The Department of Biology’s collaborative learning/research space, bio[box], provides undergraduate, graduate, and faculty researchers with the space, tools, and instrumentation to facilitate collaborative learning and research. Tools and instruments range from the very simple (e.g., measuring tapes for field work) to the state of the art. The aim of this facility is to give students the opportunity to explore the cutting edge of biological research with the support and guidance of our faculty. It is our hope that this space will foster scientific creativity, independence, and serendipity by enabling students to work on their own projects alongside faculty engaged in groundbreaking cross-disciplinary collaborative research. bio[box] is an unstaffed user facility; researchers at all levels must receive training on our instrumentation before they may use the facility. Undergraduate projects must be sponsored by a faculty member from the Department of Biology.

Those interested in using bio[box] should follow the steps below:

1: Register for iLab if you are not a current iLab user (Use “sign in” or “register” in the upper right hand corner.)

2. Within iLab complete a project request form (within the “Request Services” tab). Proposals will be reviewed once each month.

3: For undergraduate research projects, students must be enrolled in Biology 388, 388s, or 390, and must have a Biology Faculty Sponsor.

4: All users must be up to date on their EHS Laboratory Standard Training. Click here for Laboratory Standard Training information.

5: Once a project is approved schedule onsite training with iLab for the equipment needed for the project. Training sessions will be held monthly. Training session times and trainer contact information can be found on the bio[box] website. Once training is complete you will gain swipe card access to the bio[box].

6: All users will be subject to annual review by the bio[box] management committee.

7. Any research products (e.g. publications, presentations, grants etc) should have an acknowledgement of bio[box] facilities included.