Gain Research Experience

Gaining some research experience is an excellent way to learn if a career in academia is right for you. It is only when you actually get to conduct research that you are better able to determine if you are willing to commit to a doctoral program. There are several ways to gain a research experience as an undergraduate student. Some of these include enrolling in an independent study with a faculty mentor, partaking in a summer research internship, or participating in a graduate school research program.

 

Independent Study

An independent study is a great opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on his or her current research. Not only does an independent study allow you to receive course credit, but it also gives you a chance to experience the research process first-hand. Speak with an academic advisor to discuss the possibility of an independent study. Together, you can discuss your general research interests and a potential faculty advisor with whom you can work.

 

Summer Research Internships

Another great way to gain research experience is to participate in a summer research internship. This option gives undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research in a “graduate school” setting. Students are able to work closely with a faculty mentor and learn to establish a professional relationship with this mentor. Additionally, an internship will enable you to possibly create a research project of your own that tailors to your exact line of research. This way, you are able to better understand whether or not a research career is right for you. Once again, speak with an academic advisor or potential faculty mentor to arrange a summer internship. You can also search on-line for available programs for undergraduate students.

 

The University of Arizona also offers several research programs designed to give undergraduates a graduate school research experience. Some of the programs include, but are not limited to:

 

•  Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program (MAP)

MAP provides low-income, first-generation-college, and underrepresented students the opportunities and activities to develop the skills necessary to excel in their academic studies and assistance in admission into a top graduate program.

 

Visit the McNair Program Website for more information.

 

•  Summer Research Institute (SRI)

SRI offers you an outstanding opportunity to learn how to conduct research, enjoy your summer, and prepare for graduate studies at the University of Arizona , a highly-ranked Research Extensive (Research I) Land Grant institution with a large multicultural student body and over 200 graduate programs in a myriad of fields. The program, fully sponsored by the University of Arizona , has been in existence for 12 years. Over 90% of participants have gone on to graduate, medical, law and other post-baccalaureate programs, both at the University of Arizona and at other prestigious universities, and several have already obtained a graduate or professional degree.

 

Visit the SRI Website for more information.

 

 

•  Minority Access to Research Careers Program (MARC)

The MARC program provides a unique research, mentoring, financial and academic opportunity for underrepresented minority students who have interest and potential to pursue careers in biomedical research.

 

Visit the MARC Website for more information.