About Paul

To read more about what is like to work with Hofstenia feel free to read this recent article written by Paul and Harvard undergraduate Eliza Hirsch: A Day in the Life of a Hofstenia Lab.

Joining the Bump Lab

The Bump Lab uses an application process for undergraduate students interested in joining the lab. If you are interested in conducting research with us, please complete the application using the Google Form linked here: https://forms.gle/b9vHppxtckTV3pzx5

Why an application?

Participating in a research lab is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as an undergraduate, but it also comes with meaningful responsibilities. Research depends on collaboration, reliability, and careful attention to detail. Your teammates rely on you, our animals depend on your consistent care, and everyone's safety depends on thoughtful and conscientious laboratory practices. The application helps ensure that prospective students understand these expectations and gives us the opportunity to learn about your interests, goals, and what you hope to gain from a research experience.

The application process also reflects an important value of our lab: making research accessible to everyone. Too often, joining a research lab can feel mysterious or intimidating, especially for students who are the first in their family to pursue research or who have had limited exposure to science outside the classroom. We believe outstanding scientists come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and prior research experience is not required to join the lab. Instead, we look for curiosity, persistence, kindness, integrity, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Current Projects:

The Bump Lab is getting off the ground! If you are interested in learning on how a lab gets setup and started now would be great time to join. Major responsibilities will be learning to work with the animal and establish standard operation procedures for new equipment. We likely will not have independent projects until Summer 2027.

A brief note:

For Pomona SURP students, priority will be given to students who have conducted at least one semester of research in the Bump Lab prior to the summer. 

Finally, we encourage all interested students to apply. After submitting your application, please send Professor Bump a brief email introducing yourself and expressing your interest in joining the lab. We look forward to learning more about you!