Finding meaningful undergraduate research Immunology Student’s Association (IMMSA) Research Seminar Finding meaningful undergraduate research

Why get involved? Builds your Credentials and CV Essential for graduate and medical school applications Obtain real life laboratory/clinical experience Learn about science first-hand, beyond the textbooks Practice the latest techniques Be involved in important discoveries Meet role models with similar interest Get important mentorship, as you are usually working on a project alongside a grad student or postdoctoral fellow Networking is important for future research opportunities, as well as getting reference letters for graduate and medical school

Step 1: How to Find a Lab/Supervisor Look for a lab whose research you are interested in! Key Places to look: Department websites – faculty lists and research topics Lab websites: most labs have a website that outlines research projects, lab members, and publications Independent Research Courses Work Study Positions University Health Network (UHN), list of PIs at http://www.uhnresearch.ca/researchers/

Step 2: Emailing Potential Supervisors Tailor your emails to each supervisor you contact Do not just copy and paste Do some research on them first – do not be generic Address their specific research Attach your CV and transcript Include a cover letter elaborating on: Interests Relevant experiences Enthusiasm about their research Work ethic and devotion

Example of a Good Email: Dear Professor/Dr. _____, My name is _____, (Degree and Year) at the University of Toronto. I have read about your work on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, and possible medical applications from your research. (What you know about their research) This is very interesting for me, as I am intending to conduct cancer research after my undergraduate years. (Why are you interested) I am, in fact, currently doing volunteer work at St. Michael's Hospital. What experiences have made you want I am hoping to obtain some laboratory experience this summer, and would be truly grateful if you would give me an opportunity to work in your lab. I have attached to this email my CV, previous university grades, and a cover letter elaborating my interests (Describe what you’ve attached). Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Sincerely, ________

Step 3: Prepare for the interview Be presentable, dress professionally Bring copies of your CV, transcripts, application Read up on their research beforehand, including recently published papers Ask meaningful questions regarding their research focus and lab Be able to answer questions, including: What are your plans after graduation, e.g. med school, graduate school? What is something specific that interests you about my research? Why do you want to work in my lab?

BCH Summer Student Program (PAID or BCH372 – FOR CREDIT) http://biochemistry.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-program/summer- students/ 12 weeks (May-June), with a stipend Must have a cGPA average of at least 3.3 (B+) Students must have completed or be currently completing BCH210 or BCH242Y, and/or a Biochemistry laboratory course. Weekly seminars and a presentation at the end Application Deadline: Wednesday February 7th, 2018 Note: Usually, students email/apply to the PI’s personally, and fill out the application form after the PI accepts them.

Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology 12 weeks, minimum $4,000 stipend Must have at least a B+ (GPA of 3.3) average Submit an application, but also must find your own supervisor Poster presentation at the end http://www.lmp.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/programs/summer- student-researchprogram

Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology 12 weeks (May-August), stipend Competitive candidates should have an average of B+ or better Poster Presentation at the end Find your own supervisor first, then submit an application together Application deadline: Late March http://www.moleculargenetics.utoronto.ca/summer-research- program/

Department of Physiology 12 weeks, stipend of $4800 Minimum B+ average in the most recent two terms of undergrad studies (to receive the funding) Must find your own supervisor then apply for funding http://www.physiology.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-summer- research-awards

Many other departments offer summer programs Typically you do not need to be from that department to apply May need to contact and confirm a supervisor before applying to the program Almost all research opportunities available are listed here: http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/life-sciences-undergraduate- researchopportunities-at-the-st.-george-campus

The SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program (PAID) $6000 for 15-week period No minimum GPA is required, but positions are highly competitive Need to submit a reference letter with application Poster presentation at the end http://www.sickkids.ca/Research/StudentandFellowResources/RTC/ Training-Programs/Summer-Research-Program/index.html Application Deadline: January 31, 2017.

ROP299/399 (FOR CREDIT) http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rop/courses Application Deadline: The projects are not updated. However, for reference, the summer ROP applications are usually due around reading week/March, while the fall/winter ROP applications are due around April. Other departmental courses E.g. IMM450Y1, BCH473Y, MGY480Y, HMB395Y…etc. check course calendars! Independent Study Courses with Colleges § E.g. NEW390Y/490Y § Deadlines for these courses are usually at least 1 semester before you aim to start

Women's College Research Institute Summer Student Program (PAID) At the time of application, students must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or medical program. Students are paid between $12 and $15 per hour based on 37.5 hours per week with 4% vacation pay http://www.womensresearch.ca/learning-centre/undergraduate- summer-program/wcri-student-faq Application Deadline: January 15, 2017.

Undergraduate Research Fund (for summer and during the year) Applicant must seek their own supervisor This is not a request for stipend, but rather a funding proposal to conduct your own original research project No minimum GPA is required Two deadlines a year: November 24 and March 3 http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/scholarships/undergraduate- research-fund

RTC Summer Research Program for Undergraduates Mt RTC Summer Research Program for Undergraduates Mt. Sinai Hospital @ The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum (PAID) $5000 for a 12-week period Need to have (or will have) completed 2nd year of undergrad Need to pick 3 potential supervisors and include a cover letter with application The 2018 Application Form will be available on December 18, 2018. The deadline for completion of the 2018 on-line application is February 28, 2018.

What is Meaningful Research? Research is hard work, but the right position will be worth it! Try different techniques if given the opportunity Most likely you will have to try several things out (different projects, PIs, labs) to find a research focus you are truly passionate about Talk to your friends, TAs, and professors involved in research – are they doing something you think you would like? Talk with your PI or supervisor – they have experience and want to help you

Final Notes: Start contacting professors EARLY, ideally before exam season or in December, early January at the latest The more people you contact, the higher your chances of getting a position. Remember to personalize each email Try talking to your own professors and TAs for opportunities in their lab Volunteering or shadowing in a lab is a way to get initial experience Don’t be discouraged by rejection, keep trying - there are many opportunities available!