Research Techniques

Through the Health Science Studies Signature Research Techniques Immersion Experience, students have the opportunity to earn course credit for HP 4V79: Internship.

During the Immersion Experience, junior and senior interns will learn lab-based research skills to explore research methods and participate in current research studies in the Mooney Lab for Exercise, Nutrition, and Biochemistry.

Team Lead

Cory Dungan, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Dr. Dungan’s lab investigates the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle mass, adaptation, and insulin sensitivity in various metabolic and physiologic conditions, such as aging, cachexia, and obesity.

Kim Smith, EdD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Program Goals

• Understand research methodology
• Learn tissue histology
• Practice surgical and tissue collection techniques
• Master general lab skills (pH, pipetting, weight, molarity)
• Become familiar with genetic mouse models (cre-lox, teton-tetoff)
• Isolate RNA and protein from murine tissue
• Engage in immunohistochemistry techniques (immunocytochemistry and fluorescent microscopy)
• View RNA gene expression (RT-qPCR)
• Discover protein analysis/expression (western blotting)
• Experience lab animal husbandry

Outcomes

Once the student has demonstrated proficiency with specific skills, he or she will then participate and contribute to a current research project in Dr. Dungan's lab.

The primary objective of the project is to slow muscle loss and improve the response to exercise in those suffering from muscle-wasting conditions. Through the use of pre-clinical animal models and novel therapeutic agents, the research team hopes to shed light on the mechanisms regulating these pathologies in order to improve outcomes in humans.

Application Information & Program Details

Apply Now

Program Dates: 

• Fall 2026

Application Deadline:

• Application Due Dates: Align with HHPR Internship Deadlines.

Program Location:

• Waco, Texas

Qualifications:

• Health Science Studies Major
• Earned 60+ semester hours
• Academic internship required

Additional Details:

• By submitting an application for this competitive HSS experience, the applicant acknowledges the program requirement of 150 supervised clock hours in the lab.
• Students selected to participate in this program will be notified of their acceptance via email.
• If selected, the applicant will complete an internship application in Canvas: HHPR Internship Preparation.

For additional information, please contact HHPR_Interns@baylor.edu.