We love having undergraduates work with us but it’s important that everyone who joins the lab understands that research is about how we work together, not just what we do as scientists. We don’t have any prerequisites for experience or training because we can provide those, but we do look for people who are committed to hard work, collaboration, and contributing to science that reveals the mechanisms that link human, animal, and environmental health in an effort to improve all three. Being a member of the lab needs to be a top priority, second only to course work, for anyone who joins our team for the long haul.
Interview Process: To give students a chance to decide if they are interested in working with us we ask that everyone complete a few hours of research shadowing during the end of the term. We then invite those who have completed the shadowing to participate in a lab meeting.
Training Process: Students who are still interested will complete one term of Field Study (BIOL 2964) to complete basic lab safety training and contribute to shared tasks. Those who are interested then have the option to transition to a Research Experience (BIOL 2994) if they identify a senior lab member and project they would like to work with. We will help students apply for research funds to support independent work after completing 2994 credit and those who secure support for their own projects can complete Independent Research (BIOL 4994).
Next Steps – connect with a lab member: Email Dr. Sewall and she will connect you with the graduate student running our undergraduate research program this term. You will work with the research team leader to set up a time to visit the lab and shadow ongoing work. Additionally, we will invite students who show up for shadowing to join us for a lab meeting the last few weeks of the term. Show up committed, enthusiastic, ready to help, and ready to learn.