Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences offer undergraduates the opportunity to do research with a small group of students.  Under the guidance of a faculty member, students conduct research together on a defined project, searching for novel findings, usually for 3 - 4 hours of course credit.

Fish Behavior and Endocrinology (Edmund Rodgers, Biology). Students in this CURE investigate the interactions of courtship behavior and hormone physiology.  The CURE continues to recruit excited students for both the lab and field courses.

Molecular Parasitology (Paul Ulrich, Biology). A typical mitochondrion has ~800 different proteins, a large proportion which have no known function. This course characterizes these novel mitochondrial genes in parasites.  Professional development aspects include training in media interaction, interviewing, and “elevator pitch” exercises.

international Genetically Engineered Machines team (iGEM, Matthew Brewer, Biology). Student researchers earned a silver medal and Chairman’s Award at the 2017 Research Jamboree (Boston, November 2017). Details available at http://2017.igem.org/Team:Georgia_State.

Microbial Ecology Laboratory (Samantha Parks, Biology). Student participants are exploring shifts in communities of soil microbes in response to chemical stressors and isolating bacterial strains associated with these challenges.

Developmental Biology Laboratory (Jonathan Sylvester, Biology). Students in this course study describing embryological development in an uncharacterized fish species using classical embryology coupled with molecular biology.

Urban Metagenomics (Jessica Joyner, Biology).  Student in this course learn to code in Python, work in virtual environment and analyze publically available metagenomics datasets to assess microbial responses to environmental conditions. 

Comparative Vertebrate Physiology (Matthew Grober, Biology). This lab uses real time data collection on amphibians and humans to highlight conserved structure and function with regard to vertebrate physiology.    Examples of physiological processes that will be studied include nerve conduction, neuromuscular function and cardiovascular regulation.  Students will read the literature, develop experimental protocols, conduct research, and analyze present their data.

Fermentation Ecology (Matthew Nusnbaum, Biology). In this class, students investigate the microbial dynamics in kombucha, a fermented tea product with purported health benefits. Students perturb the microbial ecosystem with a variety of compounds.

Tropical Island Ecology (Rebekah Chapman, Biology). Students engage in assessment of coral reef recovery of multiple after significant storm damage by performing underwater transects.

Principles of Paleontology (Christy Visaggi, Geosciences). Students in GEOL 4011 study extinction episodes by examining marine fossils. Over 7500 new specimens have been studied as a result of student work in this course at GSU, which has yielded 8 abstracts co-authored with 27 students, many of whom have presented their findings in a professional setting at Southeastern Geological Society of America meetings.

Hydrogeology (Brian Meyer, Geosciences). This CURE addresses water quality measures in urban Atlanta. Sources that are being monitored by students include rainfall, potable water, and a series of wells drilled specifically to accommodate this research and engage students locally in the scientific process.

Enzyme Function (Vicki Mariani, Chemistry).  In this CURE, students work to create novel protein mutants to solve specific problems in protein structure and enzymology.  Collaborations include the research groups of Drs. Ming Luo and Giovanni Gadda.

Mobile Cyber Physical Systems Lab (Ashwin Ashok, Computer Science, Spring 2018) is the first computer science CURE. Dr. Ashok’s students collaborated with Serenbe Farms (Palmetto, GA) to investigate soil water dynamics. This project provides a unique route for undergraduates in computer science to literally take their science to the “field.”

Astronomical Techniques and Instrumentation (Misty Bentz, Astronomy). ASTRO 4100 provides opportunities for student researchers to contribute to characterization of asteroids and includes analytical training and observation hours at the Hard Labor Creek telescope facility.