Research
Learn more about the importance of research, different types of research, and how to get involved!
Overview
Any type of research is incredibly valuable to an aspiring healthcare professional as it demonstrates your ability to think critically and understand the scientific foundation that clinical practice stands up.
Rowan has a wide variety of faculty research projects and getting into a research project usually requires connecting with the lead faculty member. To begin we encourage you to consider what type of research you want to pursue:
Clinical Research
Interested in research that studies people, clinical samples, or data related to health? Consider looking at faculty in the Psychology department as well as faculty researchers at the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine or the Cooper Medical School.
Bench Research
Bench research is often what most immediately think of when they think "research". Laboratory based research in the sciences has a wide range of applications. You'll want to consider what discipline(s) you are most interested in and explore research in departments such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Physics.
Computational and Data Driven Research
Interested in exploring data and/or mathematical models? Computational research is happening in the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Mathematics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Psychology.
Finding a Research Lab / Mentor
How? Email a faculty of interest and using a concise, professional message explain why you are interested in their research and request a meeting. Find a lab by...
Emailing a faculty member whose class you are in and you enjoy!
Searching for faculty on the Rowan website or using google (you can perform research off-campus)
When? If your classes are going well, starting as early as freshmen year is a great way to establish a connection and have time to grow your project and a better chance to publish! The earlier you begin the more progress you can make.
Note: every faculty member will have a specific model for supporting you in the lab. You may have to volunteer your time at first. Some faculty may have grant money to support you, some may request you submit research proposals for funding, and some may sign you up for research credit. You might even find a combination of these avenues - you'll have that discussion with the faculty member if they are interested in accepting you into their lab.