Getting Involved in research as a Biology Student at FGCU is a Key Part of Your Education and Can Help Prepare You for Graduate Programs, Professional Schools, and Careers in Science.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
A global assessment of microplastic abundance and characteristics on marine turtle nesting beaches
The annual global production of plastics grew from 250 million tons
to 368 million tons between 2010 and 2020 (PlasticsEurope, 2020),
which has contributed to the increasing ubiquity of plastic pollution in
the marine environment (Barnes et al., 2009). Approximately 19–23
million tons of plastic waste enters the marine environment every year,
the majority of which is derived from land-based sources and coastal
tourism, while an estimated 20 % is resultant from ocean-based sources,
such as fishing (Andrady, 2011; Borrelle et al., 2020).
A new species of Helianthus (Asteraceae), Helianthus waccamawensis Ungberg, sp. nov., is described from the Cape Fear Arch Region of North and South Carolina. Most recently, it has been included in H. floridanus A. Gray ex Chapm. but differs in its narrower leaves, achene and floral morphology, and habitat preferences. It superficially resembles H. angustifolius L. but differs in its extensively rhizomatous habit, shorter leaves, and achene and floral morphologies. It is further differentiated from the diploids H. floridanus and H. angustifolius by being hexaploid, and molecular phylogenetic data do not indicate a close relation to either species
Comments on the species limits of certain North American birds, part 1
Although species limits of North American birds are among the best delineated of any
animal group, they are nevertheless subject to differences of opinion due to inadequate
data and differing interpretations of the available information. Such borderline cases
have
resulted in numerous discrepancies in taxonomic treatment by different authorities.
As part of our work with the North American Classification Committee (AOS-NACC, or
NACC) of the American Ornithological Society, which maintains the Checklist of North
American birds (https://checklist.americanornithology.org/), here we assess species
limits in 11 species
complexes that are treated differently by at least one of the major global avian checklists.
Travel surveillance uncovers dengue virus dynamics and introductions in the Caribbean
Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in humans, and
cases are continuing to rise globally. In particular, islands in the Caribbean
have experienced more frequent outbreaks, and all four dengue virus (DENV)
serotypes have been reported in the region, leading to hyperendemicity and
increased rates of severe disease. However, there is significant variability
regarding virus surveillance and reporting between islands, making it difficult
to obtain an accurate understanding of the epidemiological patterns in the
Caribbean. To investigate this, we used travel surveillance and genomic epi
demiology to reconstruct outbreak dynamics, DENV serotype turnover, and
patterns of spread within the region from 2009-2022.
Although higher education aims to provide holistic learn
ing and career preparation, there is growing skepticism
about its value, with segments of the public scrutinizing
concerns about tuition, student loan debt, and job pros
pects. Between 2015 and 2020, Florida Gulf Coast Uni
versity implemented a quality enhancement plan (FGCUS
cholars) that worked to integrate undergraduate research
throughout the curriculum to enhance career-ready trans
ferable skills in response to institutional assessments and
employer feedback. Results from annual assessments
indicated that research participants demonstrated higher
skill levels relative to students who completed alternative
capstones.
Biology Thesis and Graduate Research
How To Get Involved
Capstone Research Courses
All Biology majors (BA and BS) complete a capstone that involves research or internship work:
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Research Track:
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BSC 4910C – Senior Project I: Research
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BSC 4911 – Senior Project II: Presentation
These are typically taken in your senior year, starting in the first semester.
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Faculty-Led Research Projects
FGCU biology faculty conduct diverse research, and students are encouraged to join as collaborators. Projects cover:
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Genetics, ecology, and behavior
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Nanotechnology in cancer treatment
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Environmental health, such as sea turtle conservation and Zika virus studies
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Biotechnology and microbial research.
Independent Study & Internships
Students can register for:
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Directed Independent Study/Research in Biology (BSC 4900)
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Internship in Biology (BSC 4940)
These count for elective credit and allow work in labs or off-campus research projects. (More about Internships)
Talk to Your Professors
Faculty mentorship is central to research. After completing foundational courses like Genetics or Cell Biology, speak with faculty whose research interests align with yours. Biological Sciences Faculty
Get Started Early
As early as your sophomore or junior year, you can:
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Join a lab
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Volunteer on an ongoing project
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Ask professors about openings for undergraduate assistants.
