Mentored Research

What is Mentored Research?

Mentored Research allows students to make original, research-based discoveries under the supervision of a faculty member. This hands-on experience requires independent thinking, effective time management, and hard work. Outcomes of a successful CELL 295R/495R research experience includes the mastery of new techniques, generation of original discoveries, production of formal scientific papers, scientific presentations, and a network of student and faculty colleagues.

Students registered for CELL 295R or 495R are required to:

· Complete the required safety training
· Report hours weekly, at least 3-4 hours of work per week for each credit hour.
· Complete a written report, grant, or present work at a scientific meeting.

Finding a Lab

Research professors who are conducting research in a topic or area that interests you. Read journal articles and publications from that lab and familiarize yourself with their work. Professors appreciate sincere interest rather than students who only want to get into their lab just to strengthen their resume or professional school application. Contact the professor(s) in person or by email. Seek them early in your academic career. Faculty members can only effectively mentor a limited number of students so there may be a wait list.

Lab Expectations

Upon finding a spot in a lab, work hard and demonstrate that you are there to contribute. Working in a lab is different than taking a class, you need to treat it like a job and take responsibility to move your project forward. This will require you to work hard, be dependable, learn the lab techniques, find and read papers relevant to your project, and to be a problem solver. If you become an expert and are productive on your project, your experience will be rewarding for you now and in the future. You’ll also want to present your research at a scientific conference and/or publish an article.