Biology faculty and students engage in research in the following major areas, with several faculty spanning multiple areas. Adjunct faculty from other USM departments and from local nongovernmental organizations and federal agencies bring additional expertise. For more information about their work, click on the faculty member's name. For an overview of research opportunities and information about what our students do post-graduation, download this PDF.

Undergraduate research               Graduate student research

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Hormonal control of insect metamorphosis -- Dave Champlin

Arsenic's effects on the developing nervous system -- Doug Currie

Genetic determinants of wing shape in Drosophila -- Ken Weber

Gammaherpesvirus molecular genetics, structure, and morphogenesis -- Monroe Duboise (adjunct faculty)

Cancer immunology and nanotechnology -- Ah-Kau Ng (adjunct faculty)

Effects of metals and pollutants on cells and DNA -- John Wise, Sr. (adjunct faculty)

Physiology

Environmental and endogenous effects on gill function in bivalves -- Louis Gainey, Jr.

Ecophysiology of marine cyanobacteria -- Lisa Moore

Trade offs between form and function in fishes -- Jeff Walker

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction and spread of infectious disease -- David Harris (adjunct faculty)

Ecology and Evolution

Evolution of mammalian social behavior -- Chris Maher

Marine microbial ecology -- Lisa Moore

Salt marsh plant ecology -- Terry Theodose

Evolutionary models of trade offs between form and function -- Jeff Walker

Long term selection for wing shape and flight performance in Drosophila -- Ken Weber

Environmental microbiology, astrobiology, and life in extreme environments -- Monroe Duboise (adjunct faculty)

Effects of mercury and other contaminants on wildlife -- David Evers (adjunct faculty)

Algal physiological ecology and marine agronomy -- Ira Levine (adjunct faculty)

Mortality threats and factors affecting reproduction in loons -- Jim Paruk (adjunct faculty)

Ecology of pelagic seabirds -- Iain Stenhouse (adjunct faculty)

Freshwater-marine linkages and salt marsh restoration -- Karen Wilson (adjunct faculty)

Undergraduate Student Research

Most Biology faculty work closely with undergraduates, and research experience can be invaluable in helping students not only decide which career to pursue but also to land a job after graduation. Often, research experience is critical for gaining admission to graduate schools, too.

Find out more information about opportunities for undergraduate research in Biology and other USM science departments.

Graduate Student Research

The Biology Department offers a MS degree in Biology, and graduate students conduct research projects that reflect the strengths and diversity of the faculty. Find out more about our graduate students' research.

Research Facilities

• cell imaging equipment including epifluorescence microscopes, confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometers
• equipment for molecular biology, such as gradient and quantitative PCR thermocyclers, DNA sequencer, fluorescence microarray reader, various electrophoresis supplies for DNA and protein analysis
• constant temperature lighted growth chambers for plants and phytoplankton
• liquid scintillation counter for radioisotope work
• Geographic Information System (GIS) facility
• NMR spectrometry
• HPLC system