10 Weeks, Real Research
Here at Duquesne it is our joy to provide you with hands-on research opportunities. Each summer, students from Duquesne and universities nationwide apply to join the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URP). During this 10-week summer program, you'll:
- Conduct research in areas like chemistry, biology, pain research, and neurodegeneration.
- Explore diverse science-related fields and career paths.
- Participate in community engagement projects and ethics education.
- Present your findings at an on-campus research symposium.
- Engage with faculty members, industry professionals, and fellow researchers.
By the end of the program, you'll have established meaningful connections within the scientific community and with your peers. This summer's program runs May 18 through July 24, 2026.
Duquesne's General URP
General Undergraduate Research: Open to Duquesne Students
The School of Science and Engineering undergraduate research program (general URP) is an exclusive opportunity for Duquesne University undergraduates within the School of Science and Engineering. Applicants will be chosen based on their academic achievements, previous lab experience, and potential in their respective fields. The program offers undergraduate research positions in various disciplines, including biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, data science, engineering, environmental science, forensic science and law, mathematics and physics. You'll receive free on-campus housing and a meal plan (if needed) as well as a $4,500 stipend. The application deadline is March 1.
It All Starts in the Lab
Alumni Return to Summer Research Program to Share Insights, Experiences
Now in its 28th year, the University’s summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) attracts students from universities around the country, along with many Duquesne students. The program expands student horizons, offering 10 weeks of lab experience conducting research, presenting findings and networking with fellow scientists. But what possesses students to spend a sunny summer inside a lab?
Mat Pletcher, S’96, remembers the first time he felt the pull of the lab. His original
plan was to become a lawyer, but when his former biology professor, Dr. John Doctor,
suggested he work in his biology lab, Mat was hooked. He has now worked in the field
of genetics for more than 25 years, helping develop treatments for rare diseases around
the globe. “I’ve gotten to do so many things and seen so much of the world, and it all comes
back to that first lab experience.”
Alumna Lauren Rebel, S’22, shared some of the intangible benefits she gained while
at the URP. “Sometimes, you will work on a project and the results won’t be of any
use,” said Rebel, who is going to medical school locally. “That’s OK. You still learn
things from the work—patience, dedication, communication and the importance of working
together.” Planning to become a pediatrician, Rebel’s current research focuses on
developing resources for children who have lost a sibling. "It’s a reminder that research goes well beyond the labs—it has a very real and direct
impact on people.”
A sense of scientific community is what drew Brynn Roman, S’20, to the URP early in
her academic career. When she attended her first summer program, Roman thought the
URP would be a good way to test out her interest in research. She discovered more
than she expected, both in and outside of the lab. “I got to know so many people there
and it was such a great supportive environment. Fellow students took the time to train
me on lab techniques and involve me in collaborations. Outside the lab, they would
invite me to hang out with them, go to a Pirates game or have bubble tea. It made me feel welcome—it’s why I participated the next two summers as well.”
Reach out to Dr. Palmer. Students from any university are invited to join Duquesne University's NURE program
for a 10-week summer residency in biomedical and basic research focused on molecular,
cellular and behavioral neuroscience as well as treatments targeting neurological
diseases. You'll receive free on-campus housing, a meal plan and a $6,000 stipend.
The program offers integrated ethics training, professional development workshops,
and journal club discussions where you'll collaborate with faculty, students, and
clinicians to review primary literature. Additionally, you'll gain insights into the
personal and practical challenges of neurological dysfunction from those living with
chronic conditions. The application deadline is February 27. These are the NURE faculty participating in this summer’s program, along with their
respective research areas. Visit their profiles to learn more about their backgrounds
and the projects they are working on. When completing your application, please select
three faculty members whose labs you are interested in joining. Pharmaceutical Sciences; Cellular events underlying age-related neuro-degeneration
with normal and diseased aging Chemistry & Biochemistry; Structural characterization of allostery in paradigmatic
ion channels and transporters Biological Sciences; Involvement of cellular proteins in the regulation of viral DNA
replication and gene expression Occupational Therapy; Assessment of impairments in neurological populations including
stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease Chemistry & Biochemistry; Using chemical theory and computation to investigate the
energetics and mechanisms of phosphoryl transfer reactions and RNA interactions in
viral infection Pharmaceutical Sciences; Development of new paradigms for medicinal Chemistry with
focus on CNS and anti-cancer agents Chemistry & Biochemistry; Role of protein-protein and cholesterol in host-pathogen
interactions Pharmaceutical Sciences; Development of COX-2 in macrophages, targeted nano medicines
for imaging and treatment of inflammation and pain Physical Therapy; Treatment therapy to reduce inflammation, increase utrophin and
improve function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Pharmaceutical Sciences; Rational design and synthesis of clickable covalent compounds
for chemical biology and medicinal chemistry Pharmaceutical Sciences; Study mechanisms underlying the pathology of neurodegenerative
disorders and test potential therapies Chemistry & Biochemistry; Protein-RNA interactions in Fragile X syndrome and ALS/FTD Chemistry & Biochemistry; Investigating catalyst systems and their utilization to
synthesize complex and biologically interesting synthetic targets Pharmaceutical Sciences; Study how the anti-viral immune response impacts on development
of neural cells during CNS infections Biological Sciences; Study chronic pain to measure changes in gene expression that
result from behaviorally assessed changes in pain sensitivity Occupational Therapy; Mechanisms for the development of work-related musculoskeletal
injury and pain and determining the best therapeutic interventions for treating chronic
pain conditions Biomedical Engineering; Development of technologies for sensing, tracking and manipulation
of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms Biological Sciences; Interaction of stress and immune Reach out to Dr. Cascio. The Integrated Computational and Experimental Chemistry NSF-REU Program will not be
offered this year due to funding issues. We regret this outcome and appreciate your
understanding. We hope to resume the program in the future and encourage you to check
back in coming years for updates on availability. Questions about the REU program? Contact Dr. Jeffrey Evanseck or Dr. Thomas Montgomery.Questions about the URP?
NIH Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experience (NURE)
Open to Undergraduate Students from Any Institution
Participating NURE Faculty
Jane Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
Michael Cascio, Ph.D.
Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.
Elena V. Donoso Brown, Ph.D., OTR/L
Jeffrey Evanseck, Ph.D.
Patrick Flaherty, Ph.D.
David Heisler, Ph.D.
Jelena M. Janjic, Ph.D.
Matthew Kostek, Ph.D.
David Lapinsky, Ph.D.
Rehana K. Leak, Ph.D.
Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.
Thomas Montgomery, Ph.D.
Lauren A. O’Donnell, Ph.D.
John A. Pollock, Ph.D.
Kimberly Szucs, Ph.D., M.S., OTR/L
Melikhan Tanyeri, Ph.D.
Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.
Questions about the NURE program?
NSF Chemistry-REU
Chemistry & Biochemistry Research: Open to All Undergraduate Students
Questions? Contact Us!
