The Mulfaul Lab is seeking motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate students to join our research team. Our lab investigates the immune mechanisms underlying dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a combination of molecular biology, imaging, and data analysis techniques. This position provides an opportunity for students interested in biomedical research, medicine, graduate school, or biotechnology careers to gain hands-on laboratory experience while contributing to ongoing scientific projects.

This position offers the opportunity to learn and apply cutting edge systems and circuit-level neuroscience tools to study the neural basis of behavior in a mouse model. Duties include: Performing behavioral experiments in mice; keeping detailed written and organized records of experimental design, protocols, computer data analysis, and raw data; maintaining laboratory and experimental records; cleaning lab equipment. Duties may also include helping maintain mouse colony. Opportunity to get involved with other ongoing projects in the lab and learn additional techniques, such as microscopy/imaging, electrophysiology, and advanced image analysis using AI tools. Programming experience a plus but not required.

This undergraduate research fellowship offers a student the opportunity to work with University Housing & Dining staff on a project focused on improving food allergy safety in campus dining.

The Attachment and Neurodevelopment Lab is directed by Dr. Lane Strathearn, a neuroscientist and developmental-behavioral pediatrician at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Our lab explores how early relationships between parents and children shape brain development and long-term well-being. We use tools like brain imaging, semi-structured interviews, genetic and epigenetics testing, and hormone analysis to better understand how parents respond to their children—especially in situations involving stress, substance use, or developmental challenges like autism. Our goal is to support healthy development by learning how strong, nurturing relationships are built from the very beginning.

As the school year is coming to a close, it's time to celebrate our graduating seniors: Mia Dukle, Hiruni Sumanasiri, Klaertje Hesselink, Seren Castellano, Sam Lindgren, Abby McLeod, Aaron Smith, Ellie Wojcikowski, Isaiah Pielak, and Abby Myroth. We are so grateful to have had all of these students work with us, and we cannot wait to see what they do next! 

The overall goal of our lab is to understand the interactions between different environmental factors and microbes using a One Health framework, or the shared health of humans, animal and the environment. The specific project the student will be involved with is investigating farmers' risk factor of tick-borne diseases.