HHMI

About HHMI

HHMI

Ouachita Baptist University is the only institution in Arkansas selected to participate in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance PHAGES lab. In the PHAGES lab, freshman Biology students participate in hands-on research, discovering and characterizing unique bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria. Each summer, Ouachita Baptist University PHAGES students present at the national SEA-PHAGES symposium.

APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE SEA PHAGES PROGRAM

Submit the application materials listed below:

Application form with essay.
1. Essay in which you describe the following.
  1. Pick a favorite animal. What you would investigate about that animal if you had unlimited resources?
  2. Why did you choose that characteristic to explore?
  3. How would you conduct your study?
2. You can upload the at the bottom of the application form. Your essay must not exceed 1000 words and must have 1.5 line spacing.
Recommendation forms from two teachers or one teacher and one coach. At least one recommendation must be from a science or math teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn what our current students are saying about the PHAGES lab.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PHAGES LAB?

All students planning to graduate with a Biology or Chemistry degree from Ouachita Baptist University, including pre-health professions students, are eligible to participate.

HOW WILL THIS LAB BENEFIT ME IF I PARTICIPATE?

HHMI PHAGES students will conduct real research, gaining invaluable laboratory, critical thinking and communication skills. Additionally, participating students are well prepared for introductory and upper level Biology courses.

WHAT WILL I DO WHILE ENROLLED IN THIS LAB?

Students will isolate bacteriophages from the environment, purify their DNA, and prepare the isolated DNA samples for sequence analysis.

HOW WILL THIS ENROLLMENT IN THIS LAB AFFECT MY COURSE SCHEDULE?

The PHAGES laboratory meets Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. in the fall semester.

HOW MANY CREDIT HOURS WILL I EARN AS A STUDENT IN THIS PROGRAM?

Students will earn 5 credit hours for the zoology lecture and the PHAGES laboratory in the fall semester.

WILL THIS EXPERIENCE COUNT FOR CREDIT TOWARD GRADUATION?

Yes. Students who enroll in the PHAGES labwill receive credit that will count toward both the Biology major and toward graduation.

WILL THERE BE AN ADDITIONAL COST FOR THIS LAB?

No, this laboratory will have the same lab fees as other Biology laboratories.