hormone development
• Examine the benefits and threats of transgenic crops
• The fight against COVID-19: assess current successes
• The fight against smallpox: assess current successes
• The fight against HIV: history, trends, and present research
• Discuss the future of prosthetic appliances
• Examine the research and the future of mind-controlled limbs
• What does cosmetic surgery mean, and why is it needed?
• Analyze the meaning and process of vascular surgery
• Discuss the debate around changes in genital organs for males and females in transgender bodies
• How do donors and organ transplants work?
• Account for the work of Dr. Malcom E Miller
• Discuss the contribution of Charles Darwin to human evolution
• Explain the trends in biomedicine
• Discuss the functions of x-rays in botany
• Assess the most efficient systems for wildlife preservation
• Examine how poverty contributes to climate hazards
• Discuss the process involved in plant metabolism
• The transformation of energy into a living thing: discuss
• Prevention for sexually transmitted disease: What are the misconceptions?
• Analyze how the human body reacts to poison
• Russian Poisoning: What are the lessons scientists must learn?
• COVID-19: Discuss the efforts by two or three governments to prevent the spread
• Discuss the contributions of Pfizer during the pandemic.

Marine Biology Research Topics

This subject explains orgasms in the sea, how they survive, and their interaction with their environment. If you have a flair for this field, the following Biology research topics may interest you:

• Discuss what quantitative ecology through modeling means
• Smallest diatoms and marine logistics: discuss
• How is the shark studied?
• Acidification of seas: Causes and consequences
• Discuss the concept of the immortality of Jellyfishes
• Discuss the differences between seawater and freshwater in marine study
• Account for some of the oldest marine species
• Discuss the evolution of the deep sea
• Explain whales’ communication techniques
• What does plankton ecology encompass?
• The importance of coral reefs to seawater
• Challenges that encompass geological oceanography
• How tourism affects natural animal habitat
• Discuss some instances of the domestication of wild marine animals
• Coastal zone: pros and cons of living in such areas
• How do sharks perceive enemies?
• Analyze why some animals can live in water but can’t live on land
• Explain how plants survive in the sea
• Compare and contrast the different two species of animals in the water
• How can marine energy be generated, stored, and used?

Molecular Biology Research Topics

Focusing on the construct of cells and analysis of their composition, it understands the alteration and maintenance of cellular processes. If you’d like to focus on molecular biology, here are 15 good biology research topics for you:

• Ethical considerations in molecular genetics
• Discuss the structure and component of the gene
• Examine the restrictions in DNA
• What are the peculiarities in modern nucleic acid analysis
• What goes into the Pharmaceutical production of drugs
• Evaluate the building blocks of life
• Discuss the systems of RNA translation to protein
• PCR: How DNA is tested and analyzed
• Why is prion disease so dangerous?
• Compare and contrast recessive genes vs. dominant genes
• Can there be damage to the human DNA, and can it be repaired?
• Constraints in the research of microarray data analysis
• Protein purification: How it evolves
• Objectives of nucleic acid
• Explain the structure of a prion.

Biology Research Topics For High School

Your teachers and professors will be awed if you create impeccable essays for your next report. You need to secure the best grades as you move closer to graduation, and brainstorming any of these popular biology research topics will help:

• Identify the most endangered species
• The challenges to animal extinction
• What are the things everyone should know about sea life?
• Discuss the history of genetics
• Explain the biological theory of Charles Darwin
• How did the lockdown affect social interaction?
• Why do some people refuse the vaccine?
• Origin of genetics
• What is animal hunting, and why is it fashionable
• Explain the evolution of a virus
• Role of lockdown in preventing deaths and illnesses
• Invasive species: What does it mean?
• Endangered animals: How do they survive in the face of their hazards?
• Lockdown and their role in reducing coronavirus transmission
• Vaccine distribution: Ideas for global distribution
• Why can viruses become less virulent?
• Discuss the evolution of the world
• Explain the evolution of the planet
• Explain what Elon Musk means when he says life on Mars is possible
• What does herd immunity mean?
• Flu: why is there a low incidence in 2020?
• Relationship between archaeology and biology
• Antiviral drug: What it means
• Factors leading to the evolution of humans
• Give instances of what natural selection means
• What is considered the dead branches of evolution
• Whale hunting: What it means and the present trends
• Who is Stephen Jay, and what is his role in paleontology?
• Origin of diseases: why must humans fall sick?
• Why are humans called higher animals?

Human Biology Research Topics

Human biology understands humans and their relationship between themselves and their environment. It also studies how the body works and the impediments to health. Here are some easy biology research topics to explore on the subject:

• How do gut bacteria affect the brain?
• What are the ethical concerns around organ transplants?
• The consequence of alcohol on the liver
• The consequences of extreme salt on the human body
• Why do humans need to deworm regularly?
• The relationship between obesity and genetics
• Genetically modified foods: Why are they needed?
• How sun exposure affects human skin
• Latest trends: Depression is hereditary
• Influence of music on the human brain
• What are the stages of lung cancer
• Forensic DNA: latest trends
• How visual consumptions affect how humans think
• What is the process that leads to pregnancy?
• Explain the role of nanotechnology in HIV research
•  Discuss any experiment with stem cells you know about
• Explain how humans consume food
• Discuss the process of metabolism as well as its criticality to human health
• Explore the consistent challenges technology poses to human health
• Explain the process of body decay to a skeleton.

Cell Biology Research Topics

There are many evolutionary biology research paper topics formed not by the nomenclature but for what they stand for. Cell biology is one of the most complex branches of the field.

It examines minor units and the living organisms that make them up. The focus is on the relationship between the cytoplasm, membrane, and parts of the cell. Here are some topics to explore for your scientific dissertation writing :

• How does chromatin engage in the alterations of gene expression?
• What are the usual cell infections, and why does the body have immunity defections?
• Identify and account for the heritage of Robert Brown in his core career focus
• Explain the structure of the animal cell and why It’s what it is
• Identify the cells in the human body as well as their functions
• Explain a scenario and justify the context of animals photosynthesizing like plants
• Why do bacteria invade the body, and how do they do it?
• Why are mitochondria considered the powerhouse of the cell
• Use the molecular analysis tool to explain multicellular organisms
• Examine how the White blood cells fight disease
• What do you understand about the role of cell biology in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
• What are the latest research methods in cell biology?
• Identify the characteristics of viruses and why they threaten human existence.
• Discuss the differences between DNA and RNA
• What part of the body is responsible for human functionality for as long as the individual wants?

Get Biology Research Help As Soon As Possible

Creating the best essays or papers is easier now that you have custom biology research topics. However, you may still need support writing your paper beyond these topic ideas. After all, the first stage of writing like experts is brainstorming ideas and researching which is most feasible to write about.

If you truly want to wow your professor or teacher but can’t afford to dedicate all the required time, here’s an alternative. You can hire writing helpers online for quality papers at a cheap price, and we can help with that. We are a team of writers with many years of writing experience for students in Europe and North America. You can even buy thesis online with us, as well as editing services.

Each paper is assigned to writers with expertise in a specific field. This enables them to provide in-depth analysis as your assignment requires. We’re based online, which means you won’t have issues with accessibility and availability. Just tell us what you need, and we will get it done.

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Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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Senior thesis examples.

Graduating seniors in Biological Sciences have the option of submitting a senior thesis for consideration for Honors and Research Prizes .  Below are some examples of particularly outstanding theses from recent years (pdf):

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150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?
• 2 How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?
• 3.1 15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research
• 3.2 15 Immune System Biology Research Topics
• 3.3 15 Cell Biology Research Topics
• 3.4 15 DNA Research Topics
• 3.5 15 Molecular Biology Research Topics
• 3.6 15 Neurobiology Research Topics
• 3.7 15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics
• 3.8 15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research
• 3.9 15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics
• 3.10 15 Animals Biology Research Topics
• 3.11 15 Marine Biology Research Topics
• 3.12 15 Zoology Research Topics
• 3.13 15 Genetics Research Topics
• 3.14 15 Biotechnology Research Topics
• 3.15 15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Biology is one of the most magnetic fields of study these days. If you want to be a biologist or scientist in the future, there is no better time to start than right now. Biology research topics covered in this article will keep you busy and interested. Writing a research paper is one of the best ways to dip your toes into the field. Before doing that, you need to know some good topics for the research paper . They should be suitable for biology students rather than cutting-edge researchers. On Papersowl.com , we provide as many biology research paper examples as possible so that you have a huge choice.

What Is Biology? What Topics Might Biologists Study?

Biology is simply the study of everything that has a form of life. It includes investigations on plants, animals, and everything found in the environment. It is about studying how life forms grow, develop, and interact with each other. Biology essay topics for research encompass all these and more.

This science uncovers many fields where various life forms are studied. It makes sense to look through these fields to help you decide which suits you the best.

Plant Biology research topics are about studying the plants around us. They disclose information about their existence as a part of the ecosystem, their life cycle, resources they can give us, their ability to preserve them from climate changes, and so on. There are many ideas to choose from, but you must focus on a specific one.

Human Biology research topics are all about us. These topics focus on different body parts, such as the human brain, the human immunological system, the nervous system, etc. In addition, you can discuss DNA modifications in humans and explain why genetic disorders occur in your research projects. Various cell research is also common today.

Biology research topics on the environment are in great demand too. For example, climate change is becoming a more significant threat every day. By studying environmental topics in biology for projects and research, we can come up with ways to combat them and preserve ecosystems.

Microbiology research topics delve into things we can’t see. There are trillions of microbes and bacteria all around us. Knowing about them is essential to understanding what makes us sick and how to fight against them. All microbiology research paper topics are pretty complicated yet very engaging to include in your paper research.

Molecular biology topics dive even deeper into the level of atoms and molecules. The various medicines and drugs we take were all created through molecular-biology research. It is one of the areas full of ideas, but there is yet to be much evidence. Science is advancing in this realm but still needs a lot of time. Topics of molecular biology will need days for research only.

Keep in mind that there are more ideas and variations of this science. We offer more examples in further sections of the article about developmental biology, marine biology, evolutionary biology, etc. Explore them and make your writing appealing and meaningful in the eyes of a professor.

How to Choose a Topic for Biology Research Paper?

When choosing a biology project topic, you must be aware of one or more fields of science. Biology research is critical to the present world. By doing research, we can learn more about genetic disorders, immune disorders, mental health, natural disease resistance, etc. Knowing about each of these could save lives in the future.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are research paper writing services that can provide assistance with the project. And we are always here to help you find your own topic among interesting biology research topics. Here we prepared some useful tips to follow.

• Tip 1: The level of interest matters Pay attention to one that interests you, and you might have ideas on how to develop the topic. Passion is fundamental in research, after all.
• Tip 2: Explore the topic Try to narrow things down a bit. If the topic is too broad, you may not be able to cover all aspects of it in one research paper. If it is too narrow, the paper could end up too short. Analyze the topic and the ways to approach it. By doing so, you can strike a balance between the two.
• Tip 3: Discover the recent developments To make your research paper touchable with the present day, you must explore the latest developments in the field. You can find out what kind of research has been done recently by looking at journals. Check out research papers, topics, research articles, and other sources.
• Tip 4: Ensure to get enough resources When choosing a topic, make sure it has plenty of resources available. For example, a research paper on xenobiology or cutting-edge nanobiology might sound attractive. Still, you might have difficulties getting data and resources for those unless you are a researcher at a government lab. Data, resources, complex numbers, and statistics are all invaluable to writing a paper about these topics.

That is why we have selected a range of biological topics. The topics on this list are all hopefully exciting topics for research you could write an excellent paper on. We should also add that easy biology topics to research are rare, and a writer usually needs days to prepare and start writing. Yes, biology research topics for high school students are a bit easier, but still, they need time to explore them.

On the other hand, biology research topics for college students are far more complex and detailed. Some people prefer evolutionary biology research paper topics, and we can agree with this claim. These research areas do have a lot of potential and a lot of data to support the claims. Others prefer cell biology research topics that are a bit specific and fun. Anyway, with this article’s list of easy biology research topics, you will surely find the one matching your interest.

For those who may not have the time or resources to do their own research, there are provide assistance with the project.

Top Research Biology Paper Topics

This section contains a large selection of research biology paper topics. You will be able to find one that will suit you the best. The only thing left is to decide what variation of science you prefer. Whether you’re interested in microbiology, genetics, or any other type of science, you’ll find a topic to get you started. If you’re ever stuck or need some extra help, you can always pay someone to write your paper for you. So, take a look, and choose the perfect topic for your project!

15 Developmental Biology Topics For Research

Exploring the processes of how cells grow and develop is exciting. The human body contains millions of cells, and it’s interesting to research their behavior under different conditions. If you feel like writing about it, you can find some interesting biology topics below.

• How do stem cells form different tissues?
• How are tumors formed?
• Duplication of genomes
• Plasticity of development
• Different birth defects
• Interactions between genes and the environment
• Anticancer drugs mixtures
• Developmental diseases: Origin
• Drosophila Oogenesis
• Most deadly viruses
• Most deadly bacteria in the world
• How do germs affect cells?
• How does leukemia start?
• Development of the cardiovascular system in children
• How do autoimmune diseases start and affect the human body?

15 Immune System Biology Research Topics

For decades, many scientists and immunologists have studied the human immune system and tried to explain its reaction to various pathogens. This area allows you to deepen into it and reveal how a body protects itself from harmful impact. Look over the biology research questions below and find your match-up.

• How does the human body’s immune system work?
• The human immune system: How to strengthen it?
• What makes the immunological system weaker?
• The notion of auto-immune diseases and their effect on the body’s immune system
• The global HIV/aids epidemic
• What methods are used to prevent the spread of hives?
• Living with auto-immune diseases
• Genetics and the immune system: effects and consequences
• How do immune disorders affect the body, and what causes them?
• Are allergies signs of worrying about an immune disorder?
• DNA modification in solving immune disorders
• Stress as the biggest ruiner of the immunological system
• Vaccines as strong supporters of the immunological system
• The perception of vaccines in society
• Why do some people refuse vaccines and put others around them in danger?

15 Cell Biology Research Topics

Cell study might seem challenging yet very engaging. It will be a good idea to compare various types of cells and compare them in animals and plants. Make your choice from the list of cell biology research topics below.

• The structure of an animal cell
• Mitochondria and its meaning in cell development
• Cells classification and their functions
• Red blood cells and their function in transporting oxygen
• White blood cells and their responsibility to fight diseases
• How are plant cells different from animal cells?
• What would it be if animals had a function to photosynthesize?
• Single-celled organisms: What is it, and how do they work?
• What processes do cells go through in division?
• Invasion of bacteria into the body
• Viruses – alive or not?
• Fungi: their reproduction and distribution
• Cancer cells: Why are they so dangerous?
• What methods are used to kill cancer cells?
• The role of stem cells and their potential in a body

15 DNA Research Topics

The variety of biology research topics for college students might impress you a lot. This is a science with a large field of investigation, disclosing much scientific information to use in your project. The notion of DNA and its gist are also excellent options to write about.

• The structure of the human DNA
• The main components of a DNA chain
• Why does DNA have a double-helix spiral structure?
• The purpose of chromosomes
• MRNA and its relation to DNA
• Do single-celled organisms have DNA?
• Do viruses have DNA?
• What happens if you have too many or too few chromosomes?
• Analyzing the structure of DNA using computers
• Uses for the DNA of extinct organisms like mammoths and dinosaurs
• Storing non-genetic information in DNA
• Can you write a computer program into human DNA?
• How does radiation affect DNA?
• Modifying DNA to treat aids
• Can we fight cancer through DNA modification?

15 Molecular Biology Research Topics

Do you prefer to research molecules’ chemical and physical composition? We gathered some molecular biology research topics to make your choice easier.

• The structure and components of a gene
• How do molecules move in and out of a cell?
• The basic building blocks of life
• How are drugs designed for humans?
• How is a vaccine designed to target a specific disease?
• Dominant genes vs. recessive genes
• Prion disease – why is it so dangerous?
• Hormones and their function in the body
• Developing artificial hormones from other animals
• How to carry out a western blot?
• Testing and analyzing DNA using PCR
• The three-dimensional structure of a molecule
• What is DNA transcription, and how is it used?
• The structure of a prion
• What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

15 Neurobiology Research Topics

The more you dive into science, the more exciting things you find. That’s about biology. Here, you can choose biology research topics for high school and try to reveal more simply.

• Nervous system: its structure and function
• Neurons as unique cells playing a central role in the nervous system
• What is the maximum reaction speed in a human?
• Reaction speed: how to improve it?
• Research on Organic Farming
• What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
• Why do we feel happy or sad?
• Headaches in terms of Neurobiology
• What are the reasons for neurobiological degeneration?
• Myths and reality of Amnesia
• What causes Alzheimer’s Disease, and what are the consequences of the disease?
• What is the treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?
• Studies on Narcolepsy and Insomnia: What are the causes?
• Is there a connection between Mental Health and Neurobiology?
• Emotions in terms of their reflection in the brain

15 Abortion, Human cloning, and Genetic Researches Topics

There are so many scientific researches and theories that society accepts or neglects. You can operate different notions and try to explain them, reflecting their advantages and downsides for a human being. We gathered some enticing life science research topics for high school students that might interest you.

• The controversy around abortion: legal or not?
• Can abortion be safe?
• Human cloning – reality vs. science-fiction
• The goals of cloning humans
• Are human cloning and transplantation ethical?
• Having a “perfect child” through gene therapy: Is it a myth?
• How far has gene therapy gone in genetic research?
• Advantages and disadvantages of gene therapy
• How gene therapy can help beat cancer
• How gene therapy can eliminate diabetes
• The opportunity to edit genes by CRISPR
• DNA modifications in humans to enhance our abilities – an ethical dilemma
• Will expensive gene therapy widen the gap between the rich and the poor?
• Cloning: the good and the Bad for a Generation
• The disadvantages of cloning
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15 Environmental and Ecology Topics for Your Research

The nature around us is so enormous and includes many branches to investigate. If you are keen on the environment and how ecology affects it, the list of follow-up biology paper topics might be helpful to you.

• The theory of evolution
• How does natural selection work?
• How do living organisms adapt to their environment?
• The concept of divergent and convergent evolution
• Building a sustainable environment
• Development of environment-friendly cities
• How to control population growth?
• Why have recycling resources become so essential in the modern world?
• The effect of plastic on the environment
• What are the global consequences of deforestation?
• What can we expect when losing biodiversity?
• Ecological damage: How to prevent it?
• How can GMO products affect ecology?
• Cloning endangered or extinct species: Is it a good idea?
• Is climate change the main reason for disrupting ecology?

15 Plant Pathology Biology Research Topics

Many factors impact human health and the quality of food products matters. These easy biology research topics will be useful if you want to describe the connection between those two concepts.

• How do plants protect themselves from diseases?
• How to increase the plant’s resistance to diseases?
• Diseases distribution among plants
• The banana pandemic
• How do herbicides influence plants?
• Corn blight
• Can any plant diseases affect humans?
• The issue of stem rust and its impact on wheat
• What approaches are used to struggle against invasive plants and affected weeds?
• Fertilizers: their pros and cons on plants
• Plant disease genetics: its system and structure
• What is the connection between ecological changes and plant diseases?
• Modifications on food production because of plant diseases
• How do fungal and viral diseases appear in plants?
• The sweet potato virus

15 Animals Biology Research Topics

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like animals. If you are curious about animals scientifically, here you are with biology research paper topics in this field.

• Classification of animals
• Land-based life: its evolution history
• Controversies about keeping animals as pets
• Is it ethical to test drugs and products on animals?
• Why do nature reserves against zoos?
• Evidence on prehistoric aquatic animals growing giant
• What species of animals are vegan?
• Animals and their social behavior
• Primate behavior
• How intelligent can other primates be?
• Are wolves and dogs intelligent?
• Domesticating animals
• Hibernation in animals
• Why animals migrate
• Should we bring back extinct animals?

15 Marine Biology Research Topics

The marine theme is engaging as it reveals so many interesting facts about life forms dwelling under the water. You can make your paper look captivating using biology topics in marine below.

• How acidification affects aquatic environments
• Evolution in the deep sea
• What’s the meaning of camouflage mechanism in sea life?
• Consequences of oil spills on marine life
• Oldest marine species
• How do whales communicate with each other?
• How blind fish navigate
• Are marine shows and aquariums ethical?
• The biology and life cycle of seabirds
• How jellyfish are immortal
• Plankton ecology
• Difference between freshwater and seawater marine life
• Coral reefs: their importance and evolution
• Saving and restoring coral reefs
• Life in the deep-sea ocean trenches

15 Zoology Research Topics

Zoology can be an excellent choice to write about if you are close to animal studies. Look at biology topics to research and choose the one that fits your interest most.

• Asian elephants and human speech patterns
• Oyster genomes and adaptation
• Darwin’s work in the Galápagos Islands
• Asian carp: Invasive species analysis
• Giant squids: Fact vs. fiction
• Coyote and wolf hybrid species in the United States
• Parasites and disease
• Migration patterns of killer bees
• The treatment of species in Melville’s Moby Dick
• Biodiversity and plankton
• The role of camels and the development of Africa and the Middle East
• Muskellunge and adaptive creek mechanisms to small water
• Ants and cooperative behavior among species
• Animal communication and the origin of language
• Speech in African Gray Parrots

15 Genetics Research Topics

Writing about modifications caused on the gene level is pretty challenging but very fascinating. You can select one among the biological questions for research and bring up a meaningful paper.

• Genetics and its role in cancer studies
• Can genetic code be confidential?
• Is it possible to choose the sex of a person before birth?
• Genetics as a ray of hope for children with an intellectual disability
• What factors in human genetics affect behavior?
• Is it somehow possible to improve human personality through genetics?
• Are there any living cells in the gene?
• Fighting HIV with gene mutations
• Genetic mutations
• How addictive substances affect genes
• Genetic testing: is it necessary?
• Cloning: positive or negative outcome for future generations
• Pros and cons of genetic engineering
• Is the world ready for the bioethics revolution?
• The linkage between genetics and obesity

15 Biotechnology Research Topics

The way scientists conduct research today is magnificent. Implementing high-tech innovations in biology research brings new opportunities to study the world. What are these opportunities? Explore biotechnology research topics for college students and disclose the best options for you.

• Biotechnology used in plant research
• What is the contribution of biotechnology to food?
• Pharmacogenetics: What is it, and how it works?
• How are anti-cancer drugs produced to be effective?
• Nanotechnology in DNA: How to isolate it?
• Recent nanotechnology used in HIV treatment
• What biotech apps are used to detect foodborne pathogens in food systems?
• Genotypes research: Why are they tolerant and sensitive to heavy metal?
• High-tech solutions in diagnosing cancer
• Forensic DNA and its latest developments
• Metabolic changes at the level of cells
• Nanotechnology in improving treatments for respiratory viruses
• The latest biotech discoveries
• Digital evolution: bioresearch and its transformation
• The concept of vaccine development

15 Evolutionary Biology Research Topics

Knowing how life forms started their existence is fundamental. And more interesting is to look through the evolution of many processes. If you find this trend of research more engaging, we outlined evolutionary biology research paper topics to diversify your choice.

• Darwin’s concept’s impact on science
• The evolution concept by Lamarck
• Origins of the evolutionary theory
• Evolution acceptance: a belief vs. a theory?
• Evolutionary in microbiology
• Development of robotics
• Revealing differences: human brain & animal brain
• Preservation of biological resources
• Transformations in aging
• Adaptive genetic system
• Morphometrics’ history
• Developmental theory and population genomics
• Bacteria ecology’s evolution
• Biological changes: impact and evolution
• Infectious diseases and their profession

The world of science and biology is vast, making research tedious. Use our list of interesting biology research topics to choose the best issue to write your own paper.

However, it is still hard to prepare a high-quality biology research paper, even with a brilliant topic. Not all college students can do it. Do you feel like you need some help? Then buy biology paper from our professional writers! Our experts will choose the best biology experimental research topics for you and can bring up top-level papers within the shortest time. Additionally, if you need help with a statistics project related to biology, our team of experienced professionals is equipped to provide you with the utmost quality of research and analysis.

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100 Best Biology Topics For Academic Writing

The importance of choosing interesting biology research topics comes down to the impact your assignments will make on your audience. In most cases, you will be writing with only one reader in mind – the instructor. And as this person likely sees hundreds of biology topics each school year you need to make sure you stand out as much as possible. Here are 100 biology topics for research that are sure to get your work noticed and improve your chances of earning a top grade. You can also check out our bioethics topics .

Biology Topics for High School

If you need some biology dissertation help and are looking for easy biology research topics for high school assignments, these ideas will meet most requirements without causing too much stress:

• Can Ebola be used as a biological weapon?
• How do biological genes affect depression?
• Are genetically modified foods safe for humans?
• Is human cloning a moral issue?
• How does cloning affect health medicine?

Hot Topics in Biology

This is a list of the current “hot” topics in the field and will certainly capture your audience’s attention:

• Why are abortion issues so controversial in the U.S.?
• How has gene molecular biology shifted in the last decade?
• Can enhanced antibodies help curb COVID-19 cases?
• Is immortality a realistic goal for humans?
• Why is abortion a bigger issue in the U.S. than in Europe?

Very Interesting Biology Topics

These current topics in developmental biology cover the most interesting ideas in this growing area of science:

• Can people rely on their dreams when making recollections?
• Does the Covid-19 pandemic affect medical funding?
• What is the difference between cellular function and structure?
• What is the difference between natural and planned selection?
• In what ways did evolution theory chance biology science?

Biology Research Paper Topics

Biology research is an area of study that is constantly changing. New studies come up every year and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the following issues:

• What are animals that don’t die of natural causes?
• What is the origin of human cloning?
• What are the basic principles of cloning in humans?
• Is it possible for domestic wild animals?
• Does human genetics cause obesity?

Current AP Biology Topics

AP tests have focused a lot on evolutionary biology research paper topics and this set of questions will help you prepare for the advanced placement test:

• Medicinal marijuana as a means to aid pain?
• How does rapid plan DNA change affect humans?
• What is cell tissue engineering?
• What are the most promising regenerative medicine treatments?
• What is meant by therapeutic cloning?

Molecular Biology Topics

Need topics on molecular biology issues? These five topics represent the latest research on this subject:

• Are humans naturally frugivores or omnivores?
• What are the ethical issues surrounding cloning?
• What are the biological reasons behind food intolerances?
• How can hypertrophy be enhanced in the body?
• What impact on the cellular level do sunburns have?

Biology IA Topics for 2010

The following good research topics for biology are excellent for students that do not have the time to conduct in-depth research:

• Does following a paleo diet help athletes perform?
• Does drinking more water prevent serious sunburns?
• What are the three evolutionary branches?
• How does sleep and wake cycles affect learning?
• In what ways is the brain affected by music?

Biology Topics for Presentation

• How is metabolism affected by physical exercise?
• Describe the study of behavior in birds.
• Are bees in veritable danger of becoming extinct?
• What impact does deforestation have on the biosphere?
• Is it possible for the brain to heal itself?

More IB Biology IA Topics

Advanced placement tests in this field require high-level responses on a variety of popular biology research topics. Check these out:

• How does climate change affect biodiversity?
• What are the benefits of organic farming?
• What is bioluminescence and can it be used?
• How is insulin created in the body?
• What is the relationship between cancer and telomerase?

Biology Debate Topics

These topics in biology are perfect for anyone who wants to leave a lasting impression on the reader:

• Do sports help improve humans’ biological makeup?
• How is the translation of reprobation affected by cell biology?
• Does the human body function when he or she is in a coma?
• Define the levels of molecular biology.
• How does cell manipulation affect the growth hormone?

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

This group of interesting biology topics for presentation deals with what we use to understand how humans act and react:

• Is the DNA from amber a way to clone prehistoric animals?
• What is the resistance capacity of the immune system?
• How does a malfunction to the immune system increase risk?
• How do allergic reactions cause asthma in some people?
• What are the benefits of vaccination?

Biology Project Topics

These topic ideas can also make a great impression on your teacher, even though they are not controversial.

• How does stress affect the human immune system?
• How does cell structure affect resistance to antibodies?
• How do human hormones affect depression levels?
• What are the limitations of transplantation?
• What are the biological insights on abortion?

Marine Biology Topics

These marine biology research topics are ideal for college-level students and up:

• What are the biggest sea challenges to marine life?
• How does economic stability affect sea life?
• What sustainable acts can be attributed to marine science?
• Ancient sea life presents a look toward modern life.
• What impact does the study of marine development have in the field?

Biology Topics to Write About

These ideas cover a wide range of study areas perfect for a graduate course where students can introduce biology issues:

• How is feminist ideology related to abortion and biology?
• What are the different types of cloning in existence today?
• Describe the history of cloning in the United States?
• What do we know about organisms with modified DNA?
• How effective is DNA-based cloning in the medical field?

Cell Biology Research Topics

These excellent human biology topics are ideal of long research projects in college or graduate school:

• Are microbial factories the answers to a shortage of raw metals?
• How does the U.S. affect international abortion opinions?
• Describe the advancements of extra-cellular matrix biology study?
• How does the study of cell biology aid in fighting Alzheimer’s?
• What are the negative effects of using antibiotics?

Biology Paper Topics

These ideas focus on the changing ways that media has changed the way we handle global affairs in biology:

• How does the study of antibodies help with the Covid-19 crisis?
• In what ways does physical trauma affect cells in the body?
• Can we use cell regeneration to build antibodies?
• What is bio-diesel and how is it created?
• What are the implications of coral reef biology?

Biology Research Topics for College Students

Looking for exciting cell biology topics? This collection is great for college students getting into this field of study:

• What changes to medicine are possible with cloning?
• Can restructuring DNA help fight the effects of aging?
• How does a proper diet for pets affect their health?
• How does miscarriage affect women’s health?
• What are the best cancer treatments today?

Biology Topics List

This list of topics in biology caters to the college undergraduate community of students:

• What are the ethical questions related to human cloning?
• What are the implications of the second wave of Covid-19?
• What is the best way to fight global pandemics?
• What are the most effective ways of slowing the aging process?
• How does regular exercise postpone aging in adults?

Controversial Biology Topics

Controversy can turn heads and these cool biology topics will attract your readers’ attention:

• What are the biggest threats related to salmonella?
• What is the study of laparotomy?
• What impact does BMI have on injuries?
• What is the link between environmental pollution and cancer rates?
• How does cellular health affect mental health?

Biology Essay Topics

These five biology research topics are for graduate-level students, catering specifically to those in top programs around the country:

• What evidence is there of a pandemic that can wipe out half of the world’s population?
• What is the most effective way of fighting an endemic?
• Is it possible to increase brainpower?
• How can humans fight disease with altered DNA?
• What impact does clean water have in preventing disease?

Choosing original and interesting topics is the key to writing a great biology thesis or research paper. We understand that this doesn’t always come easy to students – no matter what their educational level – so we’ve created this list to inspire ideas or to be used as-is. If you need fresh biology research topics you may want to contact our support staff for ideas catered towards your specific assignment needs.

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• Thesis Guidelines

A thesis for Distinction in Biology is a wonderful way for you to close the loop on your undergraduate research experience and showcase your scientific scholarship. Your thesis will be evaluated by the Faculty in Biology and answers the following questions: What did you do? Why did you do it? What is the significance of your results? What else would you do, were you to continue the project?

In answering the above questions, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and intellectual ownership of a project; not simply your productivity in the lab. The volume of results or completeness of the study is not critical for a successful thesis. Instead, we will be looking for the following:

• An argument for the significance of your research, contextualized within the scientific literature;
• A review of appropriate literature as evidence in support of claims you make in your argument;
• A statement of your research goals, i.e., a meaningful question of biological importance;
• A description of experimental approaches and methods ;
• Appropriate presentation of results through tables, figures, and images;
• A discussion of the meaning and significance of your results;
• A description of limitations and future directions for the project.

Expanded guidelines can be found in the Biology Thesis Assessment Protocol (BioTAP):

Format of the Thesis

The basic format of the thesis should resemble that of any scientific journal article that is common in your subdiscipline. It generally includes the following sections: Introduction & Background; Methods; Results; Discussion; Acknowledgements; and References. In some instances, it may be useful to sub-divide the Methods & Results section to correspond to multiple aims. However, if you chose to take this route, remember that there should still be a general Introduction and Discussion sections that address the project as a whole. The thesis should not consist of several "mini-papers" that are unconnected.  

Submission Guidelines

The format of the final copy should follow these guidelines:

• Cover Page ( sample ): Title; student's name; supervisor's name; date of submission; 3 signature lines at bottom right (Research Supervisor, DUS, Reader). Please follow the format and language of the sample.
• Abstract Page: single-spaced, roughly 250 words.
• Thesis should be double-spaced
• Pages should be numbered at the top right corner of the page
• It is preferred that figures are embedded within the document instead of all at the end
• There is no minimum page requirement or limit, although most are approximately 25 pages. 

Sample Theses

Examples of Distinction papers from previous years are available for examination in the Undergraduate Studies Office (Rm 135 BioSci).  Several samples are also available below as PDF files.

• Tracing the origins of antimalarial resistance in Plasmodium vivax
• Interaction network optimization improves the antimicrobial efficacy of phage cocktails
• Identifying how ufmylation of RAB1B regulates IFN-β signaling

Additional Resources

• Library Resources for Students Writing Theses
• How to write and publish a scientific paper by Barbara Gastel and Robert A. Day
• Biology 495(S): Scientific Argument in Writing . This course is particularly appropriate for seniors working on an undergraduate thesis or major research paper and is recommended, although not required, for all candidates for Graduation with Distinction in biology. The course is writing intensive and carries a “W” designation and, in the fall semester only, is a seminar and carries an “S” designation.
• Biology Writes  offers writing resources, feedback, one-on-one consultations, and more.  
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• Cell Division's Missing Link: Dr. Masayuki Onishi
• Listening in to Birdsong: Dr. Steve Nowicki
• Biogeochemistry as Ecosystem Accounting: Dr. Emily Bernhardt
• Building a Dynamic Nervous System: Dr. Pelin Volkan
• Investigating a Key Plant Hormone: Dr. Lucia Strader
• Imagining Visual Ecology: Dr. Sönke Johnsen
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• Recent Ph.D. Dissertation Research Topics

August of 2017

Novel Cell Surface Anchoring Mechanism of Prokaryotic Secreted Protein - Mohd Farid Abdul Halim, Ph.D.

The Genetic Architecture Underlying Rapid Seasonal Evolution in Natural Populations of Drosophila melanogaster - Emily Behrman, Ph.D.

Developmental Functions of MIR156 and MIR157 in Arabidopsis - Jia He, Ph.D.

Dedifferentiation of Cytotoxic Lympthocyte into Central Memory CD8+T Cells:  Lessons from Antiviral T-Stem Cells on the Architecture of Aging and Immunotherapy - Jonathan Johnnidis, Ph.D.

Class of 2017

Proteolytic Activation by ADAMTS3 Defines Distinct Mechanisms of Lymphangiogenesis Mediated by VEGFC and VEGFD - Hung Bui, Ph.D.

Transcript Diversity in the Protozoan Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii - Maria Diaz, Ph.D.

Plant-soil Feedback and Succession in Heavy Metal Soils - Lee Dietterich, Ph.D.

Genome Editing Approach to Uncover Microtubule-Actin Crosslinking Factor (MACF1) Essential Domains in Establishing Oocyte Polarity and Nuclear Positioning - Matias Escobar, Ph.D.

Investigation of the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of cAMP and PKA Signaling and the Role of HCN4 Subunits in Anxiety-Related Behavior and Memory - Vincent Luczak, Ph.D.

The C-REL Transcription Factor Controls Metabolism and Proliferation of Human T Cells - George Luo, Ph.D.

Space, Time and Change: Investigations in Soil Bacterial Diversity in the Montane Steppe of Mongalia - Aurora MacRae-Crerar, Ph.D .

Population Genetics of Borrelia Burgdorferi in the Eastern and Midwestern United States - Stephanie Seifert, Ph.D.

Hypermutability in Asexuals: Investigating the Effects of Deleterious Mutations - Tanya Singh, Ph.D.  

Class of 2016

Molecular and Cellular Approaches Toward Understanding Dynein-Driven Motility - Swathi Ayloo, Ph.D.

Cell Biology of Cheating - Mechanisms of Chromosomes Segregation during Female Meiosis -  Lukas Chmatal, Ph.D.

Detecting Selection on Noncoding Nucleotide Variations: Methods and Applications -  Yang Ding, Ph.D.

Short Term Adult Plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster and its Role in Climatic A daptation - Vinayak Mathur. Ph.D.

A Study of the Role of Gata6 in Definitive Endoderm Specification and β Cell Functionality by Genome Engineering of the Pluripotent Stem Cells  -  Amita Tiyaboonchai, Ph.D.

Phenotypic Variation in the Dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus:  an Integration of Ecology, Karyotype and Phenotypic Plasticity -  Katie Vazquez, Ph.D.

Genomic, Evolutionary and Functional Analyses of Diapause in  Drosophila melanogster -  Xiaqing Zhao, Ph.D.

Selective Forces that Shape the VLS Antigenic Variation System in Borrelia Burgdorferi -  Wei  Zhou, Ph.D.

Class of 2015

A Role of SWI/SNF Complex in ABA-dependent Drought Responsive Gene Expression in Arabidopsis thaliana - Soon Ki Han, Ph.D.

Mechanisms Underlying the Role of Drosophila TIMELESS in the Molecular Cl ock and in the Circadian Response to Light - A Reum Jang, Ph.D.

The Genetic Basis of Phenotypic Plasticity in Natural Populations of Drosophila - Katherine O'Brien, Ph.D.

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Wild Pollination Services in the Mongolian Steppe - Dan Song, Ph.D.

 Promoting T-snare Binary Complex Assembly and Membrane Fusion by the Exocyst Protein Sec3 - Peng Yue, Ph.D.

Novel Regulators in the Germline Stem Cell Niche of Drosophila Testis - Qi Zheng, Ph.D.

Class of 2014

Change and Impact of microRNA Modification with Age in Drosophila melanogaster - Masashi Abe, Ph.D.

Mitotic Kinases in Meiosis - Olga Davydenko, Ph.D.

Higher-Order Chromatin Organization in Hematopoietic Transcription - Wulan Deng, Ph.D.

Effects of Temperature on Global Gene Expression in Natural Strains of Budding Yeast - Hoa Giang, Ph.D.

Regulators of Mouse and Human Beta Cell Proliferation - Yang Jiao, Ph.D.

Trial-by-Trial Coding of Instructive Signals in the Cerebellum:  Insights from Eyeblink Conditioning in Mice - Farzaneh Najafi, Ph.D. 

The Molecular Mechanism of Synaptic Tagging and Capture - Jung Whan Park, Ph.D.

Dynamics and Fate of the Inner Membrane complex in Toxoplasma gondii - Dinkorma Toure Ouologuem, Ph.D.

Regulation of Adipose Tissue Development and Function by Nuclear Receptors PPARg and Rev-erba - Fenfen Wang, Ph.D.

Towards a Better Understanding of Nonstructural Carbohydrate Storage and Carbon Limitation in Trees - Erin Wiley, Ph.D.

Exo70 Generates Membrane Curvature for Morphogenesis and Cell Migration - Yuting Zhao, Ph.D.

Class of 2013

Higher-order Chromatin Organization in Hematopoietic Transcription -  Wulan Deng, Ph.D.

Multiscale Analyses of the Population Structure of Triatoma infestans in an Urban Area  -  Erica Foley, Ph.D.

The Impact of Terrestrial Dissolved Organic Carbon on Stream Ecosystem Function through an Investigation of Hydrologic Sources in White Clay Creek, PA -  Christine McLaughlin, Ph.D.

  Biology of Respiratory and Cardiac Functional Deterioration in a Translational Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy -  Andrew Mead, Ph.D.

  Species-Specific Effects on the Oxygen Isotope Ratio of Tree-Ring Cellulose -  Xin Song, Ph.D.

  The interplay between Lewy body-like alpha-synuclein aggregates and protein degradation pathways in a cell-based model of Parkinson’s disease  -  Selcuk Tanik, Ph.D.

  Structure and Function of H. volcanii flagella -  Manuela Tripepi, Ph.D.

Class of 2012

Investigation of the Methane Cycle and Associated Microbial Community of a Pine Forest Soil  - Emma Aronson, Ph.D.

A Role for Late Meristem Identity2 in the Reproductive Development of Arabidopsis  - Jennifer Pastore, Ph.D.

The Molecular Mechanism of Vegetation Phase Change: Regulation of miR156 Expression and Action  - Li Yang, Ph.D.

Meiotic Origins of Maternal Age-Related Aneuploidy  - Teresa Chiang, Ph.D.

Decoding Cytochrome C Oxidase Biogenesis: New Insights into Copper Trafficking  - Nursel Ekici, Ph.D.

Evolution of Molecular Function in Mammalian Neurons  - Chantal Francis, Ph.D.

The Cytoskeletal Mechanisms of Cell-Cell Junction Formation in Endothelial Cells  - Matthew Hoelzle, Ph.D.

Microrna Precursor Programmed Silencing Complex Assembly and Regulatory Pathways in Mammals  - Xuhang Liu, Ph.D.

The Role of EPAC Signaling in Memory Consolidation and Sleep Deprivation  - Nan Ma, Ph.D.

Behavior and Socioendocrinology of Adult and Male Rhesus Macaques of Cayo Santiago  - Maria Rakhovskaya, Ph.D.

Molecular Insight into Mechanisms of CAG-Repeat RNA Toxicity in Polyglutamine Disease from Drosophila  - Shin-Yi Shieh, Ph.D.

The Evolution of a High Mutation Rate and Declining Fitness in Asexual Populations  - Christopher Gentile Ph.D.

Selection on Mutators in Experimental Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Populations: Recombination, Clonal Interference, and the Evolution of Mutation Rates  - Yevgeniy Raynes, Ph.D.

Class of 2011

Socioecology, Acoustic Communication and Demography of Asian Elephants in Sri Lanka  - Shermin deSilva, Ph.D.

The Role of Exocyst in Exocytosis and Cell Migration  - Jianglan Liu, Ph.D.

YY1 Controls Immunoglobulin Class Switch Recombination and Nuclear Aid Levels  - Kristina Zaprazna, Ph.D.

Mechanisms of HDAC2 Function in the Regulation of Adult Cardiac Hypertrophy and Embryonic Myocyte Proliferation  - Wenting Zhu, Ph.D.

Actin-Independent Mechanisms of Targeting Formin mDIA2 to the Plasma Membrane  - Roman Gorelik, Ph.D.

Roles of Protein Factors in Regulation of Imprinted Gene Expression  - Shu Lin, Ph.D.

Functional Plasticity of Hippocampal Glutamatergic Synapses in Development and Disease  - Xiaoyu Peng, Ph.D.

Physiological Bases of Plant Shrinkage and its Demographic Implications  - Roberto Salguero-Gomez, Ph.D.

Class of 2010  

Unplugged/Musk Signaling Coordinates Pre- and Post-synaptic Development at the Neuromuscular Junction  - Lili Jing, PhD

Spatially Varying Selection on Shell Color Phenotype in the Flat Periwinkle Littorina Obtusata  - Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD

Niche Partitioning Among Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Consequences for Host Plant Performance  - Jennifer H. Doherty, PhD

Microrna Pathways Modulate Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases  - Nan Liu, PhD

The Rab3A Locus: Studies of Neuronal Expression and Effects on Behavior  - Rui Liu, PhD

The Evolutionary Genetics of Life History in Drosophila Melanogaster  - Annalise Bloss Paaby, PhD

Using Evolutionary Genomics to Elucidate Parasite Biology and Host-Pathogen Interactions  - Lucia Peixoto, PhD

Class of 2009  

Characterizing the Role of the Exocyst Component EX070 in Exocytosis and Actin Dynamics in Budding Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae  - Bing He, PhD

Slit Down-Regulates CRGAP Function to Mediate Axon Repulsion in the Embryonic Drosphila CNS  - Ming Li, PhD

Molecular Basis of Chve Function in Sugar Binding and Virulence in Agrobacterium Tumefaciens  - Fanglian He, PhD

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Streambed Bacterial Community Composition and Correlation with Einvironmental Variables and Disturbance  - Karen Rowley Hogan, PhD

Squint, The Arabidopsis   Ortholog of Cyclophilin40, Affects RNA Silencing  - Michael Smith, PhD

Spatial Regulation of CDC42 by its GTPase-Activating Proteins RGA1 and BEM2 in Budding Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae  - Zongtian Tong, PhD

Class of 2008

Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Axon Guidance During Visual System Development in Zebrafis h - Michael Gyda, PhD

Phylogeny and Evolution of Prokaryotic Genomes  - Fan Ge, PhD

The Role of the Exocyst Complex in Polarized Exocytosis  - Puyue Wang, PhD

Evolutionary Ecology of Host Plant Use by an Insect Herbivore in a Highly Seasonal Neotropical Dry Forest  - Salvatore Agosta, PhD

Variation Among Dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) Modifies Predator-prey Interactions within Intertidal Assemblages  - Jonathan Fisher, PhD

Peeking into the Black Box: The Structure and Function of Soil Microbial Communities in Response to Increasing Nitrogen Availability  - Richard Lucas, PhD

Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of AM Fungi in Serpentine and Prairie Grasslands  - Baoming Ji, PhD

Dissecting Different Modules of Cytochrome C Maturation in Rhodobacter Capsulatu s - Serdar Turkarslan, PhD

Role of Exocytosis in Cell Polarization  - Xiaoli Sun, PhD

Class of 2007

The Analysis of the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Human Ovarian Cancer with a Combination of Genomic and Genetic Appoaches  - Jia Huang, PhD

Examination of the Twin-Arginine Translocation Pathway in Bacteria and Archaea  - Kieran Dilks, PhD

Spatial Orientation in Columbian Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus Columbianus)  - Anna Vlasak, PhD

From Protein to RNA: Study of SCA3 Polyglutamine Disease in Drosophila   - Lingbo Li, PhD

Novel Insignts Into Vir Gene Regulation in Agrobacterium Tumefaciens  - Gauri Nair, PhD

Spatial and Genetic Patterns of Crane Flies (Diptera: Tipuloidea) from Lake Hovsgol Region, Mongolia  - Bazartseren Boldgiv, PhD

Aging in Plants at Multiple Scales  - Lori Spindler, PhD

Metabolic Pool, Metabolic Rates and Diapause in Drosophila Melanogster  - Christine Wills, PhD

Phylogenetics and Diversification of the Neotropical Serrasalminae (Ostariophysi: Characiformes)  - Wasila Dahdal, PhD

Edinburgh Research Archive

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Biological Sciences thesis and dissertation collection

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This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Recent Submissions

Exploring s-nitrosoglutathione reductase function in the non-vascular plant, marchantia polymorpha , bioengineering inducible gene expression in leafy brassicas to address post-harvest-specific requirements , sex determination, sex chromosomes, and supergenes: evolution of an unusual reproductive system , super-resolution imaging of proteins in live cells using reversibly interacting peptide pairs , understanding the role and function of spocd1 in pirna-directed de novo dna methylation , sequencing b cell receptor repertoires in human disease: applications in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and in experimental malaria infection , role of tyrosine phosphatase ptpn22 in ctl responses to tumours and t cell exhaustion , rna editing ligases as novel drug targets in trypanosomatid parasites , pifs as a novel target in soybean to modulate the shade avoidance syndrome , structure and function of microtubule nucleation proteins , evaluation of the structural, functional, cellular and molecular basis of heart pathophysiology in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy , understanding and utilising bacterial growth rate changes at high external osmolarities , origin and maintenance of diversity in british euphrasia (orobanchaceae) , single-cell time-series analysis of metabolic rhythms in yeast , ectopic heterochromatin provides an alternative route to fungal resistance , understanding adaptive immunity using immune receptor repertoire sequencing , mapping inbreeding depression in wild red deer (cervus elaphus) , transcription-only cell-free systems and their application in biosensing , encapsulin engineering for metal nanoparticle production , adaptive genomics and phylogeography of guazuma ulmifolia (malvaceae) .

• Sustainability

Senior Thesis

Thesis research in biology offers an opportunity to bring your knowledge and skills to bear on a challenging question under a faculty mentor’s guidance.

Biology 457, 458

Research posters and publications featuring Bates biology students as co-authors from Ryan Bavis’s lab.

Doing a thesis in Biology is optional for students majoring in Biology. Theses are almost always experimental and may occupy one or two semesters. Preparation for the thesis may begin in the junior year with an Independent Study (360 or s50) . While every senior is encouraged to do a thesis project, opportunities in certain fields may be limited by equipment or faculty load. Whenever possible, students should try to integrate interests with one of the Seminar and Research courses (470’s) and use the thesis as a means of continuing this work. When the student’s interest does not coincide with a Seminar and Research course, a one or two semester thesis can be used to pursue this interest. If this is the case, consult with the faculty member whose interests are closest to yours and determine if he or she is willing and able to advise your project. You must submit a one page proposal in early January of your junior year (see Capstone Requirement ) for approval by your thesis adviser and by the Department. Formal, referenced, thesis proposals are generally due early in the semester in which you begin thesis enrollment; the specific due date is set in consultation with your adviser. Some advisers may require a proposal to be submitted the prior semester. By College policy, thesis work must be done in residence (the Biology department includes field locations of Faculty members). Students may do research projects at other locations, but if they wish to incorporate it in a thesis, they MUST make prior arrangements with a Bates faculty member to oversee this work (see Thesis Credit Policies .)

Future Students

Majors and minors, course schedules, request info, application requirements, faculty directory, student profile.

BS Thesis Guidelines and Timeline

Bachelor of science in biological sciences.

Bachelor of Science (BS): The BS is designed for students who wish to delve more deeply into the field of their major through additional electives, participation in scientific research, and completion of a BS thesis that summarizes their research. Successful BS students will (1) learn how scientists design and conduct scientific experiments; (2) collect data as part of a research effort; (3) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that data; (4) interpret the data in the context of a specific scientific discipline; and (5) describe their work in a BS Thesis

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biological Sciences in any of the tracks by:

(1) completing three upper-level elective courses in Biological Sciences beyond those required for the BA degree, including  BIOS 28900  Undergraduate Bachelor of Science Research (or both quarters of  BIOS 00296  Undergraduate Honors Research if also pursuing Biology Research Honors)

(2) writing a BS thesis under the supervision of an adviser who is a member of the Biological Sciences Division research faculty.

Guidelines and Timeline for the BS in Biological Sciences

If you are participating in the BSCD honors program or a specialization that requires a thesis, you do not need to prepare a separate proposal (or thesis) for the BS degree, but you should submit copies of these materials to the BS program. Honors and specialization students are required to submit the BS Faculty Consent form in Spring of the 3rd year as directed below. You should adhere to the honors or specialization guidelines as you prepare your proposal, select faculty readers, and write your thesis. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for the BS research course (BIOS 28900) as directed below.

Spring of 2nd year

Declare your major as BA or BS in Biological Sciences. Remember that, in addition to the thesis, a BS requires three upper-level BIOS courses (numbered BIOS 21xxxx through 28xxx) beyond the five required for the BA degree. One of these courses must be BIOS 28900 unless you are taking BIOS 00296 for Research Honors.

Autumn of 3rd year

Start looking for a member of the BSD research faculty to serve as your thesis adviser and start developing ideas for your thesis research.

Description of the BS thesis

BS students will write a thesis based on original research. The topic must be a current issue in Biology, including basic science, medicine, and other applied fields, be described in a compelling thesis proposal, and be supported by a willing and appropriate Mentor. In most cases the thesis will present and analyze primary data collected by the student during their time in a mentor's lab. Students may also conduct critical and novel analysis of existing primary data (e.g., a critique of a healthcare policy such as methadone maintenance, a meta-analysis of recent clinical trials of antidepressants, or an argument against punctuated equilibria based on a fossil collection or genomic data). In either case, the work must be hypothesis driven and present evidence that tests the hypothesis. Topics related to global and public health will be accepted only for majors in the global and public health track. Please contact Chris Andrews if you have questions about the appropriateness of your topic. The thesis should follow the format of a published paper in a target journal appropriate for your topic but should include more extensive literature review and context in the introduction and conclusion.  A typical BS thesis is approximately 30 pages of double-spaced text (not including figures, tables and references).

Spring of 3rd year

To declare your interest in pursuing the BS in Biological Sciences, please submit the BS Faculty Consent Form  by 11:59 PM on Friday of finals week. If you have not already done so, please make sure you have officially declared your major as a BS in Biological Sciences so your college adviser can correctly slot courses into your degree program.

All BS students who will not be registered for BIOS 00296 (Undergraduate Honors Research) must register to take the BS research course (BIOS 28900 Undergraduate BS Research) in Autumn of their 4th year. We will add BIOS 00296 students to the BIOS 28900 Canvas site as unregistered students so they will receive announcements and can submit their materials for the BS degree. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for BIOS 28900.

Summer between 3rd and 4th year

BS students will typically conduct the bulk of their thesis research during this summer.

Autumn of 4th year

Unless you are in the BSCD Honors program and registered for BIOS 00296, make sure you are registered for the BS research course (BIOS 28900, Undergraduate BS Research) and have access to the associated Canvas site. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for the BS research course.

Submit a 1-2 page (single-spaced) thesis proposal (approved by your thesis adviser) as an assignment on the BIOS 28900 Canvas site by the end of Week 1.

Minimally, this proposal should include:

• the name, e-mail address, and department of your thesis adviser.
• a working title for your thesis.
• one introductory paragraph giving the background and rationale for your project.
• three to five paragraphs outlining your research question, hypotheses, predictions, and proposed methods.
• a few sentences regarding your proposed research timeline.
• a list of references cited in the proposal.

Winter of 4th year (by end of quarter)

During finals week , submit the names and e-mail addresses of two faculty readers from BSD research departments (other than your thesis adviser) to review your thesis in the spring. You will submit these names as an assignment on the BIOS 28900 Canvas site.

Spring of 4th year

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 4

Submit your thesis to your thesis adviser, who must approve it before you send it to readers for review. You do not need to submit this version of the thesis to the BSCD. This checkpoint allows your adviser to confirm that your thesis is in acceptable shape to send to readers.

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 5

Submit your thesis, approved by your thesis adviser, to your two faculty readers, along with the faculty review form (make a copy of the review form to share with readers here ). You should request that these readers return their reviews to you by Wednesday of Week 7 so you have time to respond to their feedback by the final deadline at the end of Week 8.

Between Weeks 7 and 8

In collaboration with your thesis adviser, revise your thesis in accordance with the feedback from your faculty reviewers. Both your thesis adviser and your two readers must sign off on the revisions before your final submission.  

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 8 

Submit the final version of the approved thesis, with confirmation of approval by your thesis adviser and two additional readers. You may collect signatures on a cover page ( here's the TEMPLATE)  or ask your adviser and readers to provide confirmation of approval by email to: [email protected]. 

Biology Department

Senior theses.

Thesis Titles by Year

» 2023 » 2022 » 2021 » 2020 » 2019 » 2018 » 2017 » 2016 » 2015 » 2014 » 2013 » 2012 » 2011 » 2010 » 2009 » 2008 » 2007 » 2006 » 2005 » 2004 » 2003 » 2002 » 2001 » 2000 » 1999 » 1998 » 1997

All seniors at Reed College must complete a year-long thesis project as a part of their final academic year. For Biology students, the senior thesis offers an opportunity to fully engage a research question with the assistance of a faculty advisor. The diversity of topics and questions pursued by Biology seniors spans the breadth of the biological sciences. All students must identify a focused problem within their area of interest and then design experiments, collect and analyze data, and provide both a written document and oral defense of the finished thesis.

The range of research topics engaged in by Biology seniors can be seen in the list of thesis titles from our most recent group of seniors by clinking on the index of years to the right. Thesis titles are listed in alphabetical order by the senior's last name. The abstract for a thesis can be viewed by clicking on the Abstract link (if provided). The faculty member advising each student is listed with the abstract, and includes a link to his/her home page.

Learn more about the thesis process

Thesis funding support

Senior Biomass Project

• USF Research
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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Molecular Biosciences > Theses and Dissertations

Molecular Biosciences Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Exploring strain variation and bacteriophage predation in the gut microbiome of Ciona robusta , Celine Grace F. Atkinson

Distinct Nrf2 Signaling Thresholds Mediate Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression , Janine M. DeBlasi

Thermodynamic frustration of TAD2 and PRR contribute to autoinhibition of p53 , Emily Gregory

Utilization of Detonation Nanodiamonds: Nanocarrier for Gene Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer , Allan E. Gutierrez

Role of HLA-DRB1 Fucosylation in Anti-Melanoma Immunity , Daniel K. Lester

Targeting BET Proteins Downregulates miR-33a To Promote Synergy with PIM Inhibitors in CMML , Christopher T. Letson

Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis by M82 Peptidases: The Role of PrsS in the Staphylococcus aureus Stress Response , Baylie M. Schott

Histone Deacetylase 8 is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Preserves Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Function , January M. Watters

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response via Lysine Acetyltransferase CBP-1 and in Neurodegenerative Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans , Lindsey N. Barrett

Determining the Role of Dendritic Cells During Response to Treatment with Paclitaxel/Anti-TIM-3 , Alycia Gardner

Cell-free DNA Methylation Signatures in Cancer Detection and Classification , Jinyong Huang

The Role Of Eicosanoid Metabolism in Mammalian Wound Healing and Inflammation , Kenneth D. Maus

A Holistic Investigation of Acidosis in Breast Cancer , Bryce Ordway

Characterizing the Impact of Postharvest Temperature Stress on Polyphenol Profiles of Red and White-Fruited Strawberry Cultivars , Alyssa N. Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Multifaceted Approach to Understanding Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance , Jessie L. Allen

Cellular And Molecular Alterations Associated with Ovarian and Renal Cancer Pathophysiology , Ravneet Kaur Chhabra

Ecology and diversity of boletes of the southeastern United States , Arian Farid

CircREV1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer , Meagan P. Horton

Microbial Dark Matter: Culturing the Uncultured in Search of Novel Chemotaxonomy , Sarah J. Kennedy

The Multifaceted Role of CCAR-1 in the Alternative Splicing and Germline Regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans , Doreen Ikhuva Lugano

Unraveling the Role of Novel G5 Peptidase Family Proteins in Virulence and Cell Envelope Biogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus , Stephanie M. Marroquin

Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein 2 Alternative Splicing Regulates HIF1α During Chronic Hypoxia , Emily M. Mayo

Transcriptomic and Functional Investigation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation , Brooke R. Nemec

A Functional Characterization of the Omega (ω) subunit of RNA Polymerase in Staphylococcus aureus , Shrushti B. Patil

The Role Of Cpeb2 Alternative Splicing In TNBC Metastasis , Shaun C. Stevens

Screening Next-generation Fluorine-19 Probe and Preparation of Yeast-derived G Proteins for GPCR Conformation and Dynamics Study , Wenjie Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Understanding the Role of Cereblon in Hematopoiesis Through Structural and Functional Analyses , Afua Adutwumwa Akuffo

To Mid-cell and Beyond: Characterizing the Roles of GpsB and YpsA in Cell Division Regulation in Gram-positive Bacteria , Robert S. Brzozowski

Spatiotemporal Changes of Microbial Community Assemblages and Functions in the Subsurface , Madison C. Davis

New Mechanisms That Regulate DNA Double-Strand Break-Induced Gene Silencing and Genome Integrity , Dante Francis DeAscanis

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response and HSF-1 Nuclear Stress Bodies in C. elegans , Andrew Deonarine

New Mechanisms that Control FACT Histone Chaperone and Transcription-mediated Genome Stability , Angelo Vincenzo de Vivo Diaz

Targeting the ESKAPE Pathogens by Botanical and Microbial Approaches , Emily Dilandro

Succession in native groundwater microbial communities in response to effluent wastewater , Chelsea M. Dinon

Role of ceramide-1 phosphate in regulation of sphingolipid and eicosanoid metabolism in lung epithelial cells , Brittany A. Dudley

Allosteric Control of Proteins: New Methods and Mechanisms , Nalvi Duro

Microbial Community Structures in Three Bahamian Blue Holes , Meghan J. Gordon

A Novel Intramolecular Interaction in P53 , Fan He

The Impact of Myeloid-Mediated Co-Stimulation and Immunosuppression on the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Adoptive T cell Therapy , Pasquale Patrick Innamarato

Investigating Mechanisms of Immune Suppression Secondary to an Inflammatory Microenvironment , Wendy Michelle Kandell

Posttranslational Modification and Protein Disorder Regulate Protein-Protein Interactions and DNA Binding Specificity of p53 , Robin Levy

Mechanistic and Translational Studies on Skeletal Malignancies , Jeremy McGuire

Novel Long Non-Coding RNA CDLINC Promotes NSCLC Progression , Christina J. Moss

Genome Maintenance Roles of Polycomb Transcriptional Repressors BMI1 and RNF2 , Anthony Richard Sanchez IV

The Ecology and Conservation of an Urban Karst Subterranean Estuary , Robert J. Scharping

Biological and Proteomic Characterization of Cornus officinalis on Human 1.1B4 Pancreatic β Cells: Exploring Use for T1D Interventional Application , Arielle E. Tawfik

Evaluation of Aging and Genetic Mutation Variants on Tauopathy , Amber M. Tetlow

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Investigating the Proteinaceous Regulome of the Acinetobacter baumannii , Leila G. Casella

Functional Characterization of the Ovarian Tumor Domain Deubiquitinating Enzyme 6B , Jasmin M. D'Andrea

Integrated Molecular Characterization of Lung Adenocarcinoma with Implications for Immunotherapy , Nicholas T. Gimbrone

The Role of Secreted Proteases in Regulating Disease Progression in Staphylococcus aureus , Brittney D. Gimza

Advanced Proteomic and Epigenetic Characterization of Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation , Jennifer Guergues Guergues

Understanding immunometabolic and suppressive factors that impact cancer development , Rebecca Swearingen Hesterberg

Biochemical and Proteomic Approaches to Determine the Impact Level of Each Step of the Supply Chain on Tomato Fruit Quality , Robert T. Madden

Enhancing Immunotherapeutic Interventions for Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia , Kamira K. Maharaj

Characterization of the Autophagic-Iron Axis in the Pathophysiology of Endometriosis and Epithelial Ovarian Cancers , Stephanie Rockfield

Understanding the Influence of the Cancer Microenvironment on Metabolism and Metastasis , Shonagh Russell

Modeling of Interaction of Ions with Ether- and Ester-linked Phospholipids , Matthew W. Saunders

Novel Insights into the Multifaceted Roles of BLM in the Maintenance of Genome Stability , Vivek M. Shastri

Conserved glycine residues control transient helicity and disorder in the cold regulated protein, Cor15a , Oluwakemi Sowemimo

A Novel Cytokine Response Modulatory Function of MEK Inhibitors Mediates Therapeutic Efficacy , Mengyu Xie

Novel Strategies on Characterizing Biologically Specific Protein-protein Interaction Networks , Bi Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Characterization of the Transcriptional Elongation Factor ELL3 in B cells and Its Role in B-cell Lymphoma Proliferation and Survival , Lou-Ella M.m. Alexander

Identification of Regulatory miRNAs Associated with Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation Using Integrated Proteomic and Transcriptomic Approaches , Brandi Jo Cook

Molecular Phylogenetics of Floridian Boletes , Arian Farid

MYC Distant Enhancers Underlie Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility at the 8q24.21 Locus , Anxhela Gjyshi Gustafson

Quantitative Proteomics to Support Translational Cancer Research , Melissa Hoffman

A Systems Chemical Biology Approach for Dissecting Differential Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Clinical Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer , Natalia Junqueira Sumi

Investigating the Roles of Fucosylation and Calcium Signaling in Melanoma Invasion , Tyler S. Keeley

Synthesis, Oxidation, and Distribution of Polyphenols in Strawberry Fruit During Cold Storage , Katrina E. Kelly

Investigation of Alcohol-Induced Changes in Hepatic Histone Modifications Using Mass Spectrometry Based Proteomics , Crystina Leah Kriss

Off-Target Based Drug Repurposing Using Systems Pharmacology , Brent M. Kuenzi

Investigation of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and its Constituent Timosaponin-AIII as Novel, Naturally Derived Adjunctive Therapeutics for the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer , Catherine B. MarElia

The Role of Phosphohistidine Phosphatase 1 in Ethanol-induced Liver Injury , Daniel Richard Martin

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Changing the Pathobiological Paradigm in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The NLRP3 Inflammasome Drives the MDS Phenotype , Ashley Basiorka

Modeling of Dynamic Allostery in Proteins Enabled by Machine Learning , Mohsen Botlani-Esfahani

Uncovering Transcriptional Activators and Targets of HSF-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans , Jessica Brunquell

The Role of Sgs1 and Exo1 in the Maintenance of Genome Stability. , Lillian Campos-Doerfler

Mechanisms of IKBKE Activation in Cancer , Sridevi Challa

Discovering Antibacterial and Anti-Resistance Agents Targeting Multi-Drug Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens , Renee Fleeman

Functional Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bone Metastatic Prostate Cancer , Jeremy S. Frieling

Disorder Levels of c-Myb Transactivation Domain Regulate its Binding Affinity to the KIX Domain of CREB Binding Protein , Anusha Poosapati

Role of Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 in Ovarian Cancer Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Sensitivity , Chase David Powell

Cell Division Regulation in Staphylococcus aureus , Catherine M. Spanoudis

A Novel Approach to the Discovery of Natural Products From Actinobacteria , Rahmy Tawfik

Non-classical regulators in Staphylococcus aureus , Andy Weiss

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Capacity of Synthetic and Natural Polyphenolic Compounds Identified from Strawberry and Fruit Juices , Marvin Abountiolas

Quantitative Proteomic Investigation of Disease Models of Type 2 Diabetes , Mark Gabriel Athanason

CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation: Regulation by c-Myc through Chromatin Decondensation and Novel Therapeutic Avenues for Cancer Treatment , Victoria Bryant

Computational Modeling of Allosteric Stimulation of Nipah Virus Host Binding Protein , Priyanka Dutta

Cell Cycle Arrest by TGFß1 is Dependent on the Inhibition of CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation , Brook Samuel Nepon-Sixt

Gene Expression Profiling and the Role of HSF1 in Ovarian Cancer in 3D Spheroid Models , Trillitye Paullin

VDR-RIPK1 Interaction and its Implications in Cell Death and Cancer Intervention , Waise Quarni

Regulation of nAChRs and Stemness by Nicotine and E-cigarettes in NSCLC , Courtney Schaal

Targeting Histone Deacetylases in Melanoma and T-cells to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy , Andressa Sodre De Castro Laino

Nonreplicative DNA Helicases Involved in Maintaining Genome Stability , Salahuddin Syed

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Functional Analysis of the Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Locus at 9p22.2 Reveals a Transcription Regulatory Network Mediated by BNC2 in Ovarian Cells , Melissa Buckley

Exploring the Pathogenic and Drug Resistance Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus , Whittney Burda

Regulation and Targeting of the FANCD2 Activation in DNA Repair , Valentina Celeste Caceres

Mass Spectrometry-Based Investigation of APP-Dependent Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration , Dale Chaput

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Undergraduate Thesis

The School of Biological Sciences offers a senior thesis option that is available for all students. As part of this experience, students will learn about the proper way to conduct research in a classroom setting, conduct an independent research project, and communicate their results. The thesis, a written description of your work, includes the normal parts of a research paper (introduction, methods, results, figures, discussion and literature references). If you are going on to graduate school, a Senior Thesis is strongly recommended. For students applying to professional schools or even applying for a job, completing a Senior Thesis shows hard work and dedication as it's not required for graduation, but an extra effort you put into your education.

Students would generally complete BSC 196 and 197 during their freshman year, and BSC 204 in their sophomore year prior to registering for BSC 290 or 299 (Research in Biological Sciences, at least 3 hours) in their sophomore or junior years. BSC 303 (Senior Thesis) is taken in the senior year.

Completion of the thesis option is indicated on your transcripts.

A checklist of requirements is available.

Need more information? Contact Dr. Andres Vidal-Gadea

Want to see what a Senior Thesis looks like?  Copies available for viewing in the School of Biological Sciences Office in 210 Julian Hall.

Student Research Projects and Theses

Students majoring in Biology have the opportunity to conduct research with our faculty.  For students who qualify, this research often culminates in a senior thesis project which is a requirement for students to graduate with Honors in Biology.

Meet our Current Thesis Students

Tyler allcroft, ’23.

I got into this research because of my interest in how oxidative stress affects biological systems as it has implications in cancer and other diseases. I am interested in oncologic medicine and will apply to medical school this spring.

Alyce Segal, ’23

I got into this work as I wanted to be more involved in the field of ecology. Knowing that the state of our planet is less than ideal, I wanted the research that I was involved in to contribute to a healthier planet in one way or another.

Flynn Gorman, ’23

I have been working in Dr. Toscano’s lab since May of 2021 and in doing so I have been given the amazing opportunity to further my research experience outside of coursework while also having the freedom to design my own experiments, collaborate with my lab mates, and gain experience in writing and preparing my own thesis. Additionally, doing research at Trinity qualified me to apply and be awarded a research fellowship under the National Science Foundation’s REU program in which I studied the reproductive ultrastructure of hydrothermal vent gastropods at the University of Oregon. I hope to continue researching after I graduate in May and apply the skills I have learned at Trinity to new and diverse scientific disciplines in my career!

Julian Marlowe, ’23

I got involved in research during my junior year after taking many courses covering cellular signaling and genetics. These classes were very formative and sparked my interest in the genetic techniques that can be utilized to dissect complex pathways.

Jacob Borgida, ’23

During the summer of 2020, I conducted research on gene-targeted therapies for the repair of the nervous system through a lab at the University of Minnesota Medical School. After completing a genetics course at Trinity in the spring of 2021, I began research at a clinical genetics lab in Boston named Genomes2People. One of their main projects I contributed to was examining the behavioral, economic, and medical impact of genetic sequencing in newborns. Through this research, my interest in genetics spiked and I was able to find a set of disorders that allows me to combine my interest in genetics with cell biology. I plan to pursue medical school after graduating from Trinity in the spring of 2023.

Olivia Pomerleau, ’23

My name is Olivia Pomerleau and I am a thesis student in the biology department. I am currently studying the relationship between the skin microbiome and atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. More specifically, I am looking at the treatment options for adult-onset atopic dermatitis. I am hypothesizing that adult-onset atopic dermatitis is more of a microbiome dysbiosis issue.

I chose this area of research because my aunt recently was diagnosed with eczema and never had it as a child. I also am interested in going to medical school and hopefully pursuing dermatology. Combining all of this with my interest in microbiology, I found the perfect topic to study. Currently I am also an EMT at Trinity Health of New England. I have found that emergency medicine is quite different from studying skin diseases.

Henry Lagasse, ’23

While looking at molecular data to form a phylogeny is the most concrete way of identifying how species are related to one another, morphological data can provide evidence both for species circumscription as well as the evolution of functional traits. As a result, it is important to be able to combine molecular and morphological evidence in identifying a species.

In my research I am looking at spore perine morphology as a possible new character to be used in the identification of species within the fern genus, Polystichum. Fern spores have an outer layer called the perispore that has different ornamental structures like ridges and perforations that are known to vary interspecifically. I am scoring perine characteristics using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) image and mapping these characters onto a molecular phylogeny of Polystichum in order to reconstruct evolutionary history.

I got into this research due to my interest in plant biology that I gained through taking Plants of New England (BIOL 218), Botany (BIOL 215), and Evolution of plant structures (BIOL 223). Professor Patel is my thesis advisor for this project.

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Fisheries Biology

Graduate Student Research Topics

Current students.

Jason Shaffer Thesis: Comparing environmental DNA and snorkel surveys to determine the spatial distribution of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Smith River Basin, California Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Alex Juan Thesis: Evaluating the Use of a Trojan Y Chromosome Strategy to Eradicate Invasive Sacramento Pikeminnow in the Eel River to Aid Recovery of Threatened Salmonids Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Claire Stuart Thesis: Monitoring and evaluating rocky-reef marine protected areas in Northern California Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Gavin B. Bandy Thesis: A Technique to Calibrate eDNA Surveys for Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Dylan J. Keel Thesis: Quantification of the variability of Ceratonova shasta DNA concentrations in Klamath River water samples Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Noah Angell Thesis: Describing Population Status of Redtail Surfperch and Silver Surfperch in Sandy Beach Surf Zones in Northern California Including Marine Protected Areas Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Sarah Moreau Thesis: Factors that attract Yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, to fixed fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the Galapagos Islands Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Olivia Boeberitz Thesis: Green sturgeon Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Z Zenobia Thesis: Status of Spirinchus starksi (Night Smelt) in Northern California in 2021 Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Daniel Montoya Thesis: Surf smelt Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Lily Olmo Thesis: Using fish to study the trophic food chain of artificial wetlands in the Arcata Marsh, CA Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Jacqueline Bridegum Thesis: Advisor:

Summer 2022

Cory Dick Thesis: Comparing molecular methods to estimate fish stomach contents and gastric evacuation rates: Implications for measuring the impacts of predation on Central Valley Chinook salmon Advisor:

Spring 2022

Katie Terhaar Thesis: Sandy Beach Surf zone Fish Communities and Marine Protected Areas in Northern California Advisor: Jose Marin Jarrin, Ph.D.

Natasha Ficzycz Thesis: Inferring exposure to harmful pseudo-nitzschia blooms from ocean-to-estuary gradients in domoic acid concentrations in Humboldt Bay bivalves Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Braden Herman Thesis: Use of foreign eDNA tracers to resolve site- and time-specific eDNA distributions in natural streams Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Leon Davis Thesis: Assessing abundance, presence, and length, and marine protected area effectiveness for three key rocky reef species along the Northern California Coast Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Max Grezlik Thesis: Evaluating the effects of Atlantic Menhaden management and environmental change on the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Ecosystem Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Doyle J. Coyne Thesis: Comparison of standard and environmental DNA methods for estimating Chinook salmon smolt abundance in the Klamath River, California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Christopher O'Keefe Thesis: Do beaver dam analogues act as passage barriers to juvenile coho salmon and juvenile steelhead trout? Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Roxanne Robertson Thesis: Resolving variability in size structure in an individual-based model for the North Pacific krill, Euphausia pacifica Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Blair M. Winnacott Thesis: Response of coastal ichthyoplankton assemblages off northern California to seasonal oceanographic and climate variability Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Nick Van Vleet Thesis: Effects of large wood restoration on coho salmon in a northern California watershed: a before-after-control-impact experiment Advisor:

Natalie Okun Thesis: Effects of large wood restoration on coho salmon in a northern California watershed: a before-after-control-impact experiment Advisor:

Nissa Kreidler Thesis: Species distribution models for three deep-sea coral and sponge taxa in the southern California Bight Advisor: Andre Buchheister, Ph.D.

Steven R. Fong Thesis: Spatial and temporal genetic structure of winter-run steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) returning to the Mad River, California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Max Ramos Thesis: Recolonization potential for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in tributaries to the Klamath River after dam removal Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Madison Halloran Thesis: Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) dispersal and life history variations among Humboldt Bay watersheds Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Nissa Kreidler Thesis: Species distribution models for three deep-sea coral and sponge taxa in the Southern California Bight Advisor:

Emerson Kanawi Thesis: Comparing environmental DNA and traditional monitoring approaches to assess the abundance of outmigrating coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in California coastal streams Advisor:

Chad M. Martel Thesis: Using environmental DNA and occupancy modeling to estimate rangewide metapopulation dynamics of the endangered tidewater goby eucyclogobius spp. Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Grace Ghrist Thesis: Freshwater and marine survival of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as a function of juvenile life history Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Laura Solinger Thesis: Spatial variability in recruitment of Chilipepper rockfish (sebastes goodei) in the California current system Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Chris Loomis Thesis: Density and distribution of piscivorous fishes in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta Advisor:

John Deibner-Hanson Thesis: Overwinter survival and movement of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in relation to large woody debris and low-velocity habitat in Northern California streams Advisor:

Hannah Coe Thesis: Effects of longline oyster aquaculture on benthic invertebrate communities in Humboldt Bay, California Advisor:

Emily Chen Thesis: Contribution of juvenile estuarine residency in a bar-built estuary to recruitment of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Advisor:

Keith Parker Thesis: Evidence for the genetic basis and inheritance of ocean and river-maturing ecotypes of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) in the Klamath River, California. Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Michael Sutter Thesis: Rangewide tidewater goby occupancy survey using environmental DNA Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Kevin Hinterman Thesis: Baseline monitoring and characterization of rocky intertidal fish communities in Northern California Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Cori Flannery Thesis: The effects of ocean acidification and reduced oxygen on the behavior and physiology of juvenile rockfish Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Gabriel Scheer Thesis: A population model for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Freshwater Creek: Evaluating the effects of life history variation and habitat restoration Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Justin Alvarez Thesis: Abundance, growth and predation by non-native brown trout in the Trinity River, CA Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Ryann Whitemore Thesis: Evaluation of parameter estimation and field application of transgenerational genetic mark-recapture Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Molly Gorman Thesis: Juvenile survival and adult return as a function of freshwater rearing life history for Coho Salmon in the Klamath River basin Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Michelle Krall Thesis: The influence of habitat characteristics on abundance and growth of juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in constructed habitats in the middle Klamath River basin Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Conrad Newell Thesis: Development of captive culture methods for the endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Molly Schmelzle Thesis: Monitoring endangered tidewater goby using environmental DNA in water samples Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Sean Cochran Thesis: Marine survival of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from small coastal watersheds in Northern California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Jesse Wiesenfeld Thesis: Riverscape genetics identifies cryptic lineages of speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) in the Klamath-Trinity basin Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Shari Witmore Thesis: Seasonal growth retention and movement of juvenile coho salmon in natural and constructed habitats of the mid-Klamath River Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Christine Roddam Thesis: Residency, growth, and outmigration size of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), across rearing locations in the Shasta River, California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Kathryn Crane Thesis: Environmental effects on growth of early life history stages of rockfishes (Sebastes) off Central California based on analysis of otolith growth patterns. Advisor: Eric Bjorkstedt, Ph.D.

Jennifer Hauer Thesis: Overwinter survival and growth of juvenile coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, in Freshwater, California Advisor: Darren Ward, Ph.D.

Michael Hellmair Thesis: Life history variation, genetic diversity and extinction risk in the endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Melissa Reneski Thesis: Temporal genetic analyses reveal divergence of hatchery steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) via drift Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

James Hearsey Thesis: Reproductive traits of sympatric spring and fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and their hybrids Advisor: Andrew Kinziger, Ph.D.

Program Overview

Fisheries Biology 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521 Phone: (707) 826-3953 [email protected]

Home > ETD > Biology > ETDB_BIO

Biology Bachelor's Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

An in silico analysis of the binding affinity of alliin from Allium sativum L. targeting HMGB-1 and IL-6 inflammatory cascade , Rejie May M. Cuabo, Katherine F. Gabia, Alyssa Bianca F. Palaypay, and Glen Andrei R. Roque

Prevalence of foodborne parasites in common street food in Manila , Mary Corinne Dolar Escutin, Matthew Williamson Yao Mendoza, Czarinah Isabelle Ilagan Persia, Angel Nicole Benavides Villanueva, and Krystlelyn Mae Lao Tan

Parasitic contamination in Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach) in Laguna de Bay, Angono, Rizal, Philippines , Godspeed Garcia Feliciano, Uriel Anne Torralba Bumanlag, Andrea Noya Galvez, Anne Ricyl Tagala Kaw, and Mikaela Marie Venturanza Garcia

Relative prevalence of microplastics on mangrove crabs and soil in targeted crab harvesting sites in Luzon , Antonio Miguel C. Imperial, Michaella M. Martinez, and Jehan Ginette O. Tan

Molecular docking studies on the interaction of the Cryptosporidium parvum proteins, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and calcium-dependent protein kinase-1 (CpCDPK1), with selected plant compounds , Ivan Gregg O. Samson and Rupert C. Quijano Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Developing a dengue risk index using the index for risk management (INFORM) framework at a regional scale in the Philippines , Patricia Denise S. Ang, Nagyeong Heo, and Jan Christine D. Latonio

In silico analysis of isocoumarin compounds targeting lanosterol C-14 α-demethylase and its potential inhibition of ergosterol synthesis in Candida albicans , Gabrielle Vaughn Alyssa Avante, Cayne Ashley D. Dela Cruz, and Miles C. Fernandez

An evaluation between the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory bioactivites of ethnobotanical plants from the lamiaceae family found in the Philippines , Maria Czarina V. Beltran, Ana Maria Noelle O. Domingo, and Ellen Stephanie C. Sy

Methods used by small-scale mangrove crab (Scylla spp.) producers to maintain production during the southwest monsoon season in the Philippines , Jannella L. Bolaños

A meta-analysis on the geographical distribution and prevalence of parasitic nematodes infecting cattle in four top cattle-producing countries of Asia , Elizabeth Paige R. Cagurangan and Miguel Antonio P. Capistrano

A systematic review and correlation of risk factors associated with the occurrence of histoplasmosis in Asian individuals with AIDS , Michaela Bucasas Casingal, Christian Jeofferson Layag Galang, and Marie Yvette Bustamante Villareal

Synthetic biological approaches in PET biodegradation and bioplastic conversion: Current advances and future perspectives , Pearl P. Castillo and Robbie Engelo A. Tinio

Assessing machine learning methods in predicting dengue incidence using climatic factors in Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Philippines , Ian Kevin G. Castro, Nikki Elisha M. Elquiero, and Jericho D. Fradejas

An epidemiological study of COVID-19 in selected barangays in the city of Manila from March 2021 to March 2023 , Pamela P. David and Alea B. Villanueva

Examining the etiologic association between toxoplasma gondii and schizophrenia: A comprehensive meta-analysis approach , Bea Ysabelle K. Deblois

A narrative review on wastewater-based epidemiology as a strategy for disease surveillance in the Philippines , Melissa Ellaine V. De Luna, Miriel A. Lacson, Kyle Gabriel R. Santos, Arabella Jannie A. Umali, and John Oliver M. Bagasbas

Cannabis sativa as a possible treatment for alleviating both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis , Lucy R. DeVera and Arcadia Marie Q. Pacaña

A study on the human lymphatic filariasis in selected countries in Southeast Asia: Transmission through migration , Nicolas Marcelle D. Dimaculangan, Therese Marie F. Dinopol, and Media Zofia S. Canlas

Anti-reflective coatings for photovoltaic module efficiency: A bibliometric review , Alistair V. Enhaynes, John Brian F. Anderson, and Jerik Adrian V. Bayon

The relationship between clostridium spp. and the incidence of colorectal cancer: A descriptive review , Louise Nicole C. Escueta

Preliminary assessment of microplastic contamination of fish from a Metro Manila wet market , Dennis Paolo M. Garcia

Virulence-associated genome plasticity of selected clinical candida albicans from a Philippine tertiary hospital , Maria Angelica R. Gerodias

Sequence analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes in staphylococcus aureus in selected Southeast Asian countries , Genevieve D. Giron, Marie Angeli N. Peña, and Therese Amber E. Oconer

Image-assisted assessment of the efficiency of comperiella calauanica as parasitoid of aspidiotus rigidus in Zamboanga Sibugay , Jona Marie Miranda Ilustre and Shannen Faye Marcayda Maiquez

Evaluation of pre-processing tools and provenance in RNA-Seq studies of breast cancer , Gillian Nicole A. Jamias

The association of the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis in Cebu, Philippines , Erika Ashley Meg G. Jayma and Catherine Bartolome Lee

A comprehensive study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in developing countries , Jezzica D'Andre Raquel Laoque, Joelle Alessandra Cuesta Enrile, and Reggie Ballestar Saringan

An analysis on the behavioral, economic, and social patterning of Schistosoma japonicum infections in endemic areas in the Philippines and other endemic Southeast Asian countries , Ava Sabine L. Ledesma and Cyd Justin T. Solera

COVID-19 associated aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and mucormycosis infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review , Denise Vina Tan Li and Jasmine Gail F. Lizano

The effects of cannabidiol on skin: A bibliometric review , Shannen Meeka L. Lim and Brina Sabelle C. Secosana

An analysis on the variability of the tilapia lake virus (TiLV) whole genome to aid in detection and treatment target , Rain Allisha M. Lontok

Efficacy of antimalarial drug treatments for uncomplicated falciparum and vivax malaria in selected Southeast Asian countries: A meta-analysis , Jed Arvin S. Lurzano, Charles Paolo P. Platon, and Johan Christian T. Tansiongkun

Narrative synthesis on the antibacterial properties of plants from the apocynaceae family that can be found in the Philippines , Melice Mei Del Moro Mago and Jasmine Rose Colico Martinez

In silico screening of the SH3 resistance locus in coffea canephora and coffea arabica for candidate genes involved in coffee leaf rust resistance , Marc Lenard T. Merlin

A comparative study of the secondary metabolites contributing to the antimicrobial properties of plants belonging to Fabaceae and Lamiaceae families that are found in the Philippines , Jenny Anne Clanor Paloma, Raniel Angelo Guinto Ramos, and Bryll Jay Cerdan Carilla

Designing loop-mediated isothermal amplification primers for molecular-based nitrogen monitoring in Oryza sativa L. (rice) , Vivia Anne Lourdes O. Pepingco

Vitamin D deficiency as an indicator of asthma in children in developing countries: A meta-analysis , Benz Arielle T. Sabellon, Maria Patricia Micaela Y. Souza, and Camille Maxine Anne B. Viceral

A comprehensive study of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis , Christiana J. Santiago, Jmelyn Nicole H. Sy, and Eunice Maryan S. Vargas

Caffeine as a preventive supplement for Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis , Swizza Rivera Siega, Lorraine Lim Simeon Cua, and Luis Reyes Oronce

Association of C-reactive protein and D-dimer with diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide as a pulmonary post-COVID-19 sequelae: A systematic review , Heidi Kristine C. Tan and Kimichiro B. Yagi

Prevalence and associated risk factors of waterborne parasitic infections in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand: A systematic review and meta-analysis , Francesca Frigillana Villanueva, Franco Almino B. Libre, and Ryan T. Paras

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A comprehensive evaluation of medicinal plants from Mindanao, Philippines using secondary data reported between 1970 and 2020 , Derrick Myles Y. Acosta, Rolland Mae Z. Jose, and Josh Matthew R. Oronce

Exploring the effects of portulaca oleracea (olasiman) on maternal-neonatal wellness: ICR murine model , Christopher Sebastiano P. Almazar

Preliminary analysis of the biological response of sub-adult scylla serrata (mangrove crabs) on phosphate & on phosphate-containing shampoo , Kobee D. Bacolod

Clinical and nutritional outcomes of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis on maternal and child health , Francees Raphaiel Fortu Cabaltera, Arienne Therese Pangilinan Evangelista, and Ramon Joaquin Amparo Isaguirre

A meta-analysis on the therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticles on colitis-induced mouse models , Yuen Kun Chelsea Cheuk

Narrative synthesis of the medicinal plants in Luzon, Philippines based on online publications from 1996 to 2020 , Koleen Faye Umali Constantino and Mark Joseph Condeno Salazar

An assessment of the potential of long-term storage of pemphis acidula J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. “Bantigue” (Family Lythraceae) seeds pre-treated under different relative humidity conditions , Miguel Lorenzo Z. De Leon

Efficiency assessment of regionally derived 16S rDNA and COI sequences for widescale detection of mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) (Forskål) population structure , Alexis Gwyneth P. Desuasido

A systematic review on the association between the climatic factors and the prevalence of disease in the Philippines with respect to the trends in other Southeast Asian countries , Kyle Justine R. Gregorio and Ysabelle Marian M. Guzman

Evaluating variability in interferon gamma and toll like receptor 4 in the chicken (gallus gallus, linnaeus, 1758) for comparison of known breeds with the native Philippine chicken , Jed Allyn T. Hernandez and Zaki L. Suficiencia

Using alignment-based methods in the phylogenetic inferencing of genus Andrographis Wall. ex Nees , Ma. Loren Elena C. Juaban

A narrative synthesis of studies on medicinal plants from Visayas, Philippines reported between the period 1970 to 2020 , Daeun Lee, Kyle Jigger D. Bartolome, and Francis Christian L. Luakian

A systematic review of biosensors suitable for environmental biomonitoring of heavy metal water pollution in the Philippines , Winona Abidin Peñafiel and Dominique Ma. Francesca A. Ybañez

Criteria for comparisons and recommendations for a next generation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells as HIV-1 treatment , Anne Kimberly Bueno Sabado

Analysis of the variation of age-specific life expectancies between sexes due to Covid-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Philippines , Aubrey Christine C. Tatoy

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

A comprehensive study on the prevalence of capillariasis associated with beliefs, practices, and dietary habits , Monica Louisse A. Briones and John Martin A. Borja

Zinc supplementation as an adjunct treatment for acute diarrhea among pediatric patients in developed countries: A meta-analysis , Claire Angelica A. Escueta

Meta-analysis of hypertension as a comorbid condition of COVID-19 patients , Margerie Zia Sayo Majarais and Princess Janna Bandrang Mala

Bioclimate-based species distribution modelling of the two key insect pests of Theobroma cacao in the Philippines , Tisha Marie F. Navarrosa, Camille Anne C. Angeles, and Gabriel John C. Tolentino

The influence of helminthiasis on the cognitive performance of school children: A meta-analysis , Katherina J. Soberano and Tiffany D. Blanquera

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Student links worm behavior to brain disease

Psychology student worked with biology faculty to study neurological.

As an undergraduate student in The University of Texas at Arlington's Honors College, Hannah Selvarathinam knew she wanted to conduct research. Near the end of her first year at UTA, the Keller native reached out to the lab of biology Assistant Professor Piya Ghose.

"Hannah has been a very impressive scholar from Day 1," Ghose said. "She had the foresight to reach out for research opportunities very early on."

Ghose brought Selvarathinam in to work on one of the lab's core projects related to the genetics of cell death, modeled in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. Selvarathinam's work eventually led to her honors thesis, focused on brain health and behavior. The result is a new peer-reviewed publication detailing the genes affecting worm behavior that also are relevant to neurological disease in humans.

"Through combing the literature and discussing her findings with me, she was able to make connections between the genes she was already studying as part of her cell biology project with her undergraduate psychology major and interests in human health," Ghose said. "Hannah drove this project and regularly communicated with me for guidance and to share her exciting results. She took on the brave task of adapting and optimizing a published behavioral protocol for her project, which is exceptional for such a young trainee."

For her study, Selvarathinam leveraged the fact that worms have similarities in their genes to humans and predictable behaviors that are easy to study. She proceeded to optimize an experi-mental protocol that aimed to link the mental illness schizophrenia to neurodegenerative disease using worm behavior.

"Normally, worms spend much of their time eating. But if they are interrupted by physical insult, they briefly stop in a manner similar to the startle response in humans," Selvarathinam said.

Schizophrenia has similar symptoms, and one hallmark is abnormal reactivity to a continued stimulus. Essentially, individuals with the illness take longer to become accustomed to a stimulus than those without.

"What we found in our study is that healthy worms, as expected, momentarily stopped eating when they were exposed to a stimulus, but soon continued to eat again," Selvarathinam explained. "But for worms with mutations in many of the neurodegeneration genes, such as with those related to hereditary spastic paraplegia and Alzheimer's disease, they continued to eat even after being exposed to the stimulus, which shows a heightened startle response.

"Our publication adds another building block to our understanding of brain disease in the hopes of finding a cure and also highlights C.elegans as a powerful model organism to pursue this goal."

After completing her honors thesis and graduating in winter 2022, Selvarathinam began working as a technician in Ghose's lab while preparing applications for medical school. She's now on track with another peer-reviewed publication for work she has done assisting on one of the lab's cell death projects.

"My research experience complements my goal to practice medicine by teaching me many transferable skills, such as reading scientific literature and applying my knowledge to solve problems and answer interesting questions," Selvarathinam said. "I am grateful for the opportunities I have had at UTA and for the chance to work with the Ghose Lab team. I am also thankful to the Honors College for its wonderful capstone project program. I encourage students to reach out to professors and seek out research opportunities here at UTA."

• Medical Topics
• Workplace Health
• Parkinson's Research
• Alzheimer's Research
• Schizophrenia
• Alzheimer's
• Parkinson's
• Mental Health
• Pomegranate
• Dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia
• Intellectual giftedness
• Double blind
• Psychopathology
• Psychiatric service dog

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Texas at Arlington . Original written by Katherine Egan Bennett. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Selvarathinam, H; Elkhalil, A; Schargel, WE; Ghose, P. Neurodegeneration-related genes influence C. elegans pharyngeal activity . microPublication Biology , 2024 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000897

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