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Undergraduate Research
Build research experience while completing your degree
Engaging in undergraduate research enhances your skills, deepens your understanding of biology, and opens new opportunities.. It also provides opportunities to:
- apply concepts you are learning in the classroom
- deepen your understanding of a particular field or topic within biology
- build connections with faculty members and graduate students in your area of interest
- explore potential research paths for post-graduate opportunities
- gain hands-on experience in research techniques
Explore current research opportunities on our project page.
Check out the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Award Winners!
Biological Sciences Research in Action
My name is Aryan, and I started my research journey in early 2020 when I joined the Gries lab, engaged in colony maintenance on false black widow spiders. From 2021 onwards, I enrolled in all available BISC research courses - 298, 497W, 498, and 499 - while also dedicating extra time to doing research outside the courses. Through this experience, I've contributed to six projects focused on Black Widows and Stable flies, resulting in future co-authorships, participation in an international conference, and learning invaluable skills. My involvement in research has been the highlight of my academic journey at SFU, providing unparalleled experiences and growth opportunities. I recommend research to all upcoming BISC students, as it not only helps academic pursuits but also gives the opportunity for personal and professional development. - Aryan Monfared
My name is Kiara Kattler and I graduated from SFU Biology with my honours degree in 2022. Throughout my degree, I was able to be involved in great projects within Dr Isabelle Côté's lab. I completed a 499 class with fellow undergraduates looking at invasive mudsnails. This is now published in a peer-reviewed journal (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-023-03239-5#Abs1). I also had the opportunity to complete an NSERC USRA with Dr Côté, where I looked at foraging differences between sexes of invasive European green crabs. I was lucky to spend my summer at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre alongside her research group. This paper was also published (https://peerj.com/articles/15424/)! The research opportunities I experienced during my undergraduate degree allowed me to gain huge amounts of experience, as well as allowing my passion for marine research to evolve. I am forever grateful for these opportunities that Isabelle has provided me with, as they have set me up on a bright path to the future and I could not be where I am today without them.
