Are you falling behind in one or your classes?  Or wanting to stay on top of all your exams, papers, and projects? We strongly recommend taking advantage of the many ways you can receive help outside the classroom:

Take advantage of your Supplemental Instructor (SI)

Several of the most challenging classes are assigned an SI to help the students through the most challenging content. These are students who have previously taken the course, did exceptionally well, and then are paid to sit through the course again and help  students when they need. SI's typically have several review sessions each week and have set office hours you can drop by for even more help.

Go to tutoring

We offer face to face as well as online tutoring free of cost. The schedule is linked here. Schedule a time and watch your grades go up!

Visit the Writing Center

Before that big (or little) paper is due, make sure to submit it to the Writing Center for review. They have trained consultants who will read over your work, ask questions, and provide you with amazing feedback that will get you trained to start using an editor.  Seeking help from an editor will be a practice that you will want to continue throughout your career as you submit manuscripts for publication, so please get in the practice now!  Plus, your grades will reflect your commitment to produce your best work!

Want to make some money and also build your resume?  Consider applying for one of the paid positions we offer our students.  Hours worked each week are flexible and you get to set your schedule!

Student Worker

Students who are hired in these positions do much of the day to day maintenance of the department.  This includes assisting Jamie Holmes in miscellaneous activities, maintaining clean lab and lecture spaces, caring for the live animal collection, working in the greenhouse, or assisting with lab preparation.

Supplemental Instructor

These positions attend the lectures of the class they are assigned and then develop review activities for the students in that class.  There are typically two review session and a couple office hours each week where you will be assisting students that need extra help.

Tutor

Tutors are hired based on the breadth and success of coursework they have completed.  We prefer to hire tutors who can help with a large range of classes and topics.  Each semester you will indicate when you are available and your schedule will be published for anyone who needs your help.

Internships

New internships opportunities are posted regularly as faculty become aware of current openings.

Participating in undergraduate research doesn't just offer you the chance to discover new things and ask questions no one has ever asked before, it also provides you the chance to:

• learn new skills and techniques that will be useful in your future career

• meet new people who share the same research interests as you

• travel to conferences to present your findings and learn what others have found

• add valuable content to your resumes and applications

• work with your favorite professors and give them reasons to write strong letters of recommendation

• earn credit toward your degree

How to get involved:

You will be exposed to smaller research projects in most of your Biology courses at LSUA, but the best ways to get intensive, mentored research experience is either by enrolling in BIOL 3990 or by taking the Junior Seminar/Senior Project course sequence.  In all of these you will be paired with a faculty mentor, develop a research proposal, and then conduct your research while being guided and encouraged by a faculty member of your choice.

What if my research costs money?

That is not a problem!  The department has funds specifically set aside to support its student researchers.  To receive research funding, you will give a very short presentation of your research proposal and a committee will disperse the funds on a case-by-case basis.  If this sounds scary, just remember that your mentor will be with you every step of the way!  You can also apply for funds to pay for your travel to present at conferences!

New:  Starting the academic year of 2022 - 2023 you will also be able to apply for our Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) which provides you the opportunity to spend the summer focused on your own research and get paid summer employment to do so!

How can I present or publish my research once I'm finished?

There are so many ways!  You and your mentor can find a journals or conferences that specialize in your field or you can present at Scholar Day at A or publish in The Oak Leaf right here on campus.

To learn more about any of these opportunities, please feel free to email the chair of the department, Dr. Nate Sammons.

The LSUA Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) offers an eight-week program from June 2 – July 25, 2025, designed to provide students with hands-on research opportunities under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program combines academic and professional development through seminars and workshops on research methods, scientific writing, the graduate school application process, and career planning. This eight-week experience includes faculty mentorship, a $3,000 stipend, and opportunities for excursions and social activities. For more information, contact Dr. Cheryl Bardales cbardales@lsua.edu 

To apply: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0uDdzKaLR5RygV8