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MORGANTON CAMPUS
About Research in Biology ("RBio")
About Research in Biology ("RBio")
Research in Biology is an intensive research program that is conducted on the campus of NCSSM. Students develop their own independent research project and work on their project through the end of the spring semester to the end of the fall semester. During a student’s senior year they will present their research at several research competitions and conferences.
FAST FACTS
COMMON QUESTIONS
What would I do in the program?
During a two week January Term and the beginning of the spring semester, students learn all about research and work on research skills as they design and conduct short guided inquiry projects. During the process they will increase their skills in scientific literacy, scientific writing, presentations and communication. In the lab students will learn about the scientific method and experimental design, basic wet lab techniques which include: micropipetting, sterile technique, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and many more.
Spring semester is also when students search the literature, develop their own original, long term study, and begin working with their model organism. Students will write a research proposal which they defend in front of their peers, instructors and scientists. Work on their project continues during the summer term, and is completed at the beginning of the fall semester.
The focus of fall semester is data analysis and communication of results in multiple formats including paper writing, poster sessions, and short talks at competitions and conferences.
How do I know this program is a good fit for me?
Students in this program are, first and foremost, interested in biology. They are able to work independently and as part of a team, respond well to constructive criticism, and want to learn how to be a good scientist. There are no course prerequisites or expectations that students have had previous research experience.
What projects have past / current students worked on?
A novel approach to inhibit MAP2K1 overexpression utilizing extracts from Moringa oleifera
Examining the effect of Cucurbita seed oil on the AD model of Drosophila melanogaster
QSAR-guided Design of Novel Drug Candidates Targeting the P2X purinoceptor 4
Synthesis of silica nanoparticles from spent grain waste
Exploring TET Enzymes and Demethylation through Naegleria gruberi
Endophytes as a mode of horizontal transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids between plants
Effect of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type peptide ArSK/CCK1 on satiety and energy metabolism of Asterias vulgaris
Utilizing a Quercetin-Enzyme Combination to Inhibit the Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Promote Plant Tissue Regeneration
COURSE INFORMATION
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the Instructor
Contact the Instructor
MORGANTON CAMPUS
Jennifer Williams, Chair of Science
Jennifer Williams, Chair of Science
Jennifer Williams joined the NCSSM team in November of 2021 as Department Chair of Science at NCSSM-Morganton. Jennifer began her career in western North Carolina, where she taught chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, math and science research in Transylvania County for 23 years and served as science chair at Brevard High School for 15 years. Beginning in 2006, she created, developed and facilitated the TIME 4 Real Science program in collaboration with community partner Mary Arnaudin, NC Cooperative Extension. The TIME program continues to support students in authentic inquiry into their own questions as they work with scientists and teachers to conduct locally relevant science projects. Jennifer’s students have conducted award-winning work on topics ranging from endangered species to invasive insects to endophytes to biophotovoltaics. A 2010 recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers, Jennifer is passionate about supporting high school students as they become scientists and is excited about the opportunity to impact even more students in her position at NCSSM.
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