Search for opportunities by disciplines offered: ASTRONOMY; BIOLOGY; CHEMISTRY; COMPUTER SCIENCE; ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES; GEOLOGY; NEUROSCIENCE; PHYSICS; and PSYCHOLOGY
Opportunities in Astronomy:
Professor Daniella Bardalez Gagliuffi. Come join DBG lab! We're interested in understanding how exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and low-mass stars form. We study their orbital dynamics and model their atmospheres to search for signatures of diverging formation pathways. We both look for trends in population data as well as characterize individual systems in detail that can be crucial targets for the James Webb Space Telescope. Course requirements: PHYS 123. If you think space is cool, then this is the place for you!
Professor Mia de los Reyes. The Baby Objects with Baryons at Amherst (BOBA) Lab uses low-mass (i.e., “baby”) galaxies (i.e., “objects with baryons”) to address the question: “where did we come from?” We want to know how the different elements of the periodic table were created in the universe, as well as how galaxies like our Milky Way came to be! Because we can’t go out and perform direct experiments on low-mass galaxies, our research involves analyzing data taken with large telescopes, so we use lots of computing and statistics. While no specific courses are required, some (Python) coding experience is very helpful.
Professor Kate Follette. In the Follette Exoplanet research lab, we de-twinkle stars in order to take very high resolution images of regions around young stars where planet formation is actively occurring. Our goal is to identify direct and indirect signatures of planets and use them to inform where, when, and how planets form. We also study the physics of planet formation by collecting images and spectra of still-forming stars, brown dwarfs and planets. We aim to understand how formation and growth processes vary among these classes of object and how their formation may be different from what occurred in our own solar system.
In the Follette education research lab, we study the development of real world numerical skills in non-major introductory college science courses. Our goal is to understand how these courses can best help students improve their numerical skills and affect, reducing barriers to entry to STEM careers.
Projects in both labs involve a range of computational and statistical skills, which we apply in order to collect, clean, and analyze data. To work in the exoplanet lab, students should have taken ASTR 200 or have significant python computing experience. To work in the education lab, students should have a strong background in computer science, statistics, and/or psychology. Come be a part of our collaborative, interdisciplinary team!
Opportunities in Biology:
Professor Caroline Goutte. (Watch SURF video here) The Goutte Lab focuses on cell communication; specifically we seek to understandf how individual proteins collaborate to regulate a cell's response to a signal. The molecular mechanisms underlying such communication have been well conserved over the course of evolution, and malfunction of these mechanims can be fatal, such as the unregulated behavior of a cancer cell. To discover the detailed workings of these molecular machines, we use the microscopic C. elegans as a model system, which allows us to take a powerful genetic approach as well as apply tools of developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy. Current projects in the lab focus on a signaling mechanism known as Notch signaling, which has critical roles in the embryonic development and germline stem cell maintenance. Learn more about Professor Goutte's research here.
Professor Jeeyon Jeong. Iron is essential for nearly all organisms, but potentially cytotoxic. Therefore, iron homeostasis is tightly controlled. A key task in iron homeostasis is to safely allocate iron to specific organelles for usage or storage. Mitochondria are of particular interest for iron nutrition. Essential metabolic processes such as respiration that require iron occur in mitochondria, but mitochondria are susceptible to iron-induced oxidative damage. Despite the significance of iron in mitochondria, mitochondrial iron transport is not well-understood in plants. My lab aims to understand iron homeostasis by investigating the role of a mitochondrial ferroportin and advance our knowledge on iron transport in mitochondria. In the long term, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plant iron homeostasis will offer insights to enhance plant growth and yield, and to develop strategies to enhance iron content of crops. Learn more about Professor Jeong's research here.
Thea Kristensen*. In the Kristensen Lab, we couple fundamental questions in ecology with questions that address conservation and management of wildlife populations. Central to our research is determining how dispersal, movement, behavior, and abundance of these populations are governed by human action and landscape modification. Currently, our main focus is engaging the community in making observations of local wildlife, and inviting them into the process of gathering data to address such questions through the MassMammals and MassBears projects. For instance, this summer, we will seek to partner with a local organization to address a question about wildlife using trail cameras. We also collaborate with local schools and libraries as part of this endeavor, so there will be opportunities for educational outreach as well. We believe that inclusive and effective scientific practice must actively engage with individuals across a diverse range of experiences and perspectives; and our initiative constantly grows and evolves through contributions from all levels of participation in the project. Come join us for the summer! Driver's license preferred. Course Requirements: either Bio 181 or Enst 111.
Professor John Roche*. My lab is interested in the development and plasticity of neuronal synapses. We use Drosophila as a model organism and most frequently utilize the larval neuromuscular junction as a model for a developing synapse. This synapse uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter and thus it is structurally similar to the synapses in the human CNS. We utilize many genetic and molecular tools that are available with the Drosophila model system to make transgenic flies with altered expression of synaptic proteins. We then study how these alterations affect the development and function of the synapse using immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology. Students should have completed Bio 191.
Professor Kelly Wallace*. How does the social world we live in shape our actions, our brains, and our communities? To ask this question, the Wallace Lab explores the complex social lives of fish. We study a species that has evolved through both natural and artificial selection: for centuries humans have bred Betta splendens (also known as the Siamese fighting fish) for a highly aggressive phenotype. In our lab we put fish through mazes, problem-solving tasks, and memory puzzles to identify cognitive traits that give Betta an advantage in social competitions. We then measure hormonal responses during social encounters and stain brain tissue to quantify neural activity. We often manipulate the social dynamics to understand how social experiences influence Betta brains, bodies, and behavior. No prior coursework needed, just organization skills and an interest in animals!
* Please note that Professor Kristensen's research is also in the field of Environmental Studies, and Professor Roche & Professor Wallace's research is also within the field of Neuroscience.
Opportunities in Chemistry:
Professor Anthony Bishop (Watch SURF video here)* studies the interface between organic chemistry and molecular biology. His research team uses a combination of chemical and biochemical approaches to examine two central biological processes: cellular signal transduction and protein synthesis. Learn more about Bishop's research here.
Professor Sandi Burkett. In the Burkett lab, we design and synthesize hybrid materials that combine distinct organic and inorganic components at the molecular level, analogous to the combination of proteins and minerals within bones, teeth, and shells. In order to investigage the composition, connectivity, and three-dimensional structure of our nanocomposites across their various length scales of organization, we gather informaiton from multiple spectroscopic perspectives to then solve the puzzle of what we have. Eventually, we will explore their properties as structural materials, as separation membranes, or as materials for drug encapsulation and delivery.
Professor Chris Durr. Research in the Durr group is centered around developing and understanding next-generation polymeric materials. This includes discovering new inorganic catalysts, as well as new techniques. One of the advantages of this research is that there is something to be found in it for every type of chemist. Whether you are interested in inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and biological chemistry you will be able to contribute to these projects and learn something new along the way. Learn more here. Organic Chemistry is recommended but not required.
Professor David Hansen (Watch SURF video here) The goal of the research ongoing in the lab is the preparation of self-assembling nanostructures of discrete size, a current challenge in the field of supramolecular chemistry. In particular, we are looking to exploit the hydrophobic effect--as nature does--to drive self-assembly in aqueous solution. The work involved in these efforts will entail organic synthesis of the derivatives under investigation and their analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. For more information, please visit the Hansen lab website, which includes a link to a video in which Professor Hansen provides an overview of the research ongoing in his group, here: https://www.amherst.edu/people/facstaff/dehansen/research_interests
Professor Sheila Jaswal. Proteins are nature’s labor force. To do their jobs, proteins have to fold up into specific three- dimensional structures and remain stable in their functional form. Problems in folding or remaining stable are associated with a number of human diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s. Current methods to study protein folding and stability are time-intensive, require large amounts of protein sample, and use harsh conditions that “beat up“ proteins. Because of these limitations, they cannot be applied to the vast majority of proteins, including those involved in such diseases. Our lab has developed a gentler, more rapid method that will allow us to investigate the full diversity of proteins. Our approach allows us to study proteins using very little sample in their functional state by using hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry, a technique sensitive to the smallest protein movements. We are optimizing our method and applying it to explore new proteins to expand our understanding of fundamental principles of protein folding and stability.
Project 1: Experimental Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS) This combined experimental and computational project will extend ongoing work investigating the HXMS behavior of protein L, trypsinogen, beta-lactamases and/or myoglobin to probe the relationship between protein function and dynamics. Methods will include growing bacterial cultures, inducing protein production, biochemical purification, biophysical characterization using UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, fluorescence, mass spectrometry and hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry. Software programs such as Kaleidagraph, Prism, R, Mathematica and Java may be used to analyze data. Students will be required to document all work in a specific format daily, to write instructions, protocols and overviews of process workflow, to analyze results and generate figures, and to actively engage with the relevant scientific literature, independently seek background information, and to ask questions and constantly take notes. Course requirements: CHEM 151, 161, BIOL 191. Experience with some of the techniques described above would be helpful.
Project 2: Numerical simulations to fit HXMS experimental results This computational project will build on ongoing work using Bayesian statistics to model protein folding dynamics and hydrogen exchange behavior for intact proteins, and for protein fragments. Work will include annotating and updating existing code, as well as writing new code in R, Java, Mathematica and Matlab. In addition, students will be required to document all work in a specific format daily, to write instructions, protocols and overviews of process workflow, to analyze results and generate figures, and to actively engage with the relevant scientific literature, independently seek background information, and to ask questions and constantly take notes. Course requirement: CHEM 151, 161. Experience with statistics and/or computer science and/or programming in some of the formats described above would be helpful.
Professor Helen Leung (Watch SURF video here) studies intermolecular interactions due to van der Waals forces between nonchemically bonded molecules. Her research team employs a high resolution, pulsed molecular beam, Fourier transform microwave spectrometer to obtain the rotational spectrum of a complex that can then be analyzed to yield molecular information. Leung's researchers may collaborate with researchers in Mark Marshall's lab. Learn more about Professor Leung's research here.
Professor Mark Marshall (Watch SURF video here) studies the nature of intermolecular forces, and students conducting research in his lab seek to apply the detailed molecular information obtained from high-resolution spectroscopy to address questions concerning these forces. Recently he has been working towards the development of a new method of chiral analysis, called chiral tagging, that utilizes microwave spectroscopy to determine the structures of non-covalently bound complexes formed between an analyte and a molecular tag of known absolute stereochemistry. Marshall's researchers may collaborate with researchers in Helen Leung's lab. Learn more about Professor Marshall's research here.
Professor Jacob Olshansky. (Watch SURF video here) The Olshansky Lab is interested in understanding and harnessing photo-initiated charge and energy transfer in nanoscale systems, with a focus on nanoscale assemblies such as nanocrystal – organic molecule conjugates. This research has broad implications for technologies as diverse as artificial photosynthesis, bio-imaging, and quantum computation. Researchers in the lab will gain experience in an interdisciplinary set of techniques. They will split their time between synthesizing materials, performing photophysical measurements (e.g. fluorescence spectroscopy), and engaging in data analysis and computational modeling. Please visit the Olshanksy Lab Page for more information. CHEM 161 or 165 required.
Professor Ren Wiscons. The Wiscons lab explores the roles of defects and symmetry in tuning the properties of organic electronic materials by studying the crystal structures of small molecules with extended pi-systems and the flow of charges afforded by specific structural motifs. Current research in the Wiscons group aims to develop more efficient ferroelectric materials and chiral semiconductors with applications in high-density data storage and photovoltaics. Students performing research in this group will practice a diversity of techniques, including air-free organic synthesis, collection and interpretation of data from a variety of spectroscopies, and will receive formal X-ray crystallography training. Please visit Wiscons Lab Page for more information. Although not required, preference will be given to students who have taken CHEM 221.
Opportunities in Computer Science:
Professor Scott Alfeld. My primary research is focused on adversarial methods. I investigate the security ramifications of using AI and data analysis methods in domains consisting of a diverse set of (potentially adversarial) agents and work to harden systems against manipulation attacks. Coding ability required. No specific courses required although AI, ML, and/or Security are helpful.
Professor Lillian Pentecost. I'm looking for a team of enthusiastic students to take on projects at the intersections of alternative memory technologies (i.e. new and different ways to store bits of information) computer systems, and data-intensive software applications (like AI and graph processing). Together, we can make future computers of different sizes faster and more energy-efficient by changing how data is organized, stored, and retrieved. Often, this work will require us to analyze the behavior of real software that uses lots of data, then customize particular memory policies and design choices to the properties and requirements of those programs, for example by changing the data format or the algorithm itself, or by changing an operating system or hardware choice, or all of t the above. There is lots of room for exploration and lots of room to grow and learn if you are interested in jumping in! COSC 111 or equivalent programming experience is required; COSC 171 (Computer Systems) is a bonus.
Professor Matteo Riondato. The Amherst College Data Mammoths are a research and learning group led by Prof. Matteo Riondato, mostly in the Computer Science department. We create and learn about algorithms for "everything data": data science, machine learning, databases, data mining, network science, knowledge discovery, and much more. Course requirements: COSC 211 strongly encouraged.
Opportunities in Environmental Studies:
Professor Rebecca Hewitt. (Watch SURF video here) The Hewitt lab studies community and ecosystem ecology of the boreal forest and tundra biomes as they respond to climate change. We are particularly focused on processes and dynamics belowground – plant roots, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil biogeochemistry – and how these affect ecosystem function across Arctic landscapes. We use field, greenhouse, and lab experiments and utilize techniques from molecular genetics, to plant ecophysiology, to biogeochemistry. For the 2023 SURF program, students will work with samples and data from a multi-year decomposition study in Alaska that was part of a global experiment (see https://www.teacomposition.org/)
Thea Kristensen*. In the Kristensen Lab, we couple fundamental questions in ecology with questions that address conservation and management of wildlife populations. Central to our research is determining how dispersal, movement, behavior, and abundance of these populations are governed by human action and landscape modification. Currently, our main focus is engaging the community in making observations of local wildlife, and inviting them into the process of gathering data to address such questions through the MassMammals and MassBears projects. For instance, this summer, we will seek to partner with a local organization to address a question about wildlife using trail cameras. We also collaborate with local schools and libraries as part of this endeavor, so there will be opportunities for educational outreach as well. We believe that inclusive and effective scientific practice must actively engage with individuals across a diverse range of experiences and perspectives; and our initiative constantly grows and evolves through contributions from all levels of participation in the project. Come join us for the summer! Course Requirements: either Bio 181 or Enst 111.
* Please note that Professor Kristensen's research is also within the field of Biology.
Opportunities in Geology:
Projects for the upcoming summer will include:
- Engagement in a community project with the town of Amherst focused on the Fearing Brook (on campus!) and the greater Fort and Mill River watersheds. We will continue to sample and analyze waters from the various drainage systems, and work on ways to enhance water quality throughout. This will provide hands-on experience with environmental science, community engagement, and perhaps the opportunity to contribute to the restoration of some good swimming holes!
- I am initiating a new lake project with my colleagues in Western Ireland. Here we examine the paleolimnology recorded in the lake sediments using geochemical, isotopic and biologic data. Ireland was wiped clean by the last glaciation, and thus holds a record going back approximately 18 thousand years ago.
- Another lake study, this time in Northwestern CT, will be started this summer in anticipation of an already funded Keck Geology project beginning in ’25. Similar geochemical techniques will be employed, and engaging with the communities involved will be initiated in 2024.
- Back much further in time, we will examine calcite fracture-fill cements from the Michigan Basin using our new inhouse SEM. These veins tell the story of fluid migration over geologic (100’s of millions of years!) time.
Opportunities in Neuroscience:
Professor John Roche*. My lab is interested in the development and plasticity of neuronal synapses. We use Drosophila as a model organism and most frequently utilize the larval neuromuscular junction as a model for a developing synapse. This synapse uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter and thus it is structurally similar to the synapses in the human CNS. We utilize many genetic and molecular tools that are available with the Drosophila model system to make transgenic flies with altered expression of synaptic proteins. We then study how these alterations affect the development and function of the synapse using immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology. Students should have completed Bio 191.
Professor Kelly Wallace*. How does the social world we live in shape our actions, our brains, and our communities? To ask this question, the Wallace Lab explores the complex social lives of fish. We study a species that has evolved through both natural and artificial selection: for centuries humans have bred Betta splendens (also known as the Siamese fighting fish) for a highly aggressive phenotype. In our lab we put fish through mazes, problem-solving tasks, and memory puzzles to identify cognitive traits that give Betta an advantage in social competitions. We then measure hormonal responses during social encounters and stain brain tissue to quantify neural activity. We often manipulate the social dynamics to understand how social experiences influence Betta brains, bodies, and behavior. No prior coursework needed, just organization skills and an interest in animals!
* Please note that Professor Roche & Professor Wallace's research are also within the field of Biology.
Opportunities in Physics:
Professor Ashley Carter: (Watch Carter Lab Video Here) Are you interested in bio-nano-tech? fertility? epigenetics? biophysics? Then, come work in the collaborative and dynamic Carter lab. You'll first complete a training program in the lab where you will learn programming, molecular biology techniques, optics/microscopy, and data analysis. You'll also rotate through all the projects in the lab. Then, once you complete the training you will choose one of the projects. If you want to work with a fun group of people and do some amazing science then sign up! You should also contact Professor Carter by email for a lab tour. No experience necessary. We love first years. Learn more about Professor Carter's research here.
Professor Jonathan Friedman. The Friedman lab studies chemically synthesized magnetic molecules to learn how their magnetic moments reverse direction and to explore their potential use as processing elements in quantum computers. Using magnetic resonance techniques, we are exploring "clock transitions" to increase the time these molecules can retain quantum information and to learn about the underlying physics of decoherence, the process by which quantum information is lost. Professor Friedman's research here.
Professor David Hall. (Watch SURF video here) Come visit and work in the fascinating world of ultracold matter! Students will work on projects supporting the creation and manipulation of Bose-Einstein condensates at temperatures billionths of a degree above absolute zero. We will make use of and develop the experimental physicist's experimental toolbox, from electro-optical design and construction to data-taking and analysis. Learn more about Professor Hall's research here. Physics 117 or 124 is recommended.
Professor David Hanneke (Watch SURF video here) studies individual atoms, molecules, and sub-atomic particles to test fundamental physics principles and to develop detailed control techniques for quantum systems. His students use low-energy atomic-, molecular-, and optical-physics techniques for precision measurements and detailed control of quantum systems. Students have developed an atom trap, lasers, electronics, and computer control and data-acquisition systems. Learn more about Professor Hanneke's research here. Course requirements: PHYS-116/117 or 123/124 would be a good start on coursework.
Professor Larry Hunter. They hope to make high-precision measurements of long-range spin-spin interactions (LRSSI) by using the Earth as a source of electron spin. This measurement tests for possible new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. In particular, the experiment is sensitive to possible dark-matter candidates (very light or massless spin-one bosons) and possible extensions of general relativity (torsion gravity). In this experiment, they compare the relative precession frequencies of Hg and Cs magnetometers as a function of the orientation of an applied magnetic field with respect to fixed directions on the Earth's surface. Using this approach their first-generation experiment established bounds on LRSSI that were as much as a million times more sensitive than previous searches. In addition, they applied this method to extract bounds on velocity-dependent LRSSI that were largely inaccessible to earlier experiments. They have now realized a new "free-precession" co-magnetometer using Cs and Hg that improves their sensitivity to LRSSI by more than an order of magnitude and reduces that was their dominant systematic effect, AC light shifts. At this level, the experiment should provide the most stringent test of several possible suggestions for a new force of nature. Recent publications can be found here.
Professor Will Loinaz’s (Watch SURF video here) research is in theoretical elementary particle physics and related topics. He compares theoretical models of new physics beyond the Standard Model to data obtained from many types of experiments to see what sorts of new physics are favored or ruled out by experiments. In addition, he performs Monte Carlo simulations of simple quantum field theories and equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanical systems, and he looks at subtle and interesting mathematical features of very simple quantum mechanical systems. Learn more on Professor Loinaz's webpage.
Opportunities in Psychology:
Professor Liz Kneeland. Emotions confer many benefits – they allow us to savor a beautiful sunrise, form deep connections with others, and escape from life-threatening danger. However, at pathological levels, emotions can be debilitating. My research centers on the question of why people cope with emotional distress the way that they do. Overall, my research program integrates methods in social, clinical, and health psychology to investigate how psychological factors influence emotion regulation and mental health. Much of my work focuses on emotion malleability beliefs, which are the beliefs that individuals hold about the degree to which emotions are changeable and under their control. I found that people with more malleable views of emotion have lower levels of depression and anxiety and use more effective coping strategies. Recent research in the lab has broadened to scope of this research to focus also on beliefs that individuals have about whether specific emotions serve a function and whether their own emotions last longer and are different from others’ emotions. Overall, my research seeks to clarify the link between emotion beliefs, emotion regulation, and emotional experiences using a variety of methodologies (e.g., longitudinal, experience sampling, experimental) and a range of study populations (e.g., college students, community members, individuals with depression). Additionally, I have developed a brief intervention to change emotion malleability beliefs, promote effective emotion regulation, and enhance resilience. Students interested in participating in SURF in my lab will work on ongoing data collection projects with adult samples (college students, adults drawn from the surrounding communities experiencing psychological distress) and/or will be able to analyze existing data with clinical and non-clinical populations. Introduction to Psychology is required and Clinical Psychology is preferred. Course Requirements: Students need to have taken Introduction to Psychology (or AP Psychology in high school); those who have taken Abnormal Psychology (now called Clinical Psychology) are preferred.
Professor Julia McQuade. The McQuade Peer Relationships Lab conducts clinical psychology research with children. This summer we are conducting a study to examine whether children with disruptive behavior disorders (e.g., ADHD) experience challenges regulating positive emotions (e.g., excitement). Students working in the lab will recruit families from the community and be responsible for conducting study visits. Students will learn how to administer standardized laboratory measures, how to code parent-child interactions for emotion and behavior, and to analyze data. Students should have completed one or more psychology courses and have some prior experience working with children.
Professor Carrie Palmquist. My lab explores questions of how children learn from other people. We are particularly interested in how preschoolers determine who is a good source of information, and who should be avoided. Research assistants in my lab are involved in all aspects of data collection and processing: contacting families, running children through studies, and coding and analyzing data. This summer, we will be focused on two different projects (details can be found here). In coordination with me, SURF students will determine which project is best suited to their goals and interests. Course requirements: Students need to have taken Introduction to Psychology (or AP Psychology in high school); those who have taken Developmental Psychology are preferred.
Professor Catherine Sanderson. Students will assist with a quantitative study examining attitudinal and perception change among police officers nationwide who have received training in active bystandership techniques through a program called ABLE. The Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project, part of the Georgetown University Law Center’s Innovative Policing Program, is designed to create a police culture in which officers routinely intervene as necessary to prevent misconduct, avoid police mistakes, and promote officer health and wellness. SURF students will compile survey responses from Qualtrics and conduct statistical analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. They will synthesize results and assist with disseminating findings, which could include conference presentations and/or journal manuscripts. Students should have completed Psych 100 and a statistics class.