McLaughlin Research Institute and Biomarker Development to Treat Neurodegeneration, Great Falls
Established in 1954 by a single physician scientist, Dr. Ernst Eichwald, McLaughlin Research Insitute is a nonprofit research institute in Great Falls, Montana. During the early days of the McLaughlin Research Institute, Dr. Eichwald focused on the science of tissue transplantation. Dr. Eichwald’s and Dr. Jack Stimpfling’s work played an instrumental role in the development of successful protocols for organ transplantation in humans.
Over the past few decades, McLaughlin Research Institute has shifted its focus on immunology research and neurodegeneration such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases of the brain where different sets of neurons are killed.
“The McLaughlin Research Institute supports individuals in addressing complex scientific problems, built on a legacy of innovative biomedical research. The McLaughlin Research Institute is the closest biomedical research institution to more than two thirds of residents of Montana. We seek to bring opportunity for participation in biomedical research and education to those in urban and rural communities across the state . ”
Today, McLaughlin Research Institute is a diverse firm primarily run by women. McLaughlin Research Institute often hires lab technicians, research assistants, postdocs, and research faculty with four-year degrees in biology, chemistry, or related scientific fields for work in its research laboratories. See MHTBA Article: Three Montana Innovators Share Their Tips for Launching a Career in Montana’s Biotech Industry
The McLaughlin Research Institute’s summer internship program is open to students who have completed their junior or senior year of high school, or undergraduate college students. Students should be on track for four years of math, biology, chemistry and/or physics.
Successful applicants will spend eight weeks in the laboratory of one of the Institute’s faculty or the Animal Resource Center actively engaged in a current research project under the direction of the scientist, postdoctoral fellow, or research assistant. In addition to providing hands-on experience in investigatory science, the students will observe and interact with other high school and college students in a laboratory learning environment rather than a classroom. Journal clubs and seminars supplement the research experience. Each student will give a formal presentation at the end of the eight weeks summarizing their project.
McLaughlin Research Institute also offers a summer internship program for Montana science teachers. Teachers will use their awarded grant money for research time and support. Successful applicants will spend nine weeks in the laboratory of one of the Institute’s faculty actively engaged in research. In addition to providing hands-on experience in investigational science, participating teachers will observe and interact with high school and college students in a laboratory-learning environment rather than a traditional classroom. Scientific-related workshops, journal clubs, and seminars supplement the research experience.