Students and faculty in the biology department are actively engaged in a variety of research projects.

  • Student research has been accepted for presentation at scientific conferences.  Student conference presentations have included:
  • Adam Haskin "Do urban and rural prairie dogs respond differently to disturbance?" 145th meeting of the Kansas Academy of Science
  • David Spencer "Impact of human disturbance on migratory waterfowl" 145th meeting of the Kansas Academy of Science
  • Leonore Enfield and Tyler Wise “Effects of prairie restoration on small mammals” Central Plains Society of Mammalogists
     
  • Students have the opportunity to be involved in research through academic courses and independent study.  Course projects have included investigations of regeneration in Planaria, patterns of wheat-freeze injury in Kansas, and water quality parameters in the Arkansas River.
  • Outside the classroom, a number of Sterling College students have been involved with an ongoing research project studying white-tailed deer at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Students have worked as field technicians and volunteers for spotlight surveys, distance-sampling surveys, and capture efforts. 
  • Students interested in research are also encouraged to apply for REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) summer programs.
  • Faculty research expertise includes genetics, molecular biology,ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife.  Students interested in research opportunities in these areas are encouraged to contact respective faculty members.