Updated for Spring 2026.
The following faculty may invite an undergraduate researcher to join their lab next semester if the student’s interests and abilities align with the lab’s projects. Interested students should contact the faculty to discuss this possibility. Faculty not on this list may also accept suitable students. If you’ve found a faculty member to work with, contact Dr. Emily Mikucki (emily.mikucki@uvm.edu), the current biology department research coordinator, to set up credit.
Toth Lab
Department: Medicine
Research info: Michael Toth profile
Faculty Contact: Michael Toth, Ph.D.
Email: Michael.Toth@uvm.edu
Project Notes: My lab studies skeletal muscle biology. The current focus of our work is cancer cachexia; more specifically, how cancer causes weight loss and adipose and skeletal muscle tissue wasting. The student would be working with animal models and dietary interventions to mitigate the effects of cancer to cause tissue wasting. No prior research experience is required, but a general interest in research and a willingness to devote at least 8-10 hr/week is required (3 credits).
Janssen-Heininger Lab
Profile: Yvonne Janssen-Heininger
Department: Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Faculty Contact: Yvonne Janssen-Heininger, Ph.D.
Email: yvonne-janssen@uvm.edu
Project Notes: The Janssen-Heininger laboratory focuses on scar formation in the lungs. This is a progressive and deadly disease and makes the lungs more prone for the development of lung cancer. We are studying the underlying biological and biochemical mechanisms that give rise to and stabilize the scars. Our overall goal is to discover molecules to resolve the persistent scarring in the lung. Students will be working on processing lung tissues and cells derived from the lung to understanding biological pathways that are activated. They also will participate in testing of potential anti-fibrotic molecules and be part of this discovery phase. For Spring, we can accommodate two responsible and engaged students.
Nunez Lab
Profile: Joaquin Nunez
Department: Biology
Faculty Contacts: Devon Michaelson or Joaquin Nunez
Email: devon.michaelson@uvm.edu or Joaquin.nunez@uvm.edu
Project Notes: One opening for an undergraduate researcher to investigate the role of genetic variation in nutritional choice under cold stress in Drosophila. This is a hand-on project in which the student will spend time at the bench interacting with the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Qualifications: Must be in a Biology major at either the sophomore level or junior level.
Molofsky Lab
Profile: Jane Molofsky
Department: Plant Biology
Faculty Contact: Jane Molofsky, PhD
Email: Jane.Molofsky@uvm.edu
Project Notes: Seeking one undergraduate for the Spring to help with experimental phenotypic work on Arabidopsis thaliana in the lab. Hours will depend upon the plant phenology, but include measuring plants and recording data and entering data. Applicants should have taken BCOR 2100 and be either Juniors or Seniors.