Students ordinarily choose from among a wide number of research projects that are either underway or contemplated by individual faculty members. Some general areas of current research by the faculty include studies into: the molecular biology of gene expression and the regulation of development; plant defense mechanisms at the gene level; membrane function and structure; plant lipids; molecular biology of the development of cell surface antigens; structures and interactions of DNA; evolution of DNA sequences; viral epitope mapping using monoclonal antibodies; molecular mechanisms of virulence of marine pathogens; the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles; and bioremediation. More detailed descriptions of these and other areas of interest can be found in the faculty pages.