Getting Started

Here are some steps to help you embark on your biology research journey!

1. Identify particular labs that seem interesting to you. You can consult two lists, one curated by the Department of Biology and another maintained by the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Both lists provide brief summaries of the research interests of various researchers (> 300) located either at the Danforth or medical campuses. To generate a list of faculty/research scientists to contact, you should focus on areas of biology and/or medicine that seem interesting to you – from course work or other exposure.  

2. Find faculty members (between 5 and 10 labs) whose work you identify with.  The next step is to initiate communication via email, where you will introduce yourself, explain your interest in research, and respectfully request a follow-up conversation. To help you think through this initial email communication, we have provided a brief overview and sample templates as guidance. Attaching an updated resume to this initial email communication is always a good idea. Wait one to two weeks for a reply. If none are forthcoming, you can try once more with these same faculty, indicating that you are resending a previous inquiry. If after two tries you do not get a positive response, it is time to move on and determine if there are additional scientists whose work interests you that you can then contact.

3. Score an interview! It’s now time to prepare. Be ready to discuss your interests in research and long-term goals, why you were drawn to this particular lab, your availability for the upcoming semester (or summer) and future. For additional thoughts and concerns regarding interviews, we have provided a brief overview and sample questions as guidance. If you have worked in a lab before, you will almost certainly be asked about it. You should be prepared to say what you did and especially WHY you did it. Before you go to talk with a potential mentor, try reading one of their most recent papers (or at least try reading the abstract). You will not understand everything, but you should be prepared to ask a question or two about its content.

4. Earn credit for your time spent in a biology or biomedical research lab by applying to enroll in Bio 200 (for first-years and sophomores) or Bio 500 (for juniors and seniors). Please consult this webpage for more information.