Prof. White: Role of the hormone, GnRH-2, and its receptor on reproductive function

Responsibilities include reading and learning about reproductive biology, general lab maintenance, preparing materials for experiments, conducting experiments and analyzing data alongside graduate student mentors and the adviser. Trainees are expected to keep a thorough lab notebook, attend weekly lab meetings and present their progress twice a semester.

As scientists, we are strongly driven to understand why. Why do certain biological traits act in a specific fashion? Why do some animals have good characteristics whereas others have bad characteristics for a specific biological trait? Why are some animals fertile, whereas others are infertile? Our laboratory primarily focuses on biological mechanisms associated with reproductive traits. We are looking for students with an animal science, veterinary science or reproductive biology interest. Moreover, trainees should be detail-oriented, strong at reading and writing skills, enthusiastic to learn new skills and motivated to understand why.

Based on 25 years of experience teaching reproductive biology to undergraduate students and his involvement with the recruitment of high school students, Dr. White and members of his laboratory are highly relatable to students from different backgrounds and truly enjoy training/mentoring young people. Our laboratory works as a team, an attribute that is very important to successful scientific research. Weekly lab meetings help build teamwork and include fun events like birthday celebrations. New students in the laboratory work alongside graduate students and technicians to develop skills for conducting research experiments and analyzing the results. As trainees gain experience, they become more independent and can explore research questions specific to their interests. We realize that academics and extracurricular activities are very important to student success. So, we are also flexible with student course and activity schedules.