Undergraduate Research Opportunity in the Chen Lab at Temple University | Department of Biology
“Tools that build brains—and scientists.”
Lab Mission
The Chen Lab investigates how precise neuronal wiring emerges during development using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. We focus on building powerful genetic tools—specifically, gene-specific split-GAL4 lines—to label and manipulate individual neuron types across developmental stages.
These tools are made publicly available through splitgal4.org and are widely used by the neuroscience research community to study neural development, sensory processing, and circuit function.
Undergraduate researchers are valued members of our team and make meaningful contributions to tool development and data generation. We are committed to providing a high-quality, mentored research experience to highly motivated students.
Structure of our Undergraduate Research Opportunities
We welcome curious and dedicated undergraduates who are ready to engage deeply with scientific research. Because research takes time, all undergraduate researchers are expected to commit to at least two years in the lab.
First Semester: Training and Evaluation
All students begin with an 8–10 week standardized training project that includes:
- Learning fly husbandry and genetic stock maintenance
- Performing and tracking split-GAL4 genetic crosses
- Identifying key phenotypes and genotypes
- Attending weekly lab meetings and/or journal clubs
- Discussing a primary research article with the group
This structured experience gives you the foundation to succeed and helps both you and the lab assess whether this is a good mutual fit.
At the end of the first semester, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Chen for a mutual evaluation. Students who demonstrate strong engagement, curiosity, and reliability may be invited to continue into the long-term research phase.
Long-Term Opportunities
Students invited to continue beyond the training phase will:
- Contribute to the generation and validation of gene-specific split-GAL4 tools
- Participate in weekly lab meetings and scientific discussions
- Be mentored by Dr. Chen or a senior lab member
- Commit ~10 hours/week during the semester
- Build toward leading independent projects
- Potentially co-author publications or present at conferences
Required Reading Before Applying
All applicants must read the following two papers to understand the core standardized training project:
- “ Protocol for replacing coding intronic MiMIC and CRIMIC lines with T2A-split-GAL4 lines in Drosophila using genetic crosses”
Li & Li et al., 2023 – STAR Protocols
https://star-protocols.cell.com/protocols/3181 - “ Using single-cell RNA sequencing to generate predictive cell-type-specific split-GAL4 reagents throughout development”
Chen et al., 2023 – PNAS
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2307451120
How to Apply
We are only able to accept a limited number of undergraduate researchers each year due to space and mentorship capacity. Not all applications can be accommodated, so we ask that only serious applicants apply.
To apply, please complete both steps below:
Step 1: Read the two required papers above
You’ll be asked to reflect on them as part of your application.
Step 2: Fill out the Chen Lab Undergraduate Research Interest Form
[Application link]
Submit this form only after reading both papers.
Only selected applicants will be contacted by Dr. Chen for a brief interview.
Summary of Expectations
- Required completion of the first-semester training project
- A 2-year minimum commitment, contingent on successful completion of the first-semester training project and a mutual evaluation to determine continued fit
- ~10 hours/week during the academic year
- Participation in lab meetings and journal clubs
- Respect, curiosity, reliability, and scientific integrity
Research is a long-term journey. If you’re ready to learn, build tools, and grow in a supportive lab environment—we’d love to hear from you.