Christopher Needham
Class of 2026
Fellowship: NSF Modeling the Dynamics of Biological Systems REU Program, North Carolina State University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
About Me
Christopher Needham is a biomedical engineering student at West Chester University who participated in the NSF Modeling the Dynamics of Biological Systems REU Program at North Carolina State University.
During the 10-week program, he conducted graduate-level biophysics research in Dr. Mary Elting's laboratory, using confocal microscopy and advanced imaging analysis. His project, titled "Investigating the Role of Motor Proteins klp5 and klp6 in Spindle Elongation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe," focused on cellular mechanisms involved in spindle elongation.
In addition to his research, Christopher contributed to educational outreach by helping design lessons and activities for high school students in the Catalyst program at NC State’s Science House. He also presented his findings at the NC State Summer Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium and the National Biomedical Engineering Society Conference in San Diego, California.
This experience strengthened his research skills in microscopy and laboratory techniques while fostering engagement within a collaborative scientific community.
Fellowship Awarded
NSF REU (2026)