Evolutionary biorobic research at Vassar

Prospective students considering careers in science often hear about the importance of research during college. Research experience is key to admission to the most selective M.A., Ph.D and M.D. programs. Your undergraduate work really matters.

So, some ask, why choose a small liberal arts college rather than a humongous research university? Surely bigger labs must translate to better opportunities for research, right? Nope. As I wrote last month, Vassar is a national leader in producing science and engineering Ph.Ds. Our alumni gain admission to the most selective graduate programs in the country. Why? Simple: Access to faculty, both in the classroom and in the laboratory. Vassar science students are able to become research assistants to their professors, participating in cutting-edge projects and often getting co-published in national scientific journals.

To give just one example of this type of work, consider Professor of Biology John Long's evolutionary biorotics lab. Long is an internationally recognized researcher for his work on vertebrates, evolution, and robotics. Essentially, his lab consists of elaborate robotic fish that use sophisticated microprocessors to imitate the physical movement of real fish. With grants from the National Science Foundation and Office of Naval Research, Long studies the evolution of motion in current and prehistoric species. He also has extensive research collaborations with Duke University and the University of California.

Vassar science students are full participants in his world-changing research. Read some of the many projects and papers published by Long's laboratory that carry the names of his students. Not only is this an incredible résumé item for graduate school, but it's incredible hands-on experience. You would be hard-pressed to gain this kind of access to a faculty member at any large research university.

Interested? Come to Vassar, and take one of Long's many classes. In the Biology Department, he teaches courses on animal physiology, biomechanics, and evolutionary theory. In the Cognitive Science Program, he teaches brain architecture and perception. He also teaches an introduction to Neuroscience and Behavior.