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

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. How Can I Get Involved in Undergraduate Research?

7. 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!

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

9. Finding Research Opportunities on Campus

10. 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

11. 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)
CURB Peer Mentorship Program
Check for s and advertisements!

12. 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]

13. 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 Tu 9:30am - 4:30pm
F 8:00am - 3:30pm
Resumé Critiques
A&S: Hours listed online CALS: Call for Appointment
Resumé Workshops
Offered by A&S, CALS, and CCS
Cornell Career Services website:
Optimal Resumé through CCNet

14. 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”

16. 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, mid November
For Summer or Fall 2017, around March, professors will realize their seniors are leaving

17. 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!

18. 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!

19. 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:
scholarship/summer-research-programs-undergraduates
Cornell’s general Research website
opportunities/summer-opportunities/

22. 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!

23. Helpful Websites for Undergraduate Biology Researchers
Database for finding research faculty:
General biology research website:
Online Registration for BIOG 2990/4990:
Summer Research Opportunities
REU - Biological Sciences:

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