David Oppenheimer

David Oppenheimer, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Florida and co-founder of Undergrad In The Lab. He has been working in the field of molecular biology for more than 25 years. His first research experience was as an undergraduate working on bacteriophage T4. As an undergraduate, he joined a research lab that emphasized the scientific method, critical thinking, and a genuine interest in learning. All researchers at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) were considered part of the team, and their contributions to the laboratory were valued. As a professor he tries to replicate that environment in his laboratory. His current research interests are focused on the proteins that control cytoskeleton dynamics, and how this influences plant cell shape. He also co-authored Getting In: The Insider’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Undergraduate Research Experience, which was published this fall.