Research Lab Profiles
The Department of Biology has 24 unique research labs that provide opportunities to undergraduate students.
Blackiston Lab
The overarching goal of my lab is to understand how developmental events coordinate organism-level behaviors, and how these interactions can inform both biomedical and ecological contexts. To this end, my group studies many aspects of developmental biology to learn about the molecular, genetic, and environmental signaling mechanisms driving behavioral phenotypes, and then use these mechanisms to exert control over form and function, sensory-motor integration, and regenerative outcomes.
Prerequisites: Bio 13
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: When positions are available, Prof. Blackiston will review applications from the previous two semesters.
Positions available: 2
David Lab
Dr. David's academic work focuses on understanding and maximizing the value of innovative R&D in the biopharmaceutical industry. Projects typically involve substantial amounts of secondary research (e.g., analysis of regulatory documents, clinical trials reports, financial statements, etc.) and writing and are best-suited for students deeply interested in the intersection of drug development with business and policy issues. Current interests include approaches to assessing and managing R&D risk for new therapies; the analysis and interpretation of clinical trial results; regulatory strategy and policy for novel drugs; drug pricing and the economics of the biopharma industry; applying data science and AI/LLMs to FDA documents; and financial modeling of R&D-stage therapeutics. For examples of prior work, see our publications.
Prerequisites: None
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: Detailed application instructions are available on the Student research opportunities page. Applications that do not follow the posted instructions will not be reviewed.
Positions available: Variable; typically up to 2 new starts per semester.
Dopman Lab
A fundamental problem for biology is to understand biological diversity. Ernst Mayr (1904–2005) famously wrote that whereas the functional biologist might be interested in how variation arises mechanistically, the evolutionary biologist is preoccupied by why diversity occurs in the first place. Our research group applies a unified framework that seeks both functional and evolutionary explanations for diversity in a changing world. We study genetic and nongenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation, as well as the ecological factors promoting and maintaining the endless forms we see around us. Our studies draw on approaches from numerous disciplines (ecology, genomics, physiology, molecular genetics), often in the context of adaptive evolution, sustainability, population resilience, and the origin of new species.
Prerequisites: None
Deadlines: Aug 10 for fall semester starts; Nov 15 for spring starts; Mar 15 for summer starts
Process: When a position becomes available, applications from the previous 12 months will be reviewed. Multiple candidates will be invited to interview.
Positions available: 1-2 students in the fall, spring, and summer sessions
Freudenreich Lab
The Freudenreich lab uses the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) as a model organism to study genome instability. Our focus is on DNA damage caused by structure-forming repeat sequences which interfere with replication and repair. We are examining the basis of chromosome fragility at structure-forming repeats and the impact on chromosome deletions, cell growth and survival. One active area of research is the effect of nuclear location on DNA repair. We are investigating the mechanisms involved in relocation of DNA damage to the nuclear periphery, and how this process protects against repeat expansions and chromosome fragility. Tools used include creation and analysis of mutants, genetic assays for chromosome fragility, tracking of loci within the nucleus using fluorescent microscopy, and biochemical analysis of protein modifications.
Prerequisites: Genetics (Bio41). Preference will be given to students who have also taken or are enrolled in a course in molecular/cell biology or biochemistry (Bio 50, Bio 105, Bio46, Bio152 or Chem171). A commitment to spend 10-15 hrs per week and enrollment in one of the Biology research-for-credit courses (Bio93, Bio193) (academic year) or 20 hrs per week (summer).
Deadlines: By deadline of posted opportunity
Process: When a position opens up, Prof. Freudenreich will post it and then review all applications submitted before the posted due date. Candidates that pass the initial screening will be contacted to set up interviews.
Positions available: 0 for spring 2026. Summer 2026 TBD.
Gardiner Lab
Our scientific curiosity revolves around understanding how viruses can rewire cells to change what genes are expressed and how this altered gene expression changes cellular behavior and interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses are adept at hijacking biological processes for their own replication. However, the impact of these co-opted processes on the surrounding uninfected cells and ECM, or the "viral microenvironment", and the long-term sequelae are largely unexplored. Our goal is to study these questions within the context of fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pancreatitis, and liver fibrosis as viral infections are frequently a cause of fibrosis and most chronic fibroses remain unresolved and result in organ failure or cancer development.
Prerequisites: To be considered to work in the lab, undergraduate researchers are required to: Be able to work in the lab for at least 1 year (ideally more) Commit to a minimum of 10 hours within the work week (Monday-Friday), in continuous 3-4 hours blocks of time, between the hours of 8AM and 6PM. Have 2 credits available in your course load to enroll in Bio 93/94.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: When opportunities are available, Dr. Gardiner will reach out to those who filled the Undergraduate Research Interest Form first. She will work to schedule a time to meet with you and get to know you further. In preparation, here are some of the questions Dr. Gardiner will ask you. Of course natural questions will arise during the conversation, including opportunities for you to ask your own.
Positions available: None at this time. Check back in the future.
Hengel Lab
The Hengel lab is interested in understanding how environmental toxicants human beings experience in our environment change our DNA. We are also interested in how the damaged DNA is repaired by proteins in our nucleus.
We are also interested and focused on the intersection of female reproductive diseases (endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, and polycystic ovary syndrome) and female cancers (cervical, endometrial, uterine, and ovarian cancer).
Prerequisites: Contact Prof. Hengel
Deadlines: Contact Prof. Hengel
Process: Contact Prof. Hengel
Positions available: Contact Prof. Hengel
Hernandez Lab
How do human cells faithfully replicate and express their mitochondrial DNA? How do errors in these processes, or mutations in the proteins responsible, lead to disease?
Our lab investigates the enzymes, nucleic acid-binding proteins, and nucleic acids that orchestrate mitochondrial nucleic acid metabolism. We're particularly interested in understanding: 1) the activities of of key enzymes in nucleic acid metabolism, 2) protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, 3) the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids involved in these critical processes.
We use a variety of cutting-edge techniques to answer these questions, including: 1) recombinant protein purification, 2) in vitro transcription and replication assays to dissect enzymatic activities, 3) mass photometry to determine the molecular masses of protein assemblies, 4) time-resolved biochemical assays to understand reaction pathways and regulation.
Prerequisites: None
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: After reviewing applications, Dr. Hernandez and members of the lab will contact candidates.
Positions available: 2
Hussain Lab
The human vagina is home to a community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, whose makeup impacts the sexual and reproductive health of the host. In the Hussain Lab, we take an ecological and evolutionary approach to investigate the forces shaping the diversity and dynamics of the vaginal microbiome. We use fundamental bacteriology and virology techniques in the wet lab to reveal the interactions between vaginal microbes, as well as computational methods and comparative genomics to study the impacts these interactions have on microbial evolution and ecosystem stability. Our ultimate goal is to use our findings to help design genomically- and ecologically-informed therapies for women’s health.
Prerequisites: Contact Prof. Hussain
Deadlines: Contact Prof. Hussain
Process: Contact Prof. Hussain
Positions available: Contact Prof. Hussain
Kao Lab
The primary goal of the Kao laboratory is to understand the neural mechanisms by which experience shapes behavior. In particular, we are interested in how the brain controls movement and how experience guides the performance and modification of learned motor skills. To approach these questions, we combine behavioral, neurophysiological, and computational approaches to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying vocal learning in songbirds.
Prerequisites: Contact Prof. Kao
Deadlines: Contact Prof. Kao
Process: Contact Prof. Kao
Positions available: Contact Prof. Kao
Levin Lab
We work at the intersection of developmental biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science in the Levin lab. Seeking general principles of life-as-it-can-be, we use a wide range of natural animal models and also create novel synthetic and chimeric life forms. Our goal is to develop generative conceptual frameworks that help us detect, understand, predict, and communicate with truly diverse intelligences, including cells, tissues, organs, synthetic living constructs, robots, and software-based AIs. Our main model system is morphogenesis: the ability of groups of cells to self-assemble, repair, and resist cancer and aging. We study instances of embryogenesis and regeneration as a collective intelligence that improvises novel solutions to anatomical goals. We ask questions about the mechanisms required to achieve robust, multiscale, adaptive order in vivo, and about the algorithms sufficient to reproduce this capacity in other substrates. One of our unique specialties is the study of developmental bioelectricity: ways in which all cells connect in somatic electrical networks that store, process, and act on information to control large-scale body structure. Our lab creates and employs tools to read and edit the bioelectric code that guides the proto-cognitive computations of the body, much as neuroscientists are learning to read and write the mental content of the brain.
Prerequisites: Bio13 or previous lab experience
Deadlines: Rolling
Process:
Positions available: Varies but often 1-4 (however we have a waiting list).
McLaughlin Lab
Our lab uses the amphibian model system, Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) as a model organism to elucidate how complex structures such as tissues and organs are formed during development, and repaired after injury.
The creation of organs during development constitutes one of the most interesting, yet least understood biological processes. The careful regulation of gene expression directs the developmental fates of cells, and coordinates their assembly into complex, three-dimensional structures with characteristic shapes, sizes, and physiological properties. During development cells undergo an elaborate interplay of cell behaviors such as: proliferation, migration, growth, differentiation, and death, in order to form tissues and organs at the proper time and place during embryogenesis. The intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms used to generate cell diversity, coordinate cell movements, and regulate the development of different tissues needed to create a functional organ, define one of the central questions in science today. Our research aims to discover the basic mechanisms of vertebrate (1) organ development, (2) remodeling, and (3) regeneration/repair.
Prerequisites: Bio13 and Bio15 completion required.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: When a position is becomes available, we will evaluate applications for evidence of teamwork, reliability and sincere interest in research topics. Priority will be given to students who are committed to working as part of a collaborative team. Selected students will be invited to participate in an in-person interview to visit the lab to meet with Prof. McLaughlin and her research team members.
Positions available: 1 or 2 summer 2026
McVey Lab
Our lab's research is focused on the ways that cells respond to and tolerate DNA damage. We are particularly interested in cellular responses to DNA breaks and base damage, and how these responses relate to cancer and aging. Most of our research uses the fruit fly model system. Undergraduate students in our group work with graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to develop their own questions related to ongoing projects in the lab. The most successful undergraduates in our lab are curious, self-motivated, and excited to come to lab even when their experiments aren't working. We especially enjoy working with undergraduates who are looking for long-term research experiences.
Prerequisites: Bio13 and Bio15 completion required.
Deadlines: Apply by November 15th for spring semester positions, March 15th for summer research positions
Process: Applications will be reviewed by Professor McVey. Selected students will meet with student mentors in the lab to ensure a good match with potential mentors.
Positions available: 1-2 positions for spring 2026
Mirkin Lab
Our lab studies DNA structure and functioning with an emphasis on genome instability caused by structure-prone DNA repeats in yeast and cultured human cells. Our emphasis is on the mechanisms responsible for expansions of simple tandem repeats (STRs) that were implicated in over 50 hereditary diseases and some cancers in humans. We also study the role of transcription, R-loops and transcription-replication collisions in repeat-mediated genome instability.
Prerequisites: Bio 41, biosafety training. Students must be able to work no less than 15 hrs/week in the lab.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: If I am interested in a student, I'd invite them for an in person interview followed by their interactions with my lab members
Positions available: 1
Orians Lab
Plant growth and chemistry are often constrained by growing conditions and our research group explores how woody and herbaceous plants balance allocation to the different demands and their impacts on herbivore preference and performance. Our research lab explores leaf-level responses and integrates these responses across the whole plant.
Prerequisites: Having background in plant biology, chemistry and in the laboratory are needed for most projects.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: I tend to recruit students the semester prior to a student starting to work on a project
Positions available: 1
Promislow Lab (Affiliate Faculty at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center)
Our lab studies the biology of aging and age-related disease using systems biology, quantitative genetics, metabolomics, and evolutionary approaches. We are particularly interested in how genetic and environmental factors influence variation in aging-related traits, with ongoing studies in fruit flies, and in companion dogs (Promislow co-leads the nationwide Dog Aging Project). We have research opportunities for undergrads interested in bench work on fruit flies, as well as those interested in computational approaches carrying out statistical modeling on aging in dogs. Students typically join during their sophomore or junior year, and are expected to work in the lab for at least two semesters.
Prerequisites: None
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: After initial review by Dr. Promislow, several applicants are invited for a virtual interview with Dr. Promislow, and then a final interview with members of the lab.
Positions available: 1 for Spring 2026
Reed Lab
The Reed lab is interested in extinction risk and the effects of human alteration of landscapes on the distribution, abundance, and persistence of species. I have long-term research projects on endangered birds in Hawaii and the Caribbean, and current projects on the effects of commercial forestry on the distribution and persistence of birds and epiphytes.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites in particular, although prefer students who have some ecological experiences. Basic statistical experience, particularly using R is favored. Having basic GIS skills increases research possibilities.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: I am primarily interested in working with students who plan to go on to graduate school in ecology. Projects in the lab are varied, and I try to match a current lab interest with a student's skills.
Positions available: 1 or 2
Romero Lab
Our research explores mechanisms underlying stress in wild vertebrates with a focus on captive birds. Undergraduate projects focus on how birds react physiologically and behaviorally to stressful stimuli (restraint, handling, predator vocalizations, etc.). Students learn how to hold and care for wild birds, how to take blood samples, and how to monitor physiological changes using recording devices. Students analyze their data for stress-induced changes with ELIZAs for hormones, behavioral analyses, and implantable monitors. Students also help design their own experiments, thereby providing training in experimental design, hypothesis testing, data presentation, and ultimately, scholarly writing for publication.
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent Group B course or equivalent
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: When a position comes up, we will evaluate all applications from the previous 6 months, and then multiple candidates will be invited for interviews.
Positions available: 1
Rotjan Lab
Research in the Rotjan lab focuses on marine ecology and global change. The main goal is to examine how marine species, communities, and ecosystems respond to the complex multitude of stressors emerging in the contemporary world ocean, and how they will respond to the future ocean change that we expect in the coming decades. In other words, we take a multi-level and systems ecology approach to examining global change. Our lab is interested in two complementary dimensions of contemporary marine ecology: (1) ecological response to changing ocean dynamics, and (2) opportunities for human-mediated action via conservation, restoration, and/or management. UG researchers should commit to at least two (and ideally four or more) semesters of research for it to be a meaningful experience; most join in their sophomore year and stay for the duration of their time at Tufts.
Prerequisites: Bio 13 and 14 required. Bio 142 and Bio 51 are advantageous.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: Every student will be evaluated by our lab manager, and the lab personnel (grad students, postdocs) most relevant to the research project at-hand. If there is mutual interest, applicants will then meet with Dr. Rotjan, who will make the final determination on acceptance.
Positions available: Our lab often hosts between 5-15 undergraduates at a time, depending on our project load.
Starks Lab
Our lab is currently studying how temperature stress affects honey bee colony health and behavior. Using observation hives and field colonies, we examine how bees regulate brood temperature, adjust comb architecture, and respond to extreme heat events. Summer research assistants help monitor colony activity, collect behavioral data, and assist with hive maintenance as part of our ongoing work on environmental stress and pollinator resilience.
Prerequisites: Required: Bio 51 (Methods in Ecology) or Bio 130 (Animal Behavior) or prior honey-bee/social-insect husbandry experience; completion of Tufts EH&S safety modules; comfort working around stinging insects (no severe allergy or carries prescribed epinephrine); reliable field readiness (summer heat, lifting ~40 lb) and careful data/record-keeping.
Deadlines: March 31st for summer research positions
Process: Applications will be reviewed for evidence of reliability, teamwork, and persistence in hands-on settings. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate initiative, a strong work ethic, and the ability to collaborate effectively in small groups under field conditions. Preference may also be given to those with prior experience in social-insect or behavioral research.
Positions available: 1-2 students for Summer 2026
Tran Lab
The Tran lab focuses on elucidating how epigenetic dysregulation contributes to cellular senescence and biological aging. Epigenetics is the study of how cells control gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. During senescence and aging, there are dramatic changes within the epigenome that cause dysregulated gene expression and promotes aging and age-related disorders. Understanding these mechanisms will help further elucidate interventions to promote healthy aging. The Tran lab focuses on the following areas of epigenetic regulation during aging and senescence: 1) Metabolic regulation of chromatin, 2) chromatin dynamics during aging and 3) spatial regulation of chromatin proteins.
Undergraduate researcher duties involve maintaining the lab, assisting graduate students in their research, and participating in lab meetings. After 1 year, students that show interest will have the opportunity to pursue independent research projects.
Prerequisites: BIO-13 and BIO-15 completion required. Commit to a minimum of at least 12 hours (Monday-Friday), in continuous >2 hours blocks of time, between the hours of 8AM and 6PM. Minimum commitment of 3 continuous semesters required.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: Applications will be reviewed by Professor Khoa Tran and graduate students within the Tran lab. Those selected will be invited for a formal interview with Professor Tran and one additional Tran lab member.
Positions available: 1-2 position for Fall 2026
Trimmer Lab
In the Tufts Neuromechanics and Biomimetic Devices Laboratory (BDL) we study how the tobacco hornworm caterpillar controls its complex movements and then we apply these findings to develop new approaches to robot control and design.
Prerequisites: Contact Prof. Trimmer
Deadlines: Contact Prof. Trimmer
Process: Contact Prof. Trimmer
Positions available: Contact Prof. Trimmer
Tytell Lab
Our lab studies the biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and neurophysiology of locomotion. Our work includes studies of how water moves around fish as they are swimming, measurements of how muscles can help them respond to changes in the environment, examinations of the sensory systems that detect the changes, and research on the neural circuits that control locomotion and respond to those changes. We use experimental measurements, physical models, and computational simulations to study the feedback loops that include these systems. Current work focuses on maneuvering behavior in several different species of fishes and how those relate to the mechanical properties of the bodies and fins of the fish, the responses of fish to ocean acidification and other changes in the climate, and the sensory basis of schooling behavior.
Prerequisites: Bio 14 or 49 are recommended. Some background with mechanics (Phys 1 or 11 or similar) and coding is very helpful
Deadlines: November 15 for spring positions; April 15 for summer and fall positions
Process: Please read about research in the lab and write a brief (<200 word) proposal of work you would be interested in doing. Prof Tytell and Tytell lab members will review these statements, then meet with potential candidates to discuss their interests
Positions available: 1
Uricchio Lab
Species are experiencing rapidly changing environments around the globe, in part due to human activity. Our lab studies the evolution and ecology of species in changing environments. Specific research questions that "how do changing temperatures affect thermal performance variation in species experiencing climate change?" and "how do changing environments affect the composition of species?" We use multiple model systems in our work to address these questions, such as marine invertebrates and microbial communities.
Prerequisites: Basic coding skills (ideally Python or C/C++) are required for most projects. These could be obtained through Tufts courses such as CS 11 or Bio 35.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: We are looking for some evidence of interest in basic evolutionary questions, some investment in learning mathematical modeling or computer science, and most importantly a positive attitude and curiosity about the natural world.
Positions available: 1-2 at most, but possibly 0.
Wolfe Lab
Research in the Wolfe lab seeks to identify the ecological and evolutionary processes that control the assembly and function of microbiomes. Most of our research uses synthetic microbial communities from food, including cheese, sourdough, and kimchi. Projects in my lab integrate experimental evolution, metagenomics, comparative genomics/transcriptomics, genome engineering, and in situ community reconstructions. Our work seeks to develop microbial community design principles that can guide the management of microbial communities in agriculture, industry, medicine, and nature.
We also collaborate with food producers to help monitor and manage food microbiomes to drive innovation in food quality and safety. Examples include research on spoilage molds that disrupt the aging of artisan cheeses in New England and collaborations with farmers and fermenters to understand how farm microbiomes can impact fermentation outcomes.
Prerequisites: Bio 13 and 14 required. It is helpful if students have taken Bio 55 (Microbiome Research Lab), Bio 106 (Microbiology Lecture), or Bio 107 (Microbiology Lab), but these courses are not required.
Deadlines: Rolling
Process: Interested students should first attend our weekly lab meetings (email Prof. Wolfe for time/location) to learn more about our research and our team members. After attending our lab meetings for a semester, we review with students whether our lab is a good fit (the student has identified possible research projects and the lab has identified how the student will be mentored and supported). We then invite students to find a research mentor in the lab (a PhD student, a senior undergraduate, or Prof. Wolfe) to develop their own research project or join an existing team of undergraduates working on a collaborative project.
Positions available: Typically 1-3 per semester and 1-2 over the summer. Not taking any new students through May of 2026.