Biology Research @ BC

I often get asked for advice on how to get involved in research in the Biology Department. Here is a synthesis of my general advice:

Explore the research being done in the department

The Biology Department has research strengths in cell biology, developmental biology, computational biology, microbiology, and infectious diseases. Take some time to skim through the department's research website to become familiar with the type of research that is being done. If you click on a professor's name then you will be linked to their profile page, and in the left column there is often a link to their lab/personal website. The latter typically has more details on their lab, and you can get a sense of whether or not undergrads are typically involved in their research.

Enroll in upper-level electives with an eye toward potential research

First, I encourage students to complete the Investigations in Molecular Cell Biology Lab before approaching professors about conducting research in the lab. Although not mandatory, completing this course first will give you valuable experience and make you a stronger candidate.

One of the more common ways that students get into a research lab is by first taking a class with the professor. In this case you learn more about a subject of their expertise, demonstrate your work ethic and knowledge, and potentially build a rapport through personal interactions. Thus, it is then easier to either send the professor an email inquiry or speak to them personally about conducting research in their lab.

Reach out to professors

After reviewing websites and taking courses, make a short list of professors that you are interested in working with. Then you can reach out to these professors through email to inquire about the prospects of doing research in their lab. In this email you should give some information on your background, including your grad year, relevant coursework (and lab courses completed), relevant lab/research experience, and explain why you are interested in their specific lab. It is also useful to estimate how many hours per week that you could potentially put toward research. Professors are busy and get a lot of emails. If you don't hear back from somebody after 1-2 weeks then try again with a friendly reminder of your previous email. Be aware that students often first join labs on a trial volunteer basis before continuing for either credit or pay.

Research through advanced experience coursework

It is logistically impossible for all students to work in a Biology Department lab due to the large number of Biology majors and low number of faculty/research labs. If you are unable to join a research lab then you could still gain research experience through "advanced experience" courses. These courses come in two varieties: seminars and labs. Seminars typically focus on reading scientific articles and give you valuable exposure to current research. Labs feature hands-on work at the bench and allow you to expand on the skills that you learned in the investigations lab. Note that lab courses at typically capped at an enrollment of 12 students and thus often fill up during senior registration pick times.

Biology research beyond BC

Fortunately, the Boston area is rich with internship and part time research opportunities at other universities, hospitals, and biotech/pharmaceutical companies. For biomedical research opportunities try websites like BiologyJobs, BioSpace, Indeed, Lab Rat, LinkedIn, NewScientist, and Science Careers.

Summer programs

There is also potential to get research experience during the summer, either through coursework, internships, or technician positions. This webpage from Amherst College looks like an excellent resource for the summer of 2023. The National Science Foundation funds many Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs across the country. Many of these opportunities are available during the summer (search current NSF REU opportunities).

Get additional advice!

I encourage you to get advice from other people at BC, including Síle Scanlain (Assistant Director for Undergraduate Programs), your academic advisor, other professors, and other Biology majors that are conducting research.

Interested in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research?

My research has a focus in ecology and evolutionary biology, which is not an area of strength in our Biology Department. If you are interested in this type of research then please read this separate page on my website.