Biological Sciences Initiative

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Tips for Finding a Faculty Mentor

Following are some suggestions for obtaining a position in a faculty member's lab and other recommendations to aid in your search. Once you have found a faculty mentor, you can download an application.

STEP ONE: Review the lists of faculty and research interests provided by departmental offices (see BURST homepage).

STEP TWO: Identify at least 3 professors whose research most interests you.

STEP THREE: Visit the library to find and read at least two of each professor's most recent publications. Try to formulate a few questions to ask each professor about her/his research. Do not worry if you don't understand everything in the papers.

STEP FOUR: Compose an email expressing your interest in working in the faculty member's lab. Be sure your email includes the following information.

Major

Class standing (sophomore, junior, etc.)

GPA

State that you are interested in working with them via the Bioscience Undergraduate Research Skills and Training Program (BURST)

Past research experience (if you do not have any past research experience, be sure to note that as well)

Personalized research interest

Why you believe working in their lab will be beneficial; how their work informs your academic/professional development

Future plans (e.g. graduate school, medical school, etc.)

Whether or not you intend to do multiple years of research (for example, if you are a junior, do you anticipate working in a lab until you graduate)

How many hours you can commit to the lab

Offer to meet with the professor at their earliest convenience in order to further discuss the possibility of working in their lab

STEP FIVE: When meeting with the professor, express clearly to her/him why you are interested in her/his research, and why you would like to gain research experience in her/his lab. Ask questions. Let the professor know that you aware of the BURST opportunity for funding. If there is a possibility of your working in this professor's lab, and you both agree to apply for BURST funding, you should look over the application together and discuss the questions. (Download an application.)

STEP SIX: If at any point you are having difficulty finding a mentor or would like some advice, please contact BSI's Undergraduate Research Advisor, Lynn Wolfe (e-mail, tele: 303-735-6617).

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