Member Institutions
Research opportunities offered to students in CEB are greatly expanded by the participation of important Chicago-area institutions in the CEB program. Students are able to conduct research under the supervision of members of these institutions whose areas of specialization complement and expand on those available within the University of Chicago. In addition, the unique facilities and collections at these institutions are available for students to use in conducting their research.
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest research centers (managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC). Argonne was the country’s first national laboratory, the direct descendant of the University of Chicago’s Metallurgical Laboratory, part of the World War II Manhattan Project. Current research at Argonne includes examination of energy resources and environmental management. This work includes studies of plant-soil-atmosphere interactions and biogeochemistry at molecular to landscape scales, with specific emphasis on the belowground processes. Recent research has also used the synchrotron x-ray source at the Advanced Photon Source for high-resolution imaging of fossils, internal morphology of organisms with a specialized CT scan approach, and visualizing previously unseen internal processes of living animals, such as respiration and feeding in insects.
Brookfield Zoo
Home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species, the Brookfield Zoo is the largest zoological park in the Midwest. Students are able to conduct research at the Zoo on animal behavior, conservation genetics, and behavioral endocrinology, working with research staff in the Animal Programs Division. Ongoing research efforts include hormonal assessment of animal well-being, modeling of genetic changes in small populations, and behavioral monitoring. In addition, students may take advantage of opportunities to contribute to the Zoo’s role and goals through its public education and conservation programs.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a research and educational institution concerned with the diversity and relationships in nature and among human cultures. It provides collection-based research and educational programs to enhance public understanding and appreciation of biological and cultural diversity. The Museum’s zoology, botany, and paleontology collections contain more than 21 million specimens and its libraries contain more than 250,000 volumes. These collections are available for student research, in conjunction with facilities that include state-of-the-art labs for molecular systematics, morphometrics, and biomechanics. In addition, the Environment, Culture, and Conservation Division focuses on translating the Museum’s science into action for conservation of biological and cultural diversity.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Among the oldest zoological parks in the country (established in 1868), the Lincoln Park Zoo is also among the most modern. Home to more than 1200 animals representing 230 species, it initiates, facilitates, and encourages scientific research in animal behavior, small population management, epidemiology, nutrition, and cognitive psychology. The Zoo’s Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, the Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, and the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology offer a wide range of research opportunities. Conservation programs both at the zoo and off-site bring together zoo and field research to enhance conservation efforts.
Revised: October 5, 2007