Getting Started in Research Undergraduate Research Panel Presented by the 2016 Biology Student Advisors November 18, 2016

Who We Are Ellen Hong Michelle Jin Patrick Loi Sophie Son Steven Tarrash Akila Venkataramany

Why Research? Learn valuable skills and problem solving Honors thesis Translate class knowledge to real world applications! Honors thesis Grad school MD/PhD Industry - biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies Government & NGO’s Publications Recommendation letters

When should I get started? It is never too late to get meaningful lab experience Make sure you are comfortable academically before taking on this commitment Have at least two 3-4 hour blocks dedicated a week It is a good idea to have taken at least one course with a lab component (CHEM 2070, BIOG 1500, etc.) before joining a lab

Research Opportunities Research for Credit BIOG 2990 and 4990 Research for Work-Study Compensation Volunteer Research Summer Research CURB The Research Paper Cornell iGEM

How Can I Get Involved in Undergraduate Research?

Find your area of interest in Biology Animal Physiology Biochemistry Computational Biology Ecology & Evolutionary Biology General Biology Genetics & Development Insect Biology Marine Biology Microbiology Molecular & Cell Biology Neurobiology & Behavior Nutrition Plant Biology Systematics & Biotic Diversity Related Fields (Bioengineering, Human Development, etc.) Be open minded! Don’t limit your search!

Finding Research Opportunities on Campus Contact professors you’ve had classes with Office hours, emails, biology events and seminar Search for opportunities online Search Professors directly www.biology.cornell.edu Research > Find Research Projects with Bio Faculty

Finding Research Opportunities on Campus

Finding Research Opportunities on Campus Contact professors you’ve had classes with Search for opportunities online Talk to Colleen Kearns (cmk4) in the OUB 216 Stimson Hall Office Hours: Mon 11am-1pm & Thurs 10am-12pm

Finding Research Opportunities on Campus Contact professors you’ve had classes with Search for opportunities online Talk to Colleen Kearns (cmk4) in the OUB Student Advisor Research Committee members Office hours (listed on Student Advisor section of OUB website) Email CURB Peer Mentorship Program Check for emails and advertisements!

Contacting Professors Dear Professor ________, My name is [your name] and I am a [year, e.g. sophomore] biology major concentrating in [your concentration]. I am writing to inquire as to whether there are positions available in your lab for this semester. [Talk about why their particular research interests you. It helps to mention some of their recent publications]. While I do not have any prior experience [If you have experience, mention it here!], I would love to conduct research in a laboratory on campus. Taking courses at Cornell has made me eager to get a hands-on perspective. I have taken [Relevant courses you have taken and enjoyed/done well in, e.g. BIOG 1500] and have done well in them. I am currently taking [Current relevant courses]. I have attached a brief resume. If possible, I would like to meet with you to discuss your research. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Best, [your name]

Resumés - Helpful Resources Career Offices A&S: 248 East Ave. CALS: 140 Roberts M - F 8:00am - 4:30pm M, W, Th 8:00am - 4:30pm http://as.cornell.edu/academics/careers/ Tu 9:30am - 4:30pm F 8:00am - 3:30pm http://cals.cornell.edu/academics/advising/career/ Resumé Critiques A&S: Hours listed online CALS: Call for Appointment Resumé Workshops Offered by A&S, CALS, and CCS Cornell Career Services website: http://www.career.cornell.edu/story/resumes/ Optimal Resumé through CCNet

Resumés - What to Include Contact information High school academic information (leave out before sophomore year) Cornell academic information Intended major, cumulative GPA, science GPA, Dean’s List Relevant skills and courses taken Lab techniques, computer programs, spoken languages, etc. Leadership roles and meaningful activities Awards and distinctions Academic, community service, etc. Research experience (if any) Work Experience (if any) Volunteer Experience (if any) “References available upon request”

Sample Timeline Experience prior to college is NOT required! Decide when you want to start Recommended: Summer after freshman year Make sure you have time to devote to research! At least two blocks of 3 hours Start contacting a semester ahead of time Ex: for Spring 2017, email mid November For Summer or Fall 2017, around March, professors will realize their seniors are leaving

Summer Research Opportunities Summers are the best time to explore different labs! At Cornell & Other Universities REUs - NSF-funded SILS Hospitals Agencies (NIH, CDC, NASA, Museums) Industry (e.g. Pharmaceutical Companies) Handshake Field Research Shoals Marine Lab Listserve advertising opportunities Look into programs and apply early!

Summer Research Applications Research experience (recommendation letters), GPA, essays/extracurriculars! Have recommendation letters ready to go! Choose programs carefully! Look at duration, requirements, stipends, housing, fields offered, etc. Some programs are diversity programs only! Apply Early! Most applications are reviewed on a rolling basis Usually due late January – Early February Apply to at least a dozen (programs are extremely selective) Academic programs = secret recruitment/yield programs for grad/med school BE SPECIFIC! List potential mentors! Reach out to program directors! Focus on how experiences can contribute to success in research in the future Connections Matter! Reach out to acquaintances on LinkedIn, alumni, former lab members, etc. for referrals!

Summer Resources and Easy Places to Start! Every major university will have summer research programs! (Especially ones with grad schools) Check near home! Ask your professors to see if they know anyone at another university with space for summer interns! Talk to faculty and Directors of Undergrad Research! At Cornell: http://gradschool.cornell.edu/academics/research-and- scholarship/summer-research-programs-undergraduates Cornell’s general Research website http://undergraduateresearch.cornell.edu/research- opportunities/summer-opportunities/

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp

http://biology.cornell.edu/research/summer

Helpful Reminders Make sure the lab is a right fit for you! It is okay to switch labs! Make the most out of your research experience! Talk to grad students, talk to your PI often, keep a lab notebook, attend department seminars Ask questions! Get involved with the research community! Meet and talk with SAs and other undergrads! Present at CURB Poster Symposia!

Helpful Websites for Undergraduate Biology Researchers Database for finding research faculty: http://biology.cornell.edu/index.php/search-research General biology research website: http://biology.cornell.edu/index.php/oub-research Online Registration for BIOG 2990/4990: http://biology.cornell.edu/forms-and-docs Summer Research Opportunities http://biology.cornell.edu/oub-research?id=75 REU - Biological Sciences: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5047

Happy Researching! Persistence is key! Don’t get discouraged!