Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Engaging in research as an undergraduate is a great way for students to challenge themselves to the next level of learning. Apply the knowledge acquired in the classrooms to the discovery of new findings by working with a team of people who share similar interests. Through research, students will gain deeper understanding of their chosen areas of study and better appreciation for research in general.

 

Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biomedical Sciences is the basic science research and teaching arm of the College of Medicine and provides opportunities for mentoring undergraduate, graduate and medical students. The College of Medicine complex has more than 150,000 sq. ft. of new, state-of-the-art laboratory space, an extensive inventory of common use equipment and state-of-the art core labs in proteomics, genomics, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and cell culture. Faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences are interested in investigating:

  • Development
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular basis of human disease 

Undergraduate research in Biomedical Sciences is typically benchwork in nature. Interested students should first explore the research interests in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. 

 

Featured Biomedical Science Labs
Ren Lab

Yi Ren Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and the director of a research lab that studies the molecular cell biology of inflammation, especially macrophage function in CNS trauma and tumor progression. Hear from Dr. Ren and other members of the lab discuss their current work along with their goals for the future of their research. (2014, 4m:27s)

 

Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine

The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine investigates and emphasizes the influence of individual, interpersonal, and community factors on health, in the context of behavior, social, and societal forces. 

Research in this area is social sciences in nature. Undergraduate research assistants typically work within communities collecting and analyzing data and administering standardized behavioral tests. DIS credit is available in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine for research in several areas, including: 

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Health Psychology/Women’s Health
  • Caregiving and Chronic Illness

Interested students must contact DIS instructors in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine for details. Please visit the BSSM Research Opportunities site for more information.

Clinical Sciences

Undergraduate student research opportunities in this area are limited. Students interested in getting involved with research in this department should first explore the research interests of the Department of Clinical Sciences and then apply for research advising with Dr. Elizabeth Foster. Please visit the Department's Undergraduate Research Opportunites page for more information.

 

Family Medicine & Rural Health

Faculty in the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health collaborate with students, faculty in other departments, and the COM Office of Medical Education to create descriptive presentations and scholarly reviews and regularly present at national and regional meetings. 

Undergraduate student research opportunities in this area are limited. Interested students should explore the research interests in the Department of Family Medicine and then apply for research advising with Dr. Elizabeth Foster. For a list of faculty research interests, please visit the Family Medicine and Rural Health Research page. 

Geriatrics

The goal of the Geriatrics Department’s research efforts is to study the multiple domains of health and well-being of older adults and to examine how to best educate further physicians to care for this population. The Department’s faculty conduct research on a wide range of topics related to:

  • Aging
  • Aging policy
  • Geriatric health
  • Healthcare delivery

Interested students should first explore the research interests in the Department of Geriatrics and then apply for research advising with Dr. Elizabeth Foster. Please visit the Departments of Geriatric Research Interests page for more information.

Summer Research Internships

Many prestigious universities and research institutions nationwide have summer research programs for eligible undergraduate students. These programs are perfect for students looking for ways to broaden their undergraduate experiences.  In addition to the benefits offered by research in general, some of the programs pay the students to work in their laboratory, and a few even cover the travel and living expenses. There is nothing to lose but everything to gain. Below is a searchable list of summer research programs. 

Since many programs are seeking to train minority or disadvantaged students, we encourage you to apply.  Please check each program’s website for details and application deadlines. 

 

Summer Research Programs Database

Our office maintains a database of Summer Research Programs available across the nation for undergraduates. Click the link above to download and search the database [xls] for programs, details and deadlines.

 

Want to apply for a summer research internship?

Each research program application is unique, but there are some common requirements for nearly all of the programs. Consult the list below to learn what to expect when applying to a program. The basics of all applications include:   

  1. Submission Deadline      ** Most programs have February 1st deadlines **
  2. Eligibility criteria
  3. Application: electronic or hardcopy
  4. Essay, Personal Statement and/or Resume
  5. Transcripts
  6. Letters of Recommendation

Here are more tips for submitting a competitive application [pdf]. 

 

CELLS

Connecting Experimental Lab and Life Sciences (CELLS) is a student organization that promotes research for undergraduates and provides a social and professional network for students engaged in biomedical, clinical, and social science research. CELLS at FSU introduces and prepares undergraduate students for an exciting research experience by providing avenues for networking with research faculty. 

This organization offers:

  • Workshops
  • Mentoring
  • Private tours of labs and research facilities
  • Service events
  • Socials
  • Presentations by influential faculty and researchers

For information on how to get involved, please visit the CELLS home page.