Research Opportunities
Research is a great way for you to apply what you're learning in the classroom to real-world problems. We're providing you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking skills in an actual laboratory setting. You might even get the chance to present your findings at one of our events. Take a look at the different research projects you can get involved in.
Interested in getting involved in research in your area of study? Contact the faculty representative for your department today.
| Your area of study | Professor contact |
| Biochemistry, ACS Project SEED | Ricardo E. Rodriguez |
| Biology | Bruce Benz |
| Chemistry | Phillip Pelphrey |
| Criminal Justice | Cary Adkinson |
| History | Brenda Taylor-Matthews Christopher Ohan |
| Psychology | Jay Brown Matthew Hand |
Biology Research Forum
Every semester, the biology department sponsors a public research forum for its students. Biology students are required to participate in research courses as part of their degree. Most of the student research presented at the forum stems from those high-level research courses.
The Biology Research Forum is held in the Science Lecture Theatre the last week of the fall and spring semester. All faculty, staff and students, even outside of the biology department, are invited to attend.
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Bruce Benz at bbenz@txwes.edu.
Summer 2022 Science Research Internship
About the internship
The Summer Science Research Internship program is sponsored by the Sam Taylor Fund of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and is given to the Biology Department for research on invasive species in the Tandy Hill Natural Area. This support brings undergraduate students together during the summer at Texas Wesleyan for an eight-week natural sciences research experience. Participants become familiar with the varied disciplines and methodologies used in natural science research.
This year, research on the community and population ecology of the alien invasive flora of Tandy Hills is offered to four students that have successfully completed introductory coursework in biology, chemistry and math. Students awarded the summer research internship are expected to work eight-hour days, four days per week for eight weeks. Compensation is $10.10 an hour. The program begins at 8 a.m. June 1 and lasts through Wednesday, July 29, 2022. Research activities will require the students to spend some time outside in the plant community and in the laboratory.
Program Components
- Library and electronic research techniques
- Preparation for research
- Engagement with faculty mentors
- Research presentation skills
- Information and strategies for financial support in graduate school
- Advice on selecting a graduate school
During the internship you will:
- Work with a faculty mentor whose research interests are related to their own;
- Write a paper and poster based on the intern’s research results that can be presented at a regional or national meeting
- Develop a computer-assisted oral presentation and a research presentation to be presented at the conclusion of the program and that can be presented at a national conference
- Compete for a cash prize at the end of the summer research experience.
Program requirements
Students that have completed at least their freshman year, have a 2.25 cumulative grade point average, are majoring in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or other life science discipline and have the intention of pursuing education beyond the bachelor’s level are encouraged to apply.
How do I apply?
Submit the following information in a Microsoft Word document by email on or before May 25, 2022. Attach it to an email and send it to bbenz@txwes.edu. Specify in the subject line you are submitting an application for summer research in biology at Texas Wesleyan University.
- Name, current major and overall GPA.
- List all college-level math and science courses you have completed by May 2022.
- Provide the names of two faculty members that can vouch for your competence.
- Write a brief paragraph describing your reasons for wanting to conduct summer research.