Lab Crawl 2024!

Allen Memorial Art Museum & Art History: Allen Memorial Art Museum

Students engage with artworks and historical objects through close study and research. Students can use the AMAM’s collections in honors theses, Winter Term projects, class assignments, and other research projects; become a Gallery Guide and give tours; and contribute to exhibitions through specific classes. Art History courses and faculty in particular often prioritize working with AMAM collections in class assignments and research.

Oberlin College Reproducible Media Print Lab: Ward 016

The Reproducible Media Print Lab and student print collective YEO PRESS invite the Oberlin community to visit our lab to learn more about printmaking processes, make some prints, and enjoy some free take-away collaborative artworks.

CELA Micro Makerspace: CELA

The Micro Makerspace is Oberlin's tiniest makerspace. Don't be fooled by its small size: located in the A-Level of Mudd, CELA's Micro Makerspace squeezes tools into every nook and cranny:  we have a sewing machine, Cricut craft cutter, a sewing machine, 3D printers electronics, craft supplies, and more. Visit our station to find out how you can get access and get involved!

Letterpress Studios: Mudd 212

The Letterpress Studio extends Special Collections to include opportunities to learn to compose text by hand using cold type, and to operate both cylinder and iron platen presses. Students can create their own original work while consciously making decisions about paper, impressions, layout, typography, color, illustrations and ornaments, format, and special effects. A unique learning and doing environment highlighting the history of print media.

Bang on a Gong: Community Engagement through Music: King Lobby

Learn about participating in community engagement through Bang on a Gong, a community music program designed to increase equitable access to the arts for low-income kids. Our aim is to build mutually beneficial relationships with our community partners.

Gardner Music Cognition Lab: King Lobby

My research explores how we make sense of and perceive music. To do this, I combine music theory with behavioral experiments in order to ask questions about how people understand music. Lately, work in this research group has focused on examining the role that musical training plays in perception of popular-music.

Oberlin Percussion Group Dress Rehearsal: Warner Concert Hall

Crawl attendees are encouraged to enter Warner Concert Hall from Professor Street and use the audience seats to observe the rehearsal process. After the concert, they should feel free to ask questions in the lobby of the Concert Hall. 1pm-1:30pm only. 

Archaeology Lab: King 322

Past, present, and future meet in the Archaeology Lab. Explore where we care for and learn from cultural heritage from Native America and beyond. View archaeological teaching collections, ethnographic items, and materials for DIY stone tools.

OSNAP: Oberlin's electron microscope: Carnegie 206

OSNAP: Oberlin SEM for Nano (x10^3) Analysis and Perusal is Oberlin's electron microscopy laboratory. Researchers from the Geosciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and other departments use this instrument to image micron-scale features, conduct major-element chemical analysis of materials using X-ray spectroscopy, and measure crystal (mis)orientations using electron diffraction. From rocks to bacteria to samples of art from the Allen Art Museum, this instrument can be used by Obies for a variety of microanalysis needs.

Blatnik Research Lab: Science Center K211
The Blatnik lab studies how gene regulation controls vertebrate development in the zebrafish model system! We use molecular biology techniques and gene editing to understand how gene expression dynamics help pattern skeletal muscle and determine cell fate decisions during embryonic development.

Gaybe Lab: Science Center A129

The Gaybe Lab focuses on the synergy between molecular biology and public health, particularly as it applies to healthcare-associated infections. Under "Team Pathogenic Potential," we assess the virulent nature of microbes found in the built environment using the live animal infection model Galleria mellonella. Under "Team Public Health," we determine if any social determinants of health are correlated with a person's propensity of developing a healthcare-associated infection. Taken together, our research aims to address disparities in the types of microbes studied for pathogenicity and the individuals who may contract these infectious agents.

Aaron Goldman Lab: Science Center A133

We are a computational research group. Our primary focus is the very early evolutionary history of life and the molecular systems that allow it to function. Learn more at https://www.goldmanlab.org/

Muscle’s Machinery: Science Center K200

Examining how the molecular machinery of muscle works and what goes awry in the case of certain mutations of the motor that in human heart have been linked to disease.

Papermaking: Science Center K214

Investigating the potential of invasive plants around Oberlin for papermaking. While papermaking, we will document the process from harvest to sheet formation and compare the finished products to paper made out of kozo and mitsumata, plants commonly used in traditional papermaking.

Mike Moore Lab: Science Center K112

In the Moore Lab we investigate the evolution of plant biodiversity. We travel the world to collect plants, and then we use the tools of modern genomics to extract and sequence DNA so that we can uncover the evolutionary relationships among species and populations. Using these evolutionary trees, we can infer patterns of biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that have generated these patterns. Occasionally we even discover undescribed species!

Alex Pike Lab: Science Center K217

Our lab investigates fundamental questions about how eukaryotic cells accurately replicate their genomes and repair damage to prevent mutations. Using genetic and biochemical methods in budding yeast, we study mechanisms of genome maintenance and how disruptions in these processes contribute to certain degenerative diseases.

Andrew Pike Lab: Science Center A138

We work on various aspects of disease ecology, specializing in native mosquitoes and ticks around Oberlin.

Hilpman-Gleditsch Lab: Science Center 141

Dr. Gleditsch's lab and students investigate patterns of biodiversity in local parks in relation to land use, and how the relationship between biodiversity and land use influences bird behavior and diets. Additionally, Dr. Hilman's lab and students investigate the chemical signals involved in insect-plant interactions including beech leaf disease.

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF): King Building Foyer

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) is a research fellowship designed to address, over time, the problem of underrepresentation in the academy at the level of college and university faculties. This goal can be achieved both by increasing the number of students from underrepresented minority groups (URM) who pursue PhDs and by supporting the pursuit of PhDs by students who may not come from groups underrepresented in higher education, but who otherwise demonstrated a commitment to the goals of MMUF.

Our program is designed to support selected students in conducting undergraduate research, entering PhD programs in the humanities and humanistic social sciences, and preparing for academic careers.

Office of Undergraduate Research (Research Ambassadors): Science Center Commons

Research Ambassadors (RAs) are student employees of Oberlin Undergraduate Research (OUR). These students, spanning the disciplines, assist OUR in making research opportunities accessible to all Oberlin students. Each RA holds an office hour each week where they offer assistance to students, including helping identify research opportunities, reading applications, and discussing their own research. The RAs also assist the OUR Program Coordinators in increasing visibility on Oberlin’s campus.

Special Collections: Mudd 2nd Floor

Special Collections at Oberlin College Libraries include rare books and manuscripts, photos, slides, scores, recorded sound, and artifacts which do not circulate. This research space introduces students to exciting and undiscovered materials in Oberlin's collections. If you have a general area of the humanities that you're interested in researching, Special Collections can help find something to relate to that interest, especially with a broad topic. Students interested in Honors or other in-depth projects should consider making use of these collections!

Archives: Mudd 2nd Floor

The College Archives station will feature archival materials related to the history of Oberlin College. Our goal is to introduce students to our history and the collections available for research in the College Archives.

OCL Digital Collaborative/ DigiLAB: Mudd 202

OCL DIGITAL COLLABORATIVE provides the digital tools, methods, and experience of information professionals to faculty, students, and partners interested in exploring new ways to create and work with digital collections and resources. By coordinating and implementing digital projects, scholarship, and exhibitions, this group brings expertise and technology together in interdisciplinary and experimental ways to extend the traditional methods of research and knowledge creation.

Safety in the Sciences: Science Center Atrium

We are NUTS about safety!  Stop by to talk about PPE (not sure what that is?  Ask!), safety equipment, and learn about all of the ways labs do science safely.

Center for Learning, Education, and Research in the Sciences (CLEAR): Science Center Atrium

The Center for learning, equity, access, and resources (CLEAR) in STEM is a proud part of the network of programming available to support student success through academic support and community building. Drop by to learn about the available extra support for science and math classes and how to become a CLEAR mentor!

Writing Center: Mudd

The Writing Center provides free drop-in writing consultation and appointments for students working on academic assignments for any class and on any topic. The center is staffed by student Writing Associates and welcomes all writers to one-on-one writing sessions throughout the semester.

Elevate Your Strengths in Research: Center for Career Exploration and Development: CELA

Students can discover how their CliftonStrengths align with various research disciplines through the appreciative advising framework.

Career Exploration and Development: CELA

The mission of Career Exploration and Development (CED) is to help Obies chart a meaningful path toward their professional future. Career Advisors are available to help students as they discover and apply for research opportunities in any discipline. Our office also has some funding that can support research endeavors through the Summer Experience Funding and Internship+ Programs.

Winter Term: CELA

Students can stop by the table to get WT registration questions answered. We will also be having an individual project planning workshop from 12:30 - 1:15pm in Mudd A017.

Rachel Saylor Lab: Science Center N373

In the Saylor lab we are interested in developing and improving analytical chemistry methods.  Our long-term goal is to use our methods to interrogate interesting neurobiological systems.

Ryno Lab: Science Center N273

The Ryno lab utilizes techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry and focuses on exploring new methods to mitigate antibiotic resistance and detect low concentrations of antibiotics. We investigate specific pathways in E. coli bacteria that are involved in stress-responsive signaling and sugar metabolism and study their impact on the formation of biofilm and tolerance to antibiotics.

Physics Machine Shop: Wright Basement W004

My goal is to use all the materials and equipment at my disposal to support student (and faculty) research, by building them the machinery, apparati, and structures they need to succeed. I encourage all students (even art and music majors) to get into a research project. (I learned a great deal by building a baritone tuba and a Boehm-type, orchestral flute out of copper; more recently I built a cello mostly out of scrap materials in my garage.)

Jason Stalnaker Lab: Wright 104

The Stalnaker Lab uses precision measurement techniques to test fundamental physics. We are currently doing two experiments to search for dark matter, an unknown substance that makes up ~80% of the universe. We have an optical magnetometer that is a part of the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics (GNOME) collaboration. The collaboration looks for correlated signals resulting from the Earth passing through a possible dark matter structure. We also are a part of the Search for Non-Interacting Particles Experiment (SNIPE) project, where we take precision magnetic fields in the wilderness to search for magnetic signals generated from possible dark matter particles.

G. Kwakye Lab: Science Center A245

The G. Kwakye lab uses mammalian tissue culture and cellular, molecular, analytical, and biochemical techniques to investigate the neuroprotective effects of small molecules in cancer and neurodegeneration. Additionally, we are examining the basis of neurotoxicity and selective loss of cells in neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple System Atrophy.

Behavioral Pharmacology Lab: Science Center A241

Substance use disorder affects millions of Americans annually. Notably, females exhibit a faster progression to uncontrolled drug use compared to males. It is possible that a sex difference in drug-induced impulsivity contributes to the  different patterns of drug use in males and females. Using a rodent model, we are investigating the biological basis for the sex difference in drug-induced impulsivity.

Johnson Lab: Science Center A248

The Johnson lab seeks to uncover novel triggers of neuronal death in two neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While ALS and FTD differ in their clinical presentation, they are both characterized by the misfolding and aggregation of proteins in and around neurons, termed protein aggregates. Proteins are macromolecules that perform essential functions for the cell including providing structure, acting as catalysts, and signaling molecules. Protein aggregation is a progressive process whereby proteins misfold and group together in or around the cell. While it is currently unclear whether the aggregates themselves are toxic to the cell, the proportion of protein aggregation directly influences the rate of disease progression. A large subset of FTD and ALS patients develop pathological intraneuronal aggregates composed of the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein. Current research aims to identify (1) novel triggers of FUS aggregation and determine (2) how FUS aggregation leads to cellular death.

Howard Lab: Science Center A236

The Howard lab explores brain mechanisms of behavior. Currently we are exploring how dopamine and its target site striatum contribute to time perception. Additionally we are exploring novel treatment approaches in Parkinson's Disease.

Mathematics Research: King Building Foyer

The Mathematics Department conducts exciting research on a wide variety of topics.  Interested student should speak with faculty members to learn more about their areas of expertise and available research opportunities.

Sociology Research: King Building 303

The Sociological Research Lab focuses on research opportunities for students in Sociology. These include research in courses, independent research projects and honors, and opportunities to work with faculty on larger projects. Emphasis is on both quantitative and qualitative research, specifically survey data research and qualitative interviewing.

Asian American Identity and Mental Health (AAIMH) Research Lab: Severance Lobby

AAIMH’s mission is to center Asian American voices. Our research projects aim to promote Asian American mental health by rejecting internalized racism. We are currently examining how Asian Americans talk about race with their elders. Our lab embraces both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Students are expected to engage in reflexivity throughout the research process.

T3D: Teens Talking To Doctors: Severance Lobby

5% of teens live with life-altering chronic pain. The Teens Talking To Doctors project focuses on adolescents’ and parents’ beliefs about the legitimacy of doctors’ authority to better understand treatment adherence. When is it okay for doctors to set rules about and when is it not? When teens choose not to follow doctors’ advice, do they lie to their doctors about it or do they talk it through? The project is unique in thinking about medical adherence and adolescents’ communications with their doctors in the context of their families.

Rebecca Totton Research: Severance Foyer

Professor Totton's lab examines stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Specifically, much of the lab's recent work has examined discrimination toward trans and nonbinary individuals. Our most recent research is examining the underlying reasons that cisgender individuals support anti-transgender legislation as well as the harmful effects of anti-transgender legislation on trans folk.

Status & Health Lab:  Severance Lobby

Our lab studies how status, power, and other forms of social disempowerment influence physical health and well-being. To do this we focus on understanding biological responses that are relevant for health and engagement in health behaviors.

The Attention & Memory Lab: Severance Lobby

Memory plays an important role in our lives allowing us to recall events days or years later, in a highly organized manner. How we recall and organize our memory is influenced by many factors. In our lab, we investigate how internal states (such as attention) shape memory organization and retrieval. We do this by using in-lab and online behavioral studies, eye-tracking, pupillometry, and computational modeling.

Face Perception Lab: Severance 226

We use behavioral techniques and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate how people form impressions based on facial appearance and how faces become familiar.  Currently, we are collecting EEG data for a study investigating face learning.

Living Machine Annex Laboratory: AJLC Annex

The Living Machine Annex Laboratory is where we process samples using the Standard Methods for the Examination of Wastewater. These include BOD5, Fecal Coliform culturing, Ammonium ISA Probe, and Ion Chromatography. The goal is to confirm the efficacy of the Living Machine and subsequently the safety of the water being recycled into the building for flush water.

Living Machine Mini Lab: AJLC Living Machine

The Living Machine is the on-site wastewater treatment facility for the AJLC. The Mini-Lab is the anteroom to the Living Machine and provides a small working space for staff to prepare probes for measuring pH, DO, ORP, Conductivity, and Temperature of the various tanks. They also prepare for sampling here before taking them to the Annex Lab for processing.

These stations are for students to meet student representatives from various majors and get answers to “Why get involved in research?" and "How to get involved in research?” Stop by to meet students in the major, discuss coursework, and learn about opportunities! 

Bio(Chemistry) Major’s Committee: Science Center Atrium

Biology Major’s Committee: Science Center Atrium

GeoCouncil (Geoscience Major’s Committee): Science Center Atrium