LURE Program



Watch this video to learn more about Lakeland's LURE program.

The Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE) provides a unique opportunity for high achieving students that goes beyond their work in the classroom. LURE gives Lakeland students the ability to conduct original and publishable research, thereby setting themselves apart from other graduates of liberal arts institutions.

Participants design, conduct, troubleshoot and analyze their own scientific research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member during a 10-week, paid, summer internship. The work culminates with students presenting their research at various conferences around the country. The program was started in 2004 by Associate Professor of Biology Greg Smith, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Biochemistry Jeffrey Schwehm, Ph.D.

The program provides opportunities for Lakeland students to utilize the advanced facilities in Lakeland's Chase Science Center. A $3.2 million renovation of Chase in the past decade has allowed the faculty and students of Lakeland's Natural Science division to immerse themselves in research and learning at a level unlike most other small liberal arts schools.

For example, students are able to use :

  • A DNA sequencer in order to analyze genome evolution
  • A fluorescent microscope to visualize molecules within cells
  • FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to assess the chemical composition and three dimensional shape of molecules
  • EMG (Electromyograhy) to assess human muscle activation patterns

Proven results

Students in Lakeland College's LURE program

In the last five years, 28 students have graduated after participating in the LURE program, and 15 of those students have gone on to graduate programs, including medical school, pharmacy school, genetic counseling, and 10 in research Ph.D. programs in biology, biochemistry and chemistry. Notable graduates include:

  • Sarah Neuman of Campbellsport, Ph.D. program in cell and molecular biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in biology and music-instrumental performance emphasis.
  • Sean Johnson of Sheboygan, Ph.D. program in cell and molecular biology, Washington University (St. Louis). He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in biology.
  • Amber Koenig of Howards Grove, Ph.D. program in chemistry, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in chemistry and mathematics.
  • Kellen Grott of New Holstein, doctor of chiropractic program, National University of Health Science (Chicago). He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in fitness & sport studies-fitness studies emphasis.
  • Grace Jairo of Rongo, Kenya, Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, Tulane University. She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in biochemistry.
  • Dominique Olds of Mequon, Ph.D. program in microbiology, Ohio State University. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's in biology.
  • Phil Sontag of Altoona, Ph.D. program in ecology, Rutgers University. He graduated in 2010 with a bachelor's in biology.

For more information about the LURE program, contact Greg Smith at (920) 565-1575 or by email at smithgr@lakeland.edu.