Are you an Elon student interested in learning about research opportunities? Reach out! Students majoring in Biology or Biochemistry with a strong interest in cell and molecular biology are encouraged to join. Students with a genuine interest in the research we do should contact me at least a semester or two in advance to discuss possibilities and ensure a spot.

General expectations: Students interested in joining my team for credit hours (e.g., BIO4999/Research) are expected to spend a minimum of three sequential semesters of mentored research, with a minimum of 3-4 hours of research per week during regular semesters. I also try to have a student doing research each summer through Elon’s summer research experience (SURE) and open to Lumen Prize Applications with outstanding sophomores. All trainees are expected to present their results in at least one local and one national conference before graduation, usually both.

Prerequisites: Students interested in research at Elon must be in at least Sophomore standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students interested in joining the Rivera-Serrano Lab are usually expected to have successfully completed BIO1112 (Introductory Cell Biology), CHM1110/1120 (General Chemistry I and II), and either BIO2412 (Human Physiology) or BIO2212 (Principles of Genetics). Depending on their project, students are highly encouraged to enroll in BIO2122 or BIO3122 (Microbiology), BIO3230 (Immunology), CHM3510 (Biochemistry I), and/or BIO3750 (Virology) during their research training to enhance their knowledge in the field.

UPDATE (May 2026): our lab is currently full until the Fall of 2027. However, it is never too early to start conversations if you are interested in joining the team.

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Efraín E. Rivera-Serrano, Ph.D. (he/him)
Assistant Professor of Biology
Department of Biology, Elon University
Office: McMichael 202-A • Lab: McMichael 106
eriveraserrano@elon.edu

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