Do Undergraduate Research in the Kartzinel Lab at Brown

Do undergraduate research in the Kartzinel Lab at Brown

Undergraduates join our lab's research group for many reasons. As members of the research group, students can conduct research in our DNA lab, on the computer, and at field sites throughout Rhode Island and around the world. In addition to 'pure' research in the traditional sense, we also work with students to practice science communication through a variety of media -- we are especially excited to work with students who share our passion for raising awareness about the environment and achieving real-world conservation impacts. Read on and you'll find a trove of information about why and how you should consider joining us!

2025 Voss Fellow Sofia Kassalow shares her exciting research in the lab!

Consider joining our team!

​​Our work breaks down traditional boundaries between departments and consequently we work with students from many concentrations, including as Anthropology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEOB), Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS), Computer Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, and more. We work with students at every stage of their journey, from their first weeks on campus through their graduation. 

If you think yo might be interested in joining us, please spend a bit of time learning about our research projects and publications. There is no definitive rule about when in your journey you should take the next step to join the team -- I generally say earlier is better, but it’s never too late!

​Often students begin considering opportunities in their sophomore/junior years, though timelines may vary depending on department, experience, and personal histories.

Featured Projects

• Wildlife diet analysis
• Wildlife health
• Field studies in global wilderness areas

Skills to learn

• Data science
• Genomics
• Lab skills

Why join this lab?

The reasons to get involved are numerous. I welcome students to just “check out” what it’s like to do research in our lab if interested in a topic that we study or in developing a particular skillset. I do not require prior experience with advanced genetics, ecology, or statistics—there are opportunities to learn! I provide support for students in the lab at every stage, from just getting involved, to applying for research funding, to leading an Independent Study or Honors Thesis.

Where do students go when they graduate?

Prior graduates have gone on to win Fulbright Scholarships, enter graduate programs in biology and the environment, and accept job offers ranging from molecular biologists at biotech startups to associates at nature-based conservation organizations. Consider checking out the long list of distinguished alumni on our People page to learn more!

A few great posts about undergrads in the group!

• Two seniors awarded Fulbright Scholarships
• Study reveals New England is key to survival of diamondback terrapins
• Caroline Dressler wins Kidwell Prize in Biology
• Andy Luo wins a Fulbright​

Interested...? Get involved!

If you think you’re interested in finding an opportunity with the lab, please contact Dr. Kartzinel by email to introduce yourself. Include your academic year, concentration, and a brief description of why you think our research interests might overlap. I'll invite you to attend some our group's lab meetings!

Many students get involved by attending our Lab Meetings, which are are opportunities to discuss current research. By attending Lab Meeting, you will get to know existing members of the lab and learn about upcoming research opportunities.
 
Please take note of the amazing work led by more senior students that you may know—they are doing outstanding work and you should feel free to discuss their experiences with with them! 

After attending a few lab meetings, you may develop a good sense for how you'd like to get involved. At that point, feel free to connect with me at a meeting and we can discuss upcoming opportunities. Not all students will work in the DNA lab, but those who do will have to complete university trainings in advance; we have created an annual calendar to help coordinate the trainings and authorizations that you may need to complete based on your interests.

Of course, some students discover opportunities that are better aligned with their interests elsewhere -- of course that's perfectly appropriate and you can just let me know when that happens. There will be no hard feelings 😊!

Undergraduate research funding

Research expenses will vary depending on what type of research you wish to do, and what funded opportunities already exist in the lab. I can help identify needs and opportunities.

Applying for funding to support your field and lab work can be an important part of the research process. We have had lots of success with applications to external scholarships (e.g., Fulbright Scholarship, Udall Scholarship, Hollings Scholarship, Roger Williams Park Zoo) as well as programs that are unique to Brown (e.g., Voss Undergraduate Environmental Research Fellowship, Royce Fellowship, UTRAs).

​I am also occasionally able to fund undergraduate teaching assistants to work with me on courses that I teach (please see Courses@Brown for details).

Thesis & Capstone Guidelines

Preparing to propose an Independent study? Please refer to my Kartzinel Lab Senior Guidelines, which provides a helpful template as you develop your proposal. ​