Undergraduates

Welcome to the Zeltner Lab! We are passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists and welcome undergraduates to join our research team. We give priority to 1st and 2nd year students who are interested in committing to a research opportunity for 3 or more semesters (which may include the summer term).

We have two pathways to get involved in the lab: Undergraduate RT-qPCR Core and ColLab.

Undergraduate RT-qPCR Core

The Undergraduate RT-qPCR Core is a student-led initiative that trains new undergraduate researchers in essential molecular biology techniques, including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and RT-qPCR. Undergraduates begin by mastering these protocols under guidance, and once fully trained, they take on an active role in processing samples for lab members’ research projects. The most senior undergraduate oversees training and ensures efficient completion of sample submissions. The Core benefits the lab by providing reliable sample processing and data analysis while offering undergraduates valuable hands-on experience, leadership opportunities, and opportunities for authorship. We typically recruit for the Core in the Fall semester only.

ColLab

ColLab is another pathway towards research experiences. ColLab offers more 1-on-1 research experiences/interactions with either a graduate student or postdoc. In this pathway, students can work on small projects (such as imaging, image analysis, quantification) with a specific mentor. Undergraduates in this pathway start by interviewing with a potential graduate student or postdoc mentor to evaluate mentor-mentee compatibility and whether the project is of interest. Recruitment and participation in ColLab is based on available mentors, projects, and needs of the lab.

Applications should only be submitted via this Google Form. Email inquiries regarding the status of applications or interest in the lab will not receive a response.