join a research project

Create your free Science Near Me account to find local science festivals, events, talks and more!

Only 500 of the 10,000 diseases that afflict humans today have treatments

We've mapped the world, now let's map human health., project baseline was created to explore health with more depth and detail than ever before. whereas once it took centuries of exploration to yield an accurate map of the world, we can now move faster and create a map of human health that can impact humanity within our lifetimes..

As a Baseline member, you can

Join research that fits into your life

Find opportunities that are relevant and easy for you.

Be the first to test new technology

Shape a new generation of devices, tools, and technologies.

Learn by getting your health data back

Learn about your own health and contribute to everyone's.

Hi, I'm Carl

With other studies, I was never really a part of them, I was just a specimen. But with Baseline, it's more than that. It's like a family.

Hi, I'm Simone

Whatever I can do to help in the fight to find cures for diseases, I'm there.

Hi, I'm Lynnette

Project Baseline attracted me because it is open to so many different people and it studies so many things.

Learn about some of our research opportunities

My Mental Health Journey

MyIBD Health Study

My Skin & Hair Journey

Depression Research

Together, we can invent the future of data-powered healthcare.

Participant support

• Baseline FAQs
• Verily Privacy Policy
• Baseline Terms of Service
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy

In This Section

News detail, 6 ways to join a research team: when all traditional routes have failed.

By Natalie Arabian (Guest Blogger) PharmTalk - A Blog for Young Scientists is a new ASPET blog primarily written by postdocs Joanna Sandilos Rega (Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA) and Uyen Chu (University of Wisconsin-Madison). The primary objective of this blog is to engage postdocs and graduate students in topics helpful to your experience as a young scientist, focusing on but not limited to communication skills and core competencies of leadership and management as defined by the National Postdoctoral Association's set of "core competencies." Our hope is that this blog will be a valuable source for pointers on how to enrich your experience as a young scientist.  

Recently, I was disheartened to learn of the difficulties that the majority of my peers endure in search of a research-related volunteer position. I was under the impression that university programs always successfully matched students with host labs. The harsh reality is that it can be very difficult to find an investigator willing to incorporate new students into a project. If you are an undergraduate having trouble navigating through this system, please do not be discouraged! I myself went through the same struggle, only worse, because at the time I was a high school student, so people were even less inclined to work with me. After a constant stream of rejections, I finally developed the courage to call the lab I was most interested in and spoke with the principle investigator directly. I was told to keep in touch because “eventually a spot was bound to open up.” Six months later, I finally became a full-fledged member of the team. So you see, there are plenty of alternative ways to snag yourself a great internship. I’ve listed some of them below.

• Contact Professors from Classes you have taken - Many have or know people who have active research groups. This may be a bit of a traditional route, but it’s worth a try! Assuming you have performed well in their class and have gone to office hours enough so the professor knows your name, ask them about any potential openings in their lab.
• Ask friends - If you have any friends that are involved with a research project, see if they may be able to help you. If not, try to surround yourself with people who are affiliated with research by joining a science club.
• Attend graduate student mixers - Typically graduate students are encouraged to mentor us. They’re also typically the people that decide whether or not we get hired, what we learn during training, and how successful we can be in general.
• Attend departmental lecture series - This will allow you to mingle and network with professors in a more relaxed setting. It may also give you a chance to share with them your interests and goals, as they’re more open to listening at these events. Not only will you learn about ongoing projects that you didn’t even know existed, you may even be offered advice from people who understand your situation.
• When all else fails, just show up with some coffee and a one minute pitch on how you will work harder than any undergraduate student in the entire department! If the investigator has a sense of humor, you will probably be hired on the spot. If you prefer to work for someone that is a bit more flexible and fun, a bold move like this can serve as a litmus test to help you gauge the investigators personality. This is how I was finally able to convince my mentors to bring me onto their team.
• Streamline the inquiry process - Another way to find a research position is to email investigators directly. Don’t focus too much on selecting a specific lab; send out as many emails as you can. To make this task less daunting, I suggest creating a template that can be used as the body of your email. Then simply fill it in for each specific internship inquiry. Make sure that every email is tailored to the specific research interests of each lab, as sending out one big mass-email to numerous researchers may be viewed negatively. Note that if you are already interested in a specific graduate level program at a facility nearby, you may want to focus on contacting professors affiliated with that specific institution. As an added bonus, not only do these groups tend to have fewer undergraduate students, they are also typically led by investigators that have stronger connections to the programs that interest you. I have many peers who were given the opportunity to observe lab meetings, and after a few weeks, months or even a year, they were offered a position as an undergrad researcher. It takes time and patience, but it’s worth the investment.

Be sure to take note of any investigator that has taken the time to personally respond to your internship inquiry. Even if they cannot currently accommodate you in their lab, the fact that they have returned your message indicates that they possess the qualities of a good research mentor. (That is not always easy to find). If a lab can’t host you this semester, use this time to build a relationship with them. Read their papers and keep in touch with them. I encourage you to send them an email every once in a while to see if a spot has opened up. It’s likely that by the time summer rolls around, a spot will be available for a tenacious student like yourself! A final word of advice: there is a chance that a few of your research opportunity inquiries will be turned down. This is by no means a reflection on your potential. Rather, it is a testament to the competitive nature of the field. This is also due to the fact that there is minimal funding to support undergraduate research. Therefore, it can be an inconvenience to take in a new student and spend time training them only to find out that they may not be coming back next semester. If you are willing to commit at least a year or more to working on a project, you will most definitely find a lab willing to train you - just be patient. Once you are finally situated in a host-lab, you will reflect back on this experience and realize how much it shaped you. On behalf of all undergraduates, I would like to thank the researchers that work so hard to provide opportunities for undergraduates in the face of minimal funding (especially the late Dr. Ronald Alkana, for always believing in me, and Drs. Davies, and Louie, for their continuous support and mentorship).

Related Files:

Categories:, job postings.

• Utility Menu

Undergraduate Science Education at Harvard

A world of exploration. a world of expertise..

• Undergraduates: Open Research Positions & Projects

Current Harvard Undergraduates: contact Kate Penner  Undergraduate Science Research Advisor, for advice on applying for research positions. If you find a position below that looks interesting, please contact the lab directly.

Faculty: if you are interested in posting your open research position, please contact  Kate Penner ​​​​​.

Posted for Spring 2024

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Rashidian, Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Radiology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School , Posted April 2024. Multiple projects on leveraging machine learning for biomedical applications, Marks Lab, Harvard Medical School, Systems Biology, Broad Institute, Posted April 18, 2024.

Multiple projects on Mechanistic studies of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, Dept of Medicine, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted April 2024.

Multiple projects on genomic and biophysical modeling of collective cell migration, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted April 6, 2024.

Undergraduate Opportunity, Ramanathan Lab, Posted April 6, 2024.

Multiple Projects on Clinical Computational Neuroimaging, Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 19, 2024.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Genomic analyses in a cohort of neuromuscular patients, Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 14, 2024.

Multiple Projects on neurodegenerative disease mechanistic study and drug mining, Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 13, 2024.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Role of clotting factors in oral mucosal diseases, Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Posted March 12, 2024.

Neural mechanism of Cognitive flexibility and the role of dopamine, Molecular & Cellular Biology, FAS, Posted March 12, 2024.

Multiple Projects on the neural basis of heart-brain interactions, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard Brain Initiative, FAS, Posted March 12, 2024.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Generating a Biobank of Genotyped Human Blood Samples for Assays of Parasite Infection, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), Posted March 12, 2024.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, An Augmented Reality (AR) Smart Decisions Support System to Advance Trauma Care at the Point of Injury, Emergency Medicine, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 202 4.

Undergraduate Reserach Opportunity, Deciphering the genetic and epigenetic interaction network of neurodevelopmental disorders genes, MGH, Posted March 12, 2024. Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects on AI, Human Microbiome, and Biological Network Models, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on medical image segmentation and brain connectivity analysis, Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 202 4.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Chemical Biology Approaches to Study Glycoproteins in Bleeding and Clotting Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024. Undergrad Research Opportunity, Protein Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Church Lab, Harvard Medical School

Computational Modeling Research Opportunity, Chao Lab, Dept of Molecular Biology, MGH, Dept of Genetics, HMS, Posted January 22, 2024.

In-Person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Wayne Marasco Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Posted January 9, 2024.

Posted for Fall 2023

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Cognition during sleep, Mass Eye & Ear, Posted December 13, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Small molecule screening in a zebrafish model of neuromuscular disease, Gupta Lab, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted December 13, 2023.

Undergrad Research Opportunity, Synthetic Biology for Climate Change, Church Lab, Harvard Medical School, Posted December 13, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Faja Lab, Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted December 7, 2023.

Multiple projects for AI/ML research scientist intern in biotech, Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA, Posted October 12, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Regulation of Puberty, Reproduction and Fertility, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted September 8, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Neurobiology of reproductive function and behavior, Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted September 8, 2023.

Multiple Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Bio-Inspired Solutions to Climate Change, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology/SEAS/GSD, Posted on September 7, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on use of CRISPR base editing to understand complex genetic disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 26, 2023. Research Opportunity, Medicinal Plant Genomics Project, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard Herbaria, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Posted August 25, 2023. Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects involving Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Vascular Physiology in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023. Research Opportunity, Mechanical Forces in Brain Cancer, Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cardiovascular Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Hollenhorst Lab, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Functional genetics of blood coagulation, Harvard-MIT Division of Health, Sciences, and Technology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 23, 2023.

Research Project, Multiple projects on Artificial Intelligence and Computational Neuroscience. Kreiman Lab, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 23, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects on Developing Computer Vision and Deep Learning Methods for Image-guided Medical Interventions, Surgical Planning Lab, Radiology/Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Posted August 23, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on Exploring Adipose Tissue Dynamics: Unraveling Energy Balance and Pathogenic Associations, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 14, 2023.

Research Opportunities, Multiple projects evaluating the effects of brain injuries in women subjected to intimate partner violence, Harvard Medical School, Psychiatry, MGH, Posted August 14, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on genomics and functional genetics of genitourinary cancer, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Institute, Posted August 14, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Understanding mechanism of aging, Genetics, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted August 14, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on medical image segmentation and brain connectivity analysis, Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Posted August 14, 2023.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on AI vision assistance technology for visually impaired, Opthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 14, 2023.

Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Multidisciplinary Research Program (deadline is July 24, 2023)

Faja Lab Internship, Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted July 20, 2023

Posted in Spring 2023

Research Opportunity in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Srinivasan Lab, SEAS, Posted March 29, 2023.

Research Opportunity in Computational Neuroscience, Jenks Vestibular Lab, Mass Eye and Ear, Posted March 22, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Kravitz Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital, Posted March 16, 2023.

Summer Research Opportunity, Wyant Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Posted March 2, 2023.

In-Person Summer Research Opportunity, Dr. Ksenia Kastanenka, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Posted March 2, 2023.

Remote Undergraduate Research Opportunity: Using Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Surgery at MGH/HMS, Posted February 1, 2023.

Undergraduate research opportunity, Dr. Alan Beggs Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Posted February 1, 2023

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Walsh Lab, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted January 31, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Hoekstra Lab, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Posted January 31, 2023

Remote/In-person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, MJ Lab, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Posted January 18, 2023

Undergraduate research opportunity for Spring and Summer 2023, van Veluw lab, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Posted January 18, 2023

Undergraduate research opportunity, George Church Lab, Harvard Medical School, Posted January 5, 2023

Posted in Fall 2022

Undergraduate research opportunity, Viswanathan Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical Schoo l, Posted December 13, 2022

Undergraduate Internship, Arnett Lab, Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted November 15, 2022

Community Residence Counselors, The Pavilion at McLean Hospital, Posted November 14, 2022

Undergraduate Research Opportunity for Spring and Summer 2023 at Dana-Farber Cancer Insititute/Harvard Medical School, Posted November 14, 2022.

The Faja Lab Internship Opportunity, Boston Children's Hospital, Posted November 9, 2022.

Student Research Assistant, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Posted November 9, 2022.

Undergraduate Research in Computational Genomics, Walsh lab, BCH, Posted October 31, 2022

Student Research Assistant, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dept of Radiology, Posted Oct 19, 2022

In-Person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Wayne Marasco Lab, DFCI, Posted Oct 18, 2022

Metabolism, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Kory Lab, Posted Sept 22, 2022

Neuroscience research, Orefice Lab at MGH, Posted Sept 22, 2022

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in the Ramanathan Lab, Posted Sept 2, 2022

Remote Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computational and Systems Biology at Zomorrodi Lab (MGH/HMS), Posted Sept 2, 2022

Full-time (30 hrs/week) Funded Research Opportunity, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School, Posted August 19, 2022

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Rashidian, Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Radiology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School Contact information: Mohammad Rashidian, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School

https://rashidianlab.dana-farber.org/ Project description and duties: Developing novel immunotherapies to treat cancer Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, a significant proportion of patients still do not respond effectively. In our lab, we delve into cancer immunology, leveraging our expertise in protein engineering, molecular biology, and immunology. Our primary focus is unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment triggered by cancer immunotherapies. Through our research, we aim to develop innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools that enable precise detection, characterization, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Enhancing the activity and persistence of CAR T cells is a key area of investigation in our lab. CAR T cells have revolutionized the treatment of various blood-borne malignancies. However, the duration of response often falls short, leading to patient relapse. To address this challenge, we are developing novel immunotherapeutics to drive CAR T cells toward adopting a memory phenotype. This approach holds great potential in prolonging the response duration and overcoming relapse.  Skills required: Students with basic biology lab skillsets are encouraged to apply. Students will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists in the lab who will provide training in various lab techniques. Learning outcomes: research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, scientific writing, and attending seminars/conferences at Dana-Faber/Harvard, as well as lab skillsets such as protein engineering, protein expression, and purification, ELISA analysis, generating stable cell lines, cell culture, running SDS-PAGE, mass-spectrometry, western blot analyses, protein labeling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy and flow cytometry. Length of the project: summer 2024, however, students can stay in the lab until they perform their thesis. Mentoring: senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will be mentoring students. The PI will have regular weekly meetings with students as well. Student stipend: positions are volunteer positions, however the PI will work with students to apply for available fellowship programs (HCRP, PRISE, etc.). Application information: motivated students should contact Dr. Rashidian at [email protected]

Multiple projects on leveraging machine learning for biomedical applications, Marks Lab, Harvard Medical School, Systems Biology, Broad Institute, Posted April 18, 2024.

Applicant requirements: Programming experience; Intro biology and genetics In person/remote/hybrid: Hybrid Funding: Funding possible

The Marks Lab conducts research at the intersection of machine learning and biology, with a focus on developing novel statistical models for biological sequences. These tools are applied to the domains of protein and RNA structure prediction, fitness estimation, clinical pathogenicity prediction and protein design. The Marks Lab is looking for motivated undergraduate students to join the team ( https://www.deboramarkslab.com/ ). Work can be conducted hybrid (from home and periodically in the lab) or fully in person. Underrepresented minorities in STEM are especially welcome and encouraged to apply!

Expected working time is on average 10-12 hours per week, are negotiable, and may take place during semester and/or summer semester when classes are not in session, as per Harvard guidelines. There is a possibility of extending.

The Marks Lab currently has three specific projects:

Developing novel ML methods for multi-modal protein design Machine Learning (ML) has revolutionized the field of protein design. ML models have been used for tasks ranging from optimizing known proteins for specific functions to designing de novo, stable proteins. However, much work is still needed to develop design methods for the myriad protein families and functions in which engineers are interested. Members of the Marks Lab have developed multiple ML models of various protein data modalities and performed the largest benchmarking study of state-of-the-art methods for mutation effect prediction to provide insights as to what tool is best fit for particular protein engineering applications. Current lab focus is on methods that combine multiple protein modalities for protein design, in addition to methods for quickly retrieving protein representational information for powered inference. The lab is seeking talented undergraduate students to work closely with graduate students on these method development projects. Desired qualifications: Experience with python. Intro biology coursework Questions about the position can be directed to project mentor,  Ruben Weitzman

2. Predicting pathogenicity of non-coding variants Non-coding regions make up the majority of the genome and house thousands of variants associated with human disease. When non-coding variants are identified in genomics studies, identifying whether these variants are actually causal or simply in linkage disequilibrium with the causal variants is difficult. Existing methods to prioritize non-coding variants generally rely on training convolutional neural networks on epigenetic data, and fail to identify variants that may function in biological contexts for which no such data exist. There is a need for models that can uncover pathogenic non-coding variants associated with heritable traits and diseases irrespective of the available high-throughput regulatory sequencing studies. Our lab is looking for interested candidates to join our team in applying modeling approaches from evolutionarily-informed generative models for proteins to non-coding regions such as promoters to accurately predict the pathogenicity of non-coding variants. 

Skills Required: python coding and biology background Skills to be gained: bioinformatics with large datasets of human sequences and evolutionary sequences, deep learning modeling (pytorch), human genetics Questions about the position can be directed to project mentor,  Courtney Shearer

3. Models for pandemic preparedness using pre-pandemic evolutionary data The Marks Lab has worked on predicting viral antibody escape from pre-pandemic data and designing proteins for vaccine development. While current vaccine design and testing strategies rely only on currently-circulating variants, our model provides early warning to allow for vaccine development before a new variant appears. Our lab designs variants that mimic the neutralizability of future pandemic variation, transforming the way vaccines should be evaluated, and our model can be used to computationally design variant-proof vaccines. Our team is looking for interested candidates to develop new machine learning models on evolutionary protein sequences and structures to aid in further pandemic preparedness efforts, including epitope prediction, and protein design for vaccine testing and development. Preference for at least some biology background and Python coding experience. Questions about the position can be directed to project mentor,  Sarah Gurev

Multiple projects on Mechanistic studies of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, Dept of Medicine, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted April 2024. PI: Gregory Wyant Charlestown, in-person opportunity The laboratory is dedicated to pursuing a cellular and molecular understanding of how physiological cues, such as oxygen, nutrients, mechanical, or electrical signals regulate tissue physiology and function, with special reference to heart and skeletal muscle. We have a deep interest in understanding the pathophysiological consequences of disruption of any of these signals, such as in the setting of ischemic injury, starvation, or denervation, and development of novel therapeutic approaches. We are particularly interested in organelle metabolism in relation to these tissues and the development of novel tools to isolate and study compartmentalized metabolism in the in vivo context. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Those interested in tissue physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics. Those interested in basic and translational science. Interest in graduate or medical school. Requirements: Must be able to travel to Charlestown Navy Yard MGH campus, otherwise No previous research experience is required, though previous laboratory experience is a plus. We will teach you all the skills you need. Students are welcome to use this research opportunity for concentration credit. The PI will support students in applying for undergraduate research fellowships such as HCRP. This project/lab is thesis-friendly. If interested, please contact: Gregory Wyant, [email protected]

Multiple projects on genomic and biophysical modeling of collective cell migration, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted April 6, 2024. PI: Margherita De Marzio, website Longwood campus, hybrid opportunity

Cell migration drives essential processes such as organ development, wound healing, and cancer invasion. But how do cells determine their destination, timing, and method of migration? Our lab is interested in deciphering the link between single-cell molecular mechanisms and collective migration in epithelial tissues. We do so by developing computational methods that combine biophysical modeling, network science, and bioinformatics. Two projects available: 1) Investigate cellular migration during the development of curved epithelial tissues commonly lining organs in vivo. Students will model the mechanical stability and dynamics of epithelial tissues across different geometries, such as those found in spherical alveoli, tubular airways, or ellipsoidal embryos. Main frameworks: cell-based computational simulations with Python/Matlab. 2) Identify molecular cues that coordinate collective migration during asthmatic airway remodeling. Students will examine the signaling pathways involved in the pathological remodeling of the asthmatic airway epithelium. Main frameworks: large-scale data analysis of biological networks and genomics with Python/R. Expected learning outcomes: Students will gain research experience in scientific programming, biomechanical and network modeling, and omics-data analysis, valuable for pursuing paths in biophysics, applied math, computational biology, or molecular medicine. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: We are seeking highly motivated students with a passion for biophysics, computational biology, and biomedical research. If you're interested in a unique opportunity to “think interdisciplinary” at the interface between life and physical science, we encourage you to apply! Projects can be tailored based on individual interests/skills. Additional notes: Environment: students will present to and interact with our interdisciplinary faculty team, comprising physicists, clinicians, and biologists.Student stipend: students are encouraged to apply for funding from the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP). Previous students in our lab have had successful applications to HCRP. Requirements: No experience required. This project/lab is thesis-friendly. If interested, please contact: Margherita De Marzio, [email protected]

Undergraduate Opportunity, Ramanathan Lab, Posted April 6, 2024. The Ramanathan Lab has a position for motivated undergraduate students to study the mechanisms underlying the maintenance and differentiation of multipotent stem cells that drive the elongation of the human embryo using an in vitro organoid system. In this project, you will help elucidate the feedback mechanisms that govern the proper proportions of these neural progenitors (Nps), and mesodermal progenitors (Mps) as the organoids develop and elongate to generate the spinal cord and flanking muscles. You will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow, Professor Ramanathan, and other lab members to apply cutting-edge high-throughput bioengineering, sequencing stem cell biology and perturbation techniques.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting developmental biology research using state-of-the-art methods.Ideally we are looking for students who have research experience and are looking for opportunities for a senior thesis in the future. Please email Sharad ( [email protected] ) and Alon (  [email protected]  ) if you are interested.

Multiple Projects on Clinical Computational Neuroimaging, Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 19, 2024. PI: Ona Wu, ccni.mgh.harvard.edu Charlestown campus, Hybrid opportunity We are a team of interdisciplinary individuals interested in data science and clinical research. Our research activities focus on developing methods to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with brain injury as a result of stroke, cardiac arrest, or trauma. We use state-of-the-art MRI acquisition and analysis techniques and combine imaging with clinical data via machine learning algorithms to create quantitative biomarkers that can be used to monitor disease progression or recovery. The following are examples of our research topics. We used an imaging-based model in a prospective clinical trial to triage patients with unwitnessed acute ischemic stroke for thrombolytic therapy, offering treatment options to patients for whom none had existed. We developed machine learning methods to predict tissue and clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of novel stroke treatments. For comatose cardiac arrest patients, we applied imaging to predict long-term neurological outcomes by investigating changes in post-arrest structural and functional brain connectivity. We developed algorithms to combine structural and functional MRI to evaluate the sequelae of post-concussive mild traumatic brain injury. We developed methods to measure cerebral blood flow,  cerebral blood volume, and blood-brain barrier permeability calculated from dynamic-susceptibility contrast MRI.

We are seeking self-motivated individuals to assist in various projects. Projects will be tailored to the interests and expertise of the students.

Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Biomedical imaging research, machine learning Requirements: Coding experience (bash, python), and Linux experience preferred Term-time time commitment: Negotiable If interested, please contact: Ona Wu, [email protected]  

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Genomic analyses in a cohort of neuromuscular patients, Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 14, 2024. PI: Vandana Gupta Longwood campus, Remote opportunity A position is available immediately for genomic analysis in a large cohort of neuromuscular patients. The student is expected to have a working understanding of fundamental human genetics concepts. Experience with some of the following skills is needed.  -Experience in performing genomics analysis on whole -genome and/or whole-exome sequencing data, working with variant-call files (vcf), working in a Linux environment on cluster-Programming in Python, R, shell-scripting-Genomics tools: vcftools, bcftools, plink, tabix, bedtools, samtools, GATK, etc. 

Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Students with interest in computational genomics, bioinformatics, medical genetics will learn to analyze genomic and clinical data.  Requirements: Experience with programming in Python, R, shell-scripting and some of the genomics tools This is a funded opportunity. Term-time time commitment: 8-10 hours/week If interested, please contact: Vandana Gupta, [email protected]

Multiple Projects on neurodegenerative disease mechanistic study and drug mining, Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 13, 2024. PI: Feng Tian, fengtianlab.com Neurology, Harvard Medical School Longwood Campus, Hybrid position An intriguing feature of biological aging is that different individuals age at a different rate. In the case of brain aging, age-related memory impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease affect part of the population while spare others. This proposed study seeks to characterize the key gene regulatory programs that drive a healthy aging brain toward pathological changes (such as deposition of senile plaques). To achieve this goal, we comprehensively combined AAV-based CRISPR perturbation, multi-omic sequencing analysis and molecular pathology tools. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Students in Biology/Neuroscience concentrations, especially for those who are interested in human diseases. Also, computer science major students who have a motivation to study human health application would be a good fit too. Additional notes: Please feel free to check my lab website https://www.fengtianlab.com/ Applicant requirements: No experience required. Term-time time commitment: 5-10 hours/week. This is a funded opportunity.  If interested, please contact : Feng Tian, [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Role of clotting factors in oral mucosal diseases, Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Lakmali M Silva, Website Longwood campus, In-person opportunity Our lab work on understanding how clotting factors mediate immune responses at the mucosal barrier sites. Mucosal barriers are the first encounters of a myriad of insults, including microbial, physical, and environmental factors that lead to damage. This damage can activate the coagulation cascade at the mucosa, which works in a hand-in-a-hand relationship with the inflammatory system to repair the damage and restore balance. However, we know very little about how these two systems work at a molecular level. Therefore, we aim to understand how different clotting factors contribute to mucosal inflammation, especially at the oral mucosa. We mainly use genetically-modified mice to understand how these clotting factors mediate inflammation and state-of-the-art immunological techniques to determine the inflammatory responses due to genetic mutations. We would be delighted to have motivated individuals joining our lab to learn research approaches, and participate in ongoing projects. We have a diverse, inclusive, and a collegial environment in our lab. Please contact if you are interested. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Pre-dental students or students interested in graduate studies (PhD) Requirements: No experience required If interested, please contact: Lakmali Silva; [email protected]

Neural mechanism of Cognitive flexibility and the role of dopamine, Molecular & Cellular Biology, FAS, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Naoshige Uchida, Website Cambridge campus, In-Person opportunity The Uchida lab is primarily interested in neural basis of decision making and value updating. How do know what is valuable? How do we perform actions based on these values? How does the brain learn, store and use values to guide future decision? and how does this go awry in addiction, aging and various neuropsychiatric disorders? This project is aims to uncover principles that underlie how animals can build internal models of the environment to guide value estimation. We employ classical Pavlovian conditioning in mice, with odors as cues to test how mice learn the value of each stimulus, and vary the value of the cues dynamically to test if mice can infer the value of one cue based on the value of the other cue. We will use fiber-photometry to record dopamine release in the ventral striatum, and test specific predictions about how internal models are built in the brain. Furthermore, we will manipulate and record activity in regions like Orbital Frontal Cortex (OFC) and hippocampus, in order to understand the neural basis of cognitive flexibility. This work could have huge implication for understanding cognitive decline in aging, as well impaired ability to form internal models in mice models of autism. You can have a look at my previous research on my webpage: https://jel0624.github.io/ Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: A person interested in learning more about systems neuroscience, how basic neuroscience is conducted in a lab setting, a person who is interested in behavior and how brain generates complex behavior etc. Aspiring Ph.D students or med students willing get broad exposure to the field of neuroscience. Requirements: No prior experience required. Willingness to touch, handle mice for behavioral experiments. Ability to code in matlab or python is a plus, but not necessary. Additional notes: Feel free to message me or reach out for a meeting! I'm happy to discuss any interest in the lab, and show you the lab environment. If interested, please contact: Jaeeon Lee, [email protected]

Multiple Projects on the neural basis of heart-brain interactions, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard Brain Initiative, FAS, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Luis Hernandez-Nunez, Website . Cambridge campus, In-person opportunity How do the brain and heart modulate each other’s function? The heart-brain communication axis is central to vertebrate health and survival. For example, when an animal perceives a threat, during its response the brain modulates heart function, and neural feedback from the heart modulates brain activity. We know that the intracardiac nervous system (ICNS), composed of all the heart neurons, communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and vice versa. However, our understanding of the neural control of cardiac function is limited to knowing some of the brain regions involved in the process; we do not understand the computations carried out by the neural circuits within and between the cardioregulatory areas of the CNS, ANS, and ICNS. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines control engineering, systems neuroscience, and genetics to uncover the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac control. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Ideal for students interested in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD in any science or engineering field. Requirements: Juniors or Seniors concentrating in any Neuroscience track, Integrative Biology, MCB, HDRB, Bioengineering, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science are encouraged to apply. Hours per week:  During the semester, students are expected to spend 12-16 hours at the lab per week, and full-time during summer internships. We will also consider recent graduates with a strong interest in biomedical research This is a funded position. Additional notes: The specific project will be decided based on the student's concentration, interests, and future goals. If interested, please contact: [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Generating a Biobank of Genotyped Human Blood Samples for Assays of Parasite Infection, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), Posted March 12, 2024 . PI: Manoj Duraisingh, Duraisingh Lab Longwood, In-person opportunity Malaria is a disease caused when Plasmodium parasites invade human red blood cells. Our lab has developed amplicon panels allowing for the simultaneous genotyping of hundreds of human genetic variants relevant to malaria resistance, using PCR and Illumina sequencing. This project involves processing, cataloging, and genotyping the anonymized and discarded blood samples we obtain from a local hospital. This is a lab benchwork position (you will not interact with the blood donors). With a biobank of over a thousand genotyped samples, we will be able to conduct assays of how human genotype affects parasite invasion. Optional future steps could include helping to analyze the genotype data, assisting with parasite invasion assays, or genotyping clinical blood samples from Plasmodium-infected patients. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: This position would benefit a student interested in public health and infectious disease, who wants to develop laboratory skills in genetic, cellular, and molecular biology. Hours per week: Negotiable This is a funded position. Requirements : No prior experience required  If interested, please contact: Jacob Tennessen, [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, An Augmented Reality (AR) Smart Decisions Support System to Advance Trauma Care at the Point of Injury, Emergency Medicine, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024 . PI: Ryan Harari, Website Longwood, Hybrid opportunity Despite advancements in trauma care, errors in prehospital treatment are common, resulting in poor patient outcomes. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising tool for delivering care in prehospital settings and has been shown to improve the quality of care provided. However, conventional telemedicine tools have significant limitations when it comes to delivering real-time support and guidance to providers in point-of-injury (POI) settings, where rapid response and informed decision-making are crucial. Moreover, POI settings often require specialized equipment and expertise, which may not be available in conventional telemedicine setups.

With Stepping Strong Center funding, Ryan Harari, PhD, and his team plan to develop and test an augmented reality (AR)-based telemonitoring support system, which will aid real-time decision-making and procedural guidance to healthcare providers in challenging online and offline POI settings. The team will leverage the AR-Coach system, which was developed in previous NASA-supported projects, to create an AR telemonitoring system. By incorporating both online telemonitoring for real-time support and an offline interactive checklist based on best practices, the team aims to improve clinical practices in trauma care in civilian and military applications, leading to less death, and reducing the cost burdens on healthcare systems.

Activities: - Literature review and reviewing medical scenarios to be used for development of AR technology - IRB protocol/Data collection/analysis - Manuscript drafting

Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Student(s) who are curious and have passion to learn about medical AR/VR technologies and evaluating their effectiveness in supporting clinicians. Hours per week : 5-10 hours/week Requirements: Being able to do literature review and having good writing skills, having willingness to learn about data collection for testing technologies in simulated environments, and interested in learning how to perform preliminary data analysis If interested, please contact: Dr. Ryan Harari, [email protected]

Undergraduate Reserach Opportunity, Deciphering the genetic and epigenetic interaction network of neurodevelopmental disorders genes, MGH, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Sudhir Thakurela, Thakurela Lab. Charlestown, In-Person opportunity Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a diverse group of conditions characterized by atypical development of the brain and nervous system. These disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and schizophrenia, affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing significant challenges and impacting their quality of life. While the exact causes of NDDs remain largely unknown, accumulating evidence suggests a complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors. Genetic studies have identified numerous genes associated with NDD risk, often involving mutations or variations that disrupt their function. However, the specific mechanisms by which these genetic alterations contribute to NDDs are often unclear. Promoters and enhancers, the regulatory elements of the genome, act as crucial players in this process by directly influencing gene expression through direct interactions via chromatin looping. Alterations in the epigenetic landscape, such as modifications to enhancer activity or mutations in promoters, can significantly impact gene expression and potentially contribute to NDD development. Studies have traditionally focused on either genetic or epigenetic factors in isolation. These studies provide gene-specific details but do not reveal how genetic and epigenetic elements interact to regulate the NDD genes. Hence, the crucial information regarding the complete interaction network of the gene of interest remains concealed. Strategies that can interrogate and identify genome-wide activators or repressors of the NDD genes will provide hitherto unavailable resources to understand the fundamental gene regulatory network and provide novel intervention points to design new therapeutic targets. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Learning new epigenetic techniques, neuronal culture, iPSCs, computational biology Hours per week: Negotiable Requirements: No experience required. If interested, please contact: Sudhir Thakurela, [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects on AI, Human Microbiome, and Biological Network Models, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Ali R. Zomorrodi, Zomorrodi Lab. Boston, Remote opportunity The Zomorrodi Lab leverages various computational approaches to investigate the intricate interactions between the human host and microbiome, with a particular emphasis on the realms of metabolism and nutrition. Our work also extends to developing innovative machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for the precise prediction of clinical outcomes using multi-omics and clinical data.

The following research projects are available in the lab. Interested candidates should email a CV to Dr. Zomorrodi, using “Undergraduate Research Opportunities” as the subject of your email.

1. Using Large Language Models (LLMs) for clinical decision making and biomedicineThe goal is to leverage advanced prompting techniques to build LLM-powered tools for clinical decision support and biomedical research. Skills required: Basic familiarity with Python.

2. Develop ML models to analyze multi-omics microbiome dataThe goal is to develop the state-of-the-art ML models that utilize multi-omics microbiome data to predict host’s health and disease status. Skills required: Basic familiarity with ML and a programming language such as Python or R.

3. Computationally investigate the gut microbiota and host metabolism in chronic diseases We construct computational models of metabolism for the gut microbiota using microbiome sequencing data, and cell line- and tissue-specific metabolic network models using gene expression data from different human cell lines and tissues. We use these models to computationally investigate the metabolic functions of the gut microbiota and host, and interactions thereof in healthy and diseased subjects. Skills required: Basic familiarity with Python, or MATLAB, or another programming language.

Hours per week: 5 hours/week or more Requirements: (1) Please see the projects descriptions for specific requirements for each project. (2) We prefer students who are willing to do research in the lab for a minimum of six months. Additional notes: Enthusisam is the only requirement! If interested, please contact : Ali Zomorrodi ( [email protected] )

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on medical image segmentation and brain connectivity analysis, Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Iman Aganj, Lab website. Charlestown, Hybrid opportunity Medical image segmentation: Using computational algorithms and deep neural networks to segment brain structures from available T1/T2/diffusion MRI images. Brain connectivity analysis: Finding relationships between structural and functional connectivity of the human brain and neurodegenerative diseases. Diffusion MRI analysis: Mining data from diffusion-MRI images of the brain acquired with long diffusion time. Code optimization: Optimizing existing codes so they run faster and more efficiently on the CPU and the GPU.

Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: The main topic is biomedical image analysis. Best for students interested in biomedical/electrical engineering, computer science, and/or neuroscience. Hours per week: Negotiable Requirements: Coding skills (Matlab, Python, etc.) Additional notes : You will be a part of the Laboratory for Computational Neuroimaging ( https://lcn.martinos.org ) If interested, please contact: Iman Aganj, [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Chemical Biology Approaches to Study Glycoproteins in Bleeding and Clotting Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted March 12, 2024. PI: Marie Hollenhorst, The Hollenhorst Lab Longwood, In-Person opportunity The Hollenhorst Lab applies innovative chemical and biochemical strategies to study clinically relevant questions regarding the proteins that regulate bleeding and clotting. The goal is to further our understanding of the basic biochemistry and glycobiology of hemostasis and thrombosis with an eye towards questions directly relevant to the care of patients.

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate who is eager to learn biochemical laboratory techniques and contribute to projects that have direct relevance for human health. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge of biochemistry and medicine. The principal investigator (PI) will provide direct mentorship, clinical shadowing opportunities, and long-term career advice. The student would benefit from the opportunity to learn from scientists in the lab who are enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring.

The Hollenhorst laboratory is in the Harvard Institutes of Medicine building, 4 Blackfan Circle, in the center of the Longwood Medical Area. Our primary affiliations are the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Hematology and Harvard Medical School. The laboratory works closely with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and is a member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Harvard Chemical Biology PhD Program. These institutions and programs house scientific and clinical experts in a wide variety of areas, enabling interactions with a myriad of collaborators and communities. We have access to state-of-the-art core facilities for glycomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, etc. These rich resources allow laboratory members to thrive in a supportive and well-equipped environment.

Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: The position is ideal for students who are contemplating careers in science and medicine, especially those who want to determine if they would like to apply for PhD and/or MD programs. This position would be well-suited for students enrolled in or considering a concentration in Chemical and Physical Biology, Chemistry, Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, or Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Requirements: Preferred: Previous course work in chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology.

Additional notes: Skills/abilities/competencies required: • A positive attitude and eagerness to learn. • Comfortable with working independently and in a team. Good oral and written communication skills. • Ability to learn and perform a variety of laboratory protocols, to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions. • Strong organizational skills. • Sound judgment regarding time-management and laboratory safety. • Students will be expected to pursue outside funding opportunities and will be provided with the necessary support for those applications. If interested, please contact: [email protected]

Undergrad Research Opportunity, Protein Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Church Lab, Harvard Medical School PI: George Church, The Church Lab    https://arep.med.harvard.edu/gmc/ The Church lab has pioneered development of technologies for genome sequencing, DNA assembly, genome editing, writing, and recoding, machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, aging reversal, xeno-transplantation, and in situ 3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging. We are interested in designing new-to-nature biological systems that can have real-world applications, and which expand our understanding of natural biological systems. A few exciting research opportunities are currently available. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects such as: * Development of new genome editing and directed evolution methods * Expanding the number of open codons to be used to translate proteins with chemistries beyond what is available in nature * Engineering of enzymes containing multiple instances of nonstandard amino acids Time commitment (during the term):   15-20 h/wk, but hours are negotiable Applicant Requirements:   students with prior laboratory experience are encouraged to apply. Students will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists in the lab and be trained in lab techniques. Who is this position a good fit for in terms of interests or goals?   The student will develop a broad set of research skills. This is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques at the bench and also develop experience in developing novel research directions. Over time, the student will develop increased independence in understanding of subject matter related to their project, experimental design, and data analysis. The student will have opportunities to present data in both individual meetings and group settings. If interested, please contact:   Dr. Felix Radford, [email protected]

Curious about how proteins form large assemblies to shape dynamic and responsive subcellular membrane structures? The Chao Lab explores structural and biophysical principles of organelle morphology, with a major focus on the mitochondrion. We integrate electron microscopy, biochemistry, biophysics and bioinformatics to reveal mechanisms for membrane rearrangement. This project would be a collaboration with the Allolio Group (Charles University, Prague CZ), who has developed a monte carlo simulation program for understanding membrane morphogenesis. You would have the opportunity to be jointly mentored by both groups, in testing and implementing new functionalities into OrganL.  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.18.557233v1

We are located at the MGH main campus in downtown Boston, easily accessible by the red, blue, green, and orange line, as well as by bike and bus shuttle. We are a diverse and interdisciplinary team and we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to the productivity and vitality of our group. We welcome students of all backgrounds. You can learn more about us at:  chaolab.org .

Skills required: Motivation and interest in membrane biophysics and/or computational biology is needed. Experience with Linux, C++ is helpful but not required. No prior wet-lab experience is required, nor expected. The project is suitable for a 2nd, or 3rd year student. Prior research experience is helpful, but also not required.

Learning outcomes: Research skills, mathematical modeling in biology, building biophysical, models, scientific programming, presentation and potentially scientific writing.

Time commitment: 10 hrs/week during the semester, with the option for more extensive work during the summer. Options for this work to develop into an independent thesis project. This is a paid position that may have a potential remote work component, pending discussion.

Mentoring: Will be mentored by PI on day-to-day basis, with regular meetings and the opportunity to present and receive feedback in lab meetings, as well as participation in ongoing collaborations.

Student stipend: Students are encouraged to apply for support from HCRP, PRISE and other fellowships, or register for a research course credit, however this is not required. Funding is available.

Application information: Interested candidates should email a CV and letter of interest to  [email protected]

In-Person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Wayne Marasco Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Posted January 9, 2024. Contact information: PI: Wayne Marasco. Contact: Matthew Chang, [email protected] . The lab is located in the Longwood area in DFCI’s Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology ( https://marascolab.dana-farber.org/ ). Project description and duties: We have available projects focused on developing novel CAR T cells and checkpoint modulating antibodies for various cancers. Additionally, our lab is working on characterizing the immune response from vaccinated/infected individuals and identifying broadly neutralizing influenza, coronavirus, and Lyme disease antibodies. We have also generated vast single cell RNAseq and other NGS datasets that can be analyzed. Students will be responsible for executing experiments, analyzing the data, and discussing the results with their mentors. All students are also required to attend and present during group meetings and journal clubs. Skills required: No prior wet lab research experience is required. Students who wish to work on computational analysis projects are required to have a working knowledge of R and/or Python and prior experience working with scRNAseq/NGS data sets is preferred. Students are expected to commit to the agreed upon schedule, be well organized, have good time management skills, pay careful attention to experimental details, and have excellent communication skills. Students should also have a desire to learn and be self-motivated to carry out their projects. Completion of a general biology course is a plus. Learning outcomes: Students in the Marasco Lab will gain hands on experience in antibody and/or CAR-T engineering, immunology, and infectious disease research, and will have a unique opportunity to contribute to projects headed towards clinical development. They will also have an opportunity to improve their research skills (experimental design and execution, data analysis) and are expected to provide updates and present during group meetings. Number of hours students are expected to work, length of the project: Time commitments are negotiable, however we recommend 10-20 hrs/week for the academic semester and 40 hrs/week during the summer. Mentoring: Students will work directly with a postdoc or scientist in our lab and other lab members are available for support as needed. Additional mentorship will be provided by Dr. Marasco. Student stipend: The Marasco Lab is not able to provide stipends to students, however we are happy to support applications to available undergraduate research fellowships.   Application information: Interested students should submit a resume and a brief paragraph describing their interest in the lab to Matthew Chang ( [email protected] ).

Project Description: A new project at Mass Eye & Ear hospital aims to understand the cognition that occurs during sleep. Though sleep is often considered a time of disconnect from the outside world, in reality we continuously analyze our environment as we sleep. Sounds are particularly useful for analyzing the nature and proximity of threats or other important events, to aid in determining whether we should wake up. For example, people tend to wake up more readily when hearing their own name, versus other sounds. Other stimuli may not wake us up, but still impact sleep architecture, for example making it more likely that we will enter REM sleep versus non-REM sleep. People with hearing disorders often complain of poor sleep, but the underlying causes are unknown. We will perform quantitative videography and neural recordings in mice to determine (1) how hearing loss impacts sleep; (2) how normal-hearing mice analyze the sound environment while sleeping; and (3) how sound can be used as an intervention to alter sleep architecture and/or augment restorative brain activity during sleep. Undergraduate researchers will assist in analyzing video data of mice to determine whether and how mouse behavior changes when hearing sound in sleep. This analysis will be performed using a toolkit based on deep learning to extract behavioral motifs like scanning the environment, escaping or freezing. Behavioral analysis will be combined with analysis of neural activity to determine how neurons extract relevant information from sound during sleep to guide subsequent waking behavior. The ideal candidate would have experience in computer science or related fields, with an interest in applying machine learning techniques to neuroscience questions. Mentor: Dr. Anna Chambers, Instructor in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, HMS. Skills required: Prior programming experience in Python required. Experience in MATLAB or LabView, and/or animal behavior a plus. Students with a long-term interest in applying machine learning techniques to neuroscience and behavior research are encouraged to apply. Project location: Mass Eye & Ear Main campus, 243 Charles St, Boston 02114. Eaton Peabody Laboratories, 4 th floor. Time commitment: At least 8-10 hours per week, spring 2024. Option to continue in summer and/or fall 2024, apply for funding and conduct thesis research if interested. Funding: This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Contact: If interested, please send your resume to [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Small molecule screening in a zebrafish model of neuromuscular disease, Gupta Lab, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted December 13, 2023. Principal Investigator: Vandana Gupta Brigham and Women's Hospital guptalab.bwh.harvard.edu

About this opportunity:  Our laboratory research is focused on neuromuscular genetics and therapeutics. We have several project opportunities to understand the function of novel genes in skeletal muscle development and small molecule screening to develop therapies for skeletal muscle disorders.

Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This position is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: Approximately 6-10 hours/week Requirements: No prior experience required If interested, please contact: If interested, please contact: [email protected]

About this opportunity:  Join the sustainability team in the Church lab developing synthetic biology tools for climate change. Projects include genome engineering of photosynthetic bacteria for biomanufacturing, developing enzyme-based carbon capture systems, and building closed ecological life-support systems. 

Primary Location:  Wyss Institute and Harvard Medical School

PI: George Church

In-person/remote:  This position involves primarily in-person work. Funding: Interested students will need to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding or research for credit ( https://uraf.harvard.edu/uraf-opportunities/hcrp ) Time commitment:  15-20h/wk, but negotiable

Requirements:  Some experience with molecular biology and/or bioinformatics is encouraged, Priority is given to students who aim to commit to long-term research and perform their thesis research in the lab.

Mentorship:  Regular meetings with PI George Church, direct supervision by post doc ZIjay Tang If interested, please contact:  Dr. Zijay Tang |  [email protected]  

The Faja Lab within the Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital and  Harvard Medical School currently offers a volunteer research internship opportunity for  undergraduate students to obtain specialized research skills with children on the autism spectrum.   Students will have the opportunity to contribute research projects that examine the individual differences observed in people on the autism spectrum, evaluate potential physiological and  behavioral measures of treatment response, and develop and test novel interventions for people on the autism spectrum. Examples of current NIH-funded projects in the lab include: (1) Evaluating a  set of electrophysiological and eye-tracking measures of social change in school-aged children  diagnosed with ASD. (2) Using electrophysiological and behavioral measures to investigate the early cognitive development of toddlers and preschoolers. (3) Examining social skills that support the intimate relationships of adults on the autism spectrum.   Undergraduate students will be involved in several aspects of these projects, including, but not limited to data entry and scoring, literature reviews, and recruitment. Students will also have the  opportunity to observe and assist with study visits. We encourage our students to deepen their knowledge and research skills by working in depth on a project related to their interests, which may include behavioral coding or electrophysiological processing. As a valued part of this vibrant environment, students will also get to enjoy a variety of professional development opportunities and  lectures in addition to experience gained working within the lab.  The Faja Lab is part of a larger research network in the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience that  includes a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in neuroscience, psychology, and  education. We are working to expand our knowledge of child development and developmental  disorders in collaboration with clinical experts in fields such as developmental pediatrics and child  neurology. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to drive science forward as rapidly as possible; allowing us to translate what we learn into earlier identification, improved therapies, and  better outcomes for children and families affected by developmental disorders.   Requirements  Eligible students must be currently affiliated with an academic program in the Boston area and are expected to commit a minimum of 8-10 hours per week in-person at our lab for two semesters. Students may receive course credit or pursue external funding for financial compensation. Summer positions require 12-20 hours per week, and full-time hours are available for students with external funding.

For further information about the position please contact [email protected] .  To submit application materials to labs across the Division of Developmental Medicine, please complete the Research Position Interest Form at the following link: https://bit.ly/BCH-LCN-DDM   

Multiple projects for AI/ML research scientist intern in biotech, Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA, Posted October 12, 2023. Contact information:   Olivia Viessmann Email:   [email protected] Website:   https://www.flagshippioneering.com/ Project description and duties:   Our AI Research Scientist Interns will work on fundamental problems in machine learning and their application to biological problems. They will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of ML scientists to design and implement novel ML tools with biological impact and evaluate their strengths and limitations. We offer projects in ML science and engineering. Both -- undergraduates and postgraduates are welcome to apply. More details and a link to the application can be found here https://boards.greenhouse.io/flagshippioneeringinc/jobs/6951042002?gh_ji... Time commitment:   15-20h/wk, but negotiable Funding? Yes, this is a paid position. Primary Location: Cambridge, MA (in-person) Requirements:   fluency in Python and standard ML tools and packages Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals:  Students in CS, machine learning, physics and computational sciences would make a good fit. Prospective applicants should be interested in machine learning research and engineering and motivated to get hands on with implementation. Please use the link in the project description to apply or email Olivia any questions you might have.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Regulation of Puberty, Reproduction and Fertility, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted September 8, 2023.  Available: 09/01/23, Expires: 09/30/24 About this project: Elucidate the molecular and biological underpinnings of reproductive disorders including central precocious puberty, hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility using clinical and laboratory observations in humans, investigations in mouse models, and in vitro studies including human pluripotent stem cells and other cell models. Basic laboratory skills and an interest in endocrinology are helpful.   PI: Ursula Kaiser, M.D. Project location: Longwood Medical Area, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Our approaches include studies of: 1. Hypothalamic, pituitary and human inducible pluripotent stem cell models and in vitro studies  2. In vivo mouse models of human reproductive disorders 3. Patients with clinical neuroendocrine and reproductive endocrine disorders. Potential Student Roles: 1. Assist with reproductive phenotyping of genetically modified mouse models (e.g., pubertal markers, estrous cyclicity). 2. Assist with human genetic studies, including review of human subject clinical data to correlate genetic findings with clinical phenotypes, as well as DNA sequencing and sequence analysis, including analyses of exome and genome sequence data. 3. Contribute to laboratory studies using human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived hypothalamic neurons and other cell models examining synapatic plasticity and neuronal development. 4. Contribute to molecular studies to understand the mechanisms by which genetic mutations regulate the timing of puberty and the control of reproductive function. 

If interested, please contact Dr. Ursula Kaiser, [email protected] Research area: Endocrinology Keywords: Neuroendocrinology, Fertility, Puberty, GnRH

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Neurobiology of reproductive function and behavior, Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Posted September 8, 2023. Contact information: Victor M Navarro. Medicine (Endocrinology), Brigham and Women's Hospital Email:   [email protected]   Lab website:   http://navarrolab.bwh.harvard.edu Project description and duties: Our lab focuses on the characterization of the central factors that regulate reproduction and metabolism including, but not limited to, Kiss1 neurons using a variety of genetic mouse models and viral delivery approaches.  The student will be involved in the study of the neuronal mechanisms that regulate reproductive axis, social behavior, and metabolism along with the neuronal circuitry that links these functions. He or she will be involved in the development and maintenance of mouse colonies, performing anatomical studies, determination of gene and protein expression in the brain (PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, etc) and stereotaxic injections of viral constructs to modify the expression of targeted genes. In addition, he/she will also be involved in the characterization of a number of biological parameters that define reproductive and metabolic functions (e.g. fertility assessments, daily monitoring of puberty onset, body weight, behavioral tests, etc). The student will be expected to work in collaboration with other members of the lab but in an independent manner. He/she will be encouraged to present their work at local and regional meetings, analyze their data and prepare them for publication Skills required: Passion, dedication, attention to details and organization, commitment and ability to work with live mice. Prior research experience is a plus but not required. Some coursework in neuroscience and molecular biology would be helpful. This position is in person. Learning outcomes: The student that joins our lab is expected to acquire knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology of the neuronal networks that govern the endocrine system. He or She will gain experience in the handling of mice and maintenance of animal colonies as well as in the planning and performing of experimental protocols, analysis and interpretation of results and presentation of the data in lab meetings and conferences. Time commitment: Negotiable Mentoring: The student will be mentored by myself and Samuel Zdon, a member in the lab. Weekly meetings will be held. Funding?  This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. If interested, please send your resume to  [email protected]

Multiple Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Bio-Inspired Solutions to Climate Change Principal Investigators: Naomi Pierce (OEB), Joanna Aizenberg (SEAS), and Jonathan Grinham (GSD) Positions: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Project Description: We have recently launched a highly interdisciplinary umbrella project, which converges research across biology (organism studies, evolution, phylogeny), materials design (creating new bio-inspired materials), and design engineering (sustainable architecture, scalable manufacturing) to solve challenges in climate change. We are excited to offer multiple work-study positions for students with different interests and backgrounds. You can join us on the biology side - working with the diverse and beautiful museum collection of butterflies and moths to collect scales and study their structures and properties. For this role, we are especially seeking students who are organized, detail-oriented, and good with their hands (handling small specimens and tools). On the materials side, help us to study and develop novel functional materials that have potential applications in light and thermal management, from improving light capture in solar cells to sustainably cooling buildings and enhancing the efficiency of air conditioners. Design Engineering entails prototyping and implementing the functional materials in real-world solutions. We are seeking students  who are creative, enthusiastic, and self-driven. For the materials project, a background in materials or synthesis is desirable but not mandatory. All of the roles will involve hands-on experience and an exciting opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and broaden your knowledge. Opportunities are available for dedicated and detail-oriented students who wish to develop their own projects within this broader framework.

Key Responsibilities:

Biology Project: 

• Assist in the collection and analysis of butterfly wing scale patches.
• Conduct scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy to analyze butterfly wing scale structures.

Materials Design: 

• Contribute to the development of novel functional materials inspired by natural structures.
• Use a variety of materials characterization techniques to study the materials properties, including scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, thermal imaging, mechanical properties measurements, and more.
• Together with the Design Engineering team, engage in research aimed at translating these findings into actionable products with relevance to addressing climate challenges.

Design Engineering:

• Together with the Materials team, engage in research aimed at translating these findings into actionable products with relevance to addressing climate challenges.
• Perform techno-economic analyses related to energy and cost savings potential. 

Duration: Fall 2023 - Spring 2024, but can be extended if the student would like to develop a thesis project or simply continue the research

Primary Location: Museum Collections of the Natural History Museum, Cambridge, MA (Biology Project) Science and Engineering Complex (Materials Design and Design Engineering Projects)

Funding: We encourage students to apply for work study or Harvard College Research Funding. Though currently unavailable, we are seeking out funding in parallel to support talented students. 

If interested, please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest to [email protected] and [email protected]

Join us in exploring the potential of butterfly wing scales and their applications in creating a more sustainable world.

Research Opportunity, Multiple projects on use of CRISPR base editing to understand complex genetic disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 26, 2023. Richard Sherwood, [email protected] Brigham and Women's Dept of Medicine, Harvard Medical School https://sherwoodlab.bwh.harvard.edu/ About this opportunity:  Our lab develops and uses state-of-the-art CRISPR tools including base editors to model and understand complex genetic disease. Undergraduate projects can be experimental or computational in nature and will immerse students in how to employ CRISPR genome editing to understand and treat genetic disease. Primary location:   Longwood campus In-person/remote:   This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: 10+ hrs/week Requirements: biology or computer science background Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Students interested in an immersive research experience in a cutting-edge CRISPR genome editing lab If interested, please contact: Richard Sherwood, [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Medicinal Plant Genomics Project, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard Herbaria, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Posted August 25, 2023. Charles Davis, [email protected] Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard Herbaria, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences https://davislab.oeb.harvard.edu/

About this opportunity: The Davis Lab is seeking an enthusiastic research assistant to join our team who will help us gather and process the specimen and genomic data of over 1500 medicinal plant species. We are conducting a high-throughput data collection effort to expand our knowledge of medicinal plant species represented in the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH). Depending on the applicant and their interests, this project will involve: finding and retrieving herbarium specimens from the collections, assisting in removing and processing leaf material from herbarium specimens for DNA extractions, assisting in performing DNA extractions on herbarium sheet material, and keeping organized records of sampled specimens and DNA extractions. Experience and interest in plant evolutionary biology, genomics, herbarium collections, and ethnobotany is highly encouraged. Prior experience in these techniques is not expected or required! Additionally, undergrads in the lab have been very successful at securing funding from HCRP or PRISE and will receive guidance on the application process. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Peter Flynn ( [email protected] ) with your CV and a short description of your interests and when you’d like to start/your time constraints. Primary Location: Cambridge campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? Yes, this is a paid position, and I would also be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: negotiable Requirements: no prior experience required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Interest in plant evolutionary biology, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, plant genomics, DNA extraction, museum specimens, and database management would all make a prospective student a good fit! Someone interested learning skills in scientific research more generally would also be a good match. If interested, please contact: Peter Flynn, [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects involving Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Vascular Physiology in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Meher Juttukonda, [email protected] Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School https://casl.martinos.org/

About this opportunity: The Cerebrovascular Aging and Spin Labeling (CASL) Laboratory is part of the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Our research involves the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches for studying vascular physiology in the human brain. Research projects available include those investigating how blood flow (i.e., hemodynamics) and oxygen availability to the brain are affected by aging and by risk factors for vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.  Primary Location: Charlestown In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: negotiable Requirements: no prior experience required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: We are a small group that has active collaborations with several other research labs and clinicians. I meet with all lab members, including students, at least once a week individually and also during our weekly lab meetings. Our lab environment would be a good fit for students wishing to gain mentored experience in interdisciplinary research. Our lab routinely acquires and analyzes quantitative MRI data in human participants to ask/answer clinically-relevant questions in various diseases. These projects have the option to focus on various elements (i.e., data acquisition vs. analysis, computational vs. clinical) based on student interest.   If interested, please contact: Meher Juttukonda ( [email protected] )  

Research Opportunity, Mechanical Forces in Brain Cancer, Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023. Rakesh Jain, PhD, [email protected] Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH and Harvard Medical School http://steelelabs.mgh.harvard.edu

About this opportunity: The bilateral interaction between cancer cells and their local microenvironment is a crucial step in tumorigenesis. Depending on the context, this crosstalk can promote or hinder tumor growth, local immunity, and therapeutic efficacy. In this project, we distinguish the mechanical forces exerted by growing tumors from their biochemical and molecular counterparts and study their impact inside the brain. This investigation is performed using multiple in vivo mouse models and in vitro assays featuring different cell types, and is complemented by various computational and histology approaches. The incoming student(s) will participate in many of these experiments under close supervision, and will eventually perform their own experiments when ready.  Primary Location: Charlestown, MGH main campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded?  This is not a funded opportunity, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: Negotiable Requirements: Prior research experience preferred, but not required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: This opportunity is an ideal fit for students looking to develop their technical research skills in neuroscience and immunology over the upcoming school year(s) and summer(s). A serious and long-term commitment will not only propel the involved students into graduate or medical school, but will also potentially reward them with future support and co-authorships on multiple publications. Additional notes: Our lab is a highly supportive, collaborative and multi-disciplinary group at the forefront of cancer biology. We use highly innovative models to study the tumor microenvironment and develop treatments with the goal of translating our findings to the clinic to help patients.  If interested, please contact: Marc Charabati, PhD, [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cardiovascular Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023. Guillermo Garcia-Cardena, [email protected] Harvard Medical School https://garcia-cardena.bwh.harvard.edu

About this opportunity: Our laboratory has multiple projects available for dissecting and probing signaling pathways critically important for the function of blood vessels to discover novel therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. We use cell and molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics to solve a variety of problems. Projects range from processing data generated by genome-wide CRISPR and small molecule screens to generating perfused cardiac organoids using induced pluripotent stem cells.  Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This position is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: Negotiable Requirements: No prior experience required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Students interesting in learning about molecular medicine and drug discovery and using their own set of skills to solve important biological and medical problems If interested, please contact: Dr. Garcia-Cardena | [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Hollenhorst Lab, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 25, 2023. Marie Hollenhorst, [email protected] Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology https://hollenhorst.bwh.harvard.edu/

About this opportunity: Position Description The Hollenhorst Lab applies innovative chemical and biochemical strategies to study clinically relevant questions regarding the proteins that regulate bleeding and clotting. The goal is to further our understanding of the basic biochemistry of hemostasis and thrombosis with an eye towards questions directly relevant to the care of patients.  We are looking for a motivated undergraduate who is eager to learn biochemical laboratory techniques and contribute to projects that have direct relevance for human health. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge of chemical biology, biochemistry, and medicine. The principal investigator will provide direct mentorship, clinical shadowing opportunities, and long-term career advice. The student would benefit from the opportunity to learn from scientists in the lab who are enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring.  The position is ideal for students who are contemplating careers in science and medicine, especially who want to determine if they might want to pursue a PhD and/or MD. This position would be well-suited for students enrolled in or considering a concentration in Chemical and Physical Biology, Chemistry, Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, and/or Molecular and Cellular Biology. 

Research Environment The Hollenhorst laboratory is located in the Harvard Institutes of Medicine building, 4 Blackfan Circle, in the center of the Longwood Medical Area. Our primary affiliations are the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Hematology and Harvard Medical School. The laboratory works closely with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and is a member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Harvard Chemical Biology PhD Program. These institutions and programs house scientific and clinical experts in a wide variety of areas, enabling interactions with a myriad of collaborators and communities. We have access to state-of-the-art core facilities for glycomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, etc. These rich resources allow laboratory members to thrive in a supportive and well-equipped environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities •    Perform routine and non-routine experiments, which are moderate to complex, with under the mentorship of the PI and laboratory members. These include western blot, immunoprecipitation, protein purification by liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis. (Prior training in these techniques is NOT required.) •    Process platelets and plasma samples from donors and patients.   •    Maintain a detailed electronic laboratory notebook to reproduce experiments precisely. •    Prepare laboratory reagents and chemicals, organize storage. Meticulously maintain and update databases of laboratory supplies and storage. Order new supplies on time to maintain inventory. 

Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This position is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: negotiable Requirements: no prior research experience is required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: We are looking for a motivated undergraduate who is eager to learn biochemical laboratory techniques and contribute to projects that have direct relevance for human health. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge of chemical biology, biochemistry, and medicine. The principal investigator will provide direct mentorship, clinical shadowing opportunities, and long-term career advice. The student would benefit from the opportunity to learn from scientists in the lab who are enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring. The position is ideal for students who are contemplating careers in science and medicine, especially who want to determine if they might want to pursue a PhD and/or MD. This position would be well-suited for students enrolled in or considering a concentration in Chemical and Physical Biology, Chemistry, Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, and/or Molecular and Cellular Biology.  If interested, please contact: Letice Arthur, [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Functional genetics of blood coagulation, Harvard-MIT Division of Health, Sciences, and Technology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 23, 2023.  Sol Schulman, [email protected] Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess and Harvard Medical School, Harvard-MIT Division of Health, Sciences, and Technology https://hemostasis.bidmc.org/people/sol-schulman-md-phd/

About this opportunity: Tissue factor (TF) binds blood coagulation factor VII/VIIa to initiate blood coagulation in humans. Inappropriate TF procoagulant activity underlies substantial human suffering, including that due to myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, cancer-associated thrombosis, stroke, and COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. TF expression and activity must therefore be carefully regulated in vascular tissues to enable hemostasis following injury but prevent pathologic thrombosis. Despite decades of close investigation, the mechanisms by which TF expression and procoagulant activity are regulated on the vascular cell surface remain incompletely understood. We combine functional genomics, human and rodent genetics, cell biology, and protein biochemistry to dissect the TF-dependent initiation of blood coagulation. Because the contribution of cellular TF is not captured by clinical coagulation testing, these critical modifiers of human bleeding and thrombotic risk remain undetected in human populations. Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This position is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: Negotiable. Generally 6-10 hours for first-years and sophomores, 10+ hours for juniors, and 15-20 hours per week for seniors doing a thesis is typical. Requirements: No prior experience is required. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: My research group is small and collaborative. I take a hands on approach with trainees and generally interact with everyone on my team informally most days and more formally weekly. The lab is an excellent fit for a student contemplating a career as a physician-scientist. The lab is well suited for a motivated individual who seeks to integrate both wet lab and quantitative approaches to solve basic but clinically important research questions in hematology. I take my mentorship responsibilities seriously and expect that students take their research responsibilities seriously as well. If interested, please contact: Sol Schulman, [email protected]  

Research Project, Multiple projects on Artificial Intelligence and Computational Neuroscience. Kreiman Lab, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Posted August 23, 2023. Gabriel Kreiman, [email protected] Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School https://klab.tch.harvard.edu/

About this opportunity: The Kreiman lab combines studies of neural circuits, behavior, and theoretical models to build better Artificial Intelligence algorithms and to further our understanding of computations in the brain.   We have multiple open projects for students interested in computer science, physics, math, and neuroscience. Depending on your interests, you will learn about experimental design, investigating neural circuits in the brain, and developing state-of-the-art AI algorithms. Projects focus on understanding language, memory, and vision.  Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This position is not funded, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: 10+ hrs/week (negotiable) Requirements: Coding experience is recommended and desirable.  Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Our lab is a good match if you are interested in the intersection of AI and brain science. If interested, please contact: Gabriel Kreiman, [email protected]  

Research Opportunity, Multiple Projects on Developing Computer Vision and Deep Learning Methods for Image-guided Medical Interventions, Surgical Planning Lab, Radiology/Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School Nazim Haouchine, [email protected] Harvard Medical School - Brigham and Women's Hospital - Radiology/Neurosurgery Dept.  Surgical Planning Lab

About this opportunity: The Surgical Planning Laboratory (SPL) is a computer science oriented laboratory in the Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. The SPL is looking for motivated students to develop new computer vision and deep learning methods to solve surgical vision problems. Surgical Vision consists of the computational processing and understanding of medical image in the operating room. These images are often acquired by cameras or optical sensors and require image-based enhancement. These enhancements can take the form of real-time 3D tracking of organs, 3D reconstruction from multiple views, feature-based matching or Augmented Reality. During our internships, students often start by getting familiar with medical images, then by testing existing techniques before identifying a gap and working a new algorithm/method to improve that technique. The students will be working with computer scientists, expert in medical imaging, computer vision and deep learning at the SPL, and surgeons from the department of Radiology and Neurosurgery. Primary Location: Longwood campus, MGB Headquarter at Assembly Row (Somerville) In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This is not a funded position. Time commitment: 15-20 hours per week Requirements: no prior experience required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Motivated. Interested in deep learning and artificial intelligence. Hands-on experience with programming (python/C++). Interested in medical applications of computer vision and image processing.  Additional notes: You can learn more about the SPL here: https://spl.harvard.edu/ and learn more about my projects here: https://haouchine.com If interested, please contact: Nazim Haouchine, [email protected]

Multiple projects evaluating the effects of brain injuries in women subjected to intimate partner violence.  We use neuroimaging, blood biomarkers, neuropsyhcological measures and interviews in this work that has been featured internationally.  Principal Investigator: Eve Valera Harvard Medical School/Psychiatry MGH https://valera.martinos.org

About this opportunity: Overall, interns have the opportunity to do as little or as much as they would like depending on the time they want to devote to the lab.  Some have simply sat in on lab meetings and others have developed their own projects that have resulted in publications in high level journals. Interns may volunteer to run subjects remotely or in person or do theses here. Primary Location: Charlestown, much/most work can be done remotely In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded?  This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: Negotiable Requirements: No prior experience required just an interest and passion for this work. Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Either someone who is interested in this topic of brain injuries in partner violence (or related subjects) or people interested in being active in conducting a range of research methodologies.  It will be most profitable for students are interested and self motivated.   Additional notes: We are a great group doing amazing work for women who desperately need it! :)  If interested, please contact: Eve Valera,  [email protected]

Multiple projects on genomics and functional genetics of genitourinary cancer Principal Investigator: Srinivas Viswanathan, [email protected] Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute viswanathanlab.dana-farber.org

About this opportunity: The Viswanathan lab uses cutting-edge genomic and genome-scale functional genetic technologies to dissect the molecular underpinnings and vulnerabilities of cancer, with a focus on genitourinary cancers (particularly cancers of the prostate and kidney).  A range of exciting undergraduate research opportunities are available in either a wet-lab or dry-lab setting. Potential areas of research include the following:  1.    Use of genome-scale functional genetic (CRISPR) screening, biochemistry, and proteomics to discover new therapeutic targets in castration-resistant prostate cancer. 2.    Genetic and drug-screening of kidney cancer models in order to identify new therapies for rare and aggressive subtypes of kidney cancer. 3.    Molecular biology and biochemistry studies to understand the basic mechanisms of tumorigenesis in genitourinary cancers.  4.    Analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing data from patients with prostate and kidney cancers, including the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data. 

Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: 10-20h per week; negotiable Requirements: For those interested in wet lab projects, prior experience or exposure to a laboratory environment is preferred.  For those interested in dry lab projects, facility or working familiarity with R, python, and Unix is preferred.  Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: The lab would be an excellent fit for a students highly motivated to pursue a career in biomedical research, with future plans to matriculate in a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD program  Additional notes: The student will receive direct mentorship from postdoctoral fellows and/or scientists in the laboratory as well as through regular interactions with the PI. If interested, please contact: Please submit a brief statement of interest and your CV to Dr. Viswanathan at [email protected]

Understanding mechanism of aging Principal Investigator: Yi Zhang, [email protected] Genetics and PCMM https://www.zhanglab.tch.harvard.edu/

About this opportunity: Maintaining the normal function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is critical for body function. We found that HSCs are increased in heterogeneity during aging and dysfunction in subpopulation of HSCs in old prevents the function of the normal HSCs in old. We are developing ways to remove the non-functional HSCs to achieve rejuvenation.  Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: negotiable Requirements: prior experience is preferred but not required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: who are interested in a research career Additional notes: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7UjSqHEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao If interested, please contact: [email protected]

Multiple projects on medical image segmentation and brain connectivity analysis Principal Investigator: Iman Aganj Radiology, HMS, MGH (Martinos Center) https://iman.mgh.harvard.edu

About this opportunity: Medical image segmentation: We'd like to use computational analysis to segment brain structures, such as the locus coeruleus, from available T1/T2/diffusion MRI images.

Brain connectivity analysis: We'd like to find relationships between structural and functional connectivity of the human brain and neurodegenerative disease.

Code optimization: We'd like to optimize existing code so they run faster on CPU and GPU.   Primary Location: Charlestown In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: negotiable Requirements: Coding skills (Matlab, Python, etc.) Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Best for those interested in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Additional notes: You will be a part of the Laboratory for Computational Neuroimaging ( https://lcn.martinos.org ) If interested, please contact: Iman Aganj, [email protected]  

Multiple projects on AI vision assistance technology for visually impaired Principal Investigator: Gang Luo  Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School https://vrt.partners.org/

About this opportunity: Out lab has been developing AI powered vision assistance technology for the blind and visually impaired people. Our work has resulted in several mobile apps released to the public, and received more than one millision downloads. Applicants who are interested in deep learning, computer vision, generative neural network, mobile app development (iOS and Android), vision science, optometry, ophthalmology are welcome to apply for internship position in our lab.   Primary Location: Boston In-person/remote: This position involves primarily in-person work. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: 10-20h/week Requirements: some experience in programming, or optometry, ophthalmology Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: The students will have opportunities in technology development as well as interacting with visually impaired end users, learning how to develop practically useful technologies.  If interested, please contact: Gang Luo, [email protected]

Multiple projects on "Exploring Adipose Tissue Dynamics: Unraveling Energy Balance and Pathogenic Associations" Principal Investigator: Yu-Hua Tseng Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School https://yhtsenglab.org/

About this opportunity: Nestled within the vibrant interactions of scientific exploration, our lab is a group of creativity and collaboration. Comprising a dynamic cohort of researchers, we foster an environment where ingenuity flourishes, and collective efforts thrive. Our research endeavors pivot around a central focus: the fundamental mechanisms that govern energy balance and its intricate web of pathogenic associations, encompassing the realms of obesity and diabetes. At the core of our pursuits focuses on the adipose tissue, both its genesis and functioning. This captivating journey of discovery is embarked upon through a multidimensional lens, incorporating a broad array of in vitro and in vivo technologies -- from the granular vistas of cellular and molecular analyses to the captivating narrative woven by transgenic mouse models. Our toolkits include molecular cloning, Crispr-based gene modification, in vivo lineage tracing, single-cell studies, metabolic phenotyping, bioinformatics analyses, and others. We are welcoming curious, energetic, and motivated students who are eager to be involved in basic science and translational research and explore the fantastic adipose biology. We also invite students with computational or data science backgrounds to explore multi-omics data using novel bioinformatics tools. The laboratory training emphasizes precision and accuracy, attention to detail, carefully following protocols, and documenting the experimental procedures and results. We aim to provide a fertile ground for developing critical thinking, technical skills, and a deeper understanding for pursuing a career in life science, healthcare or biomedical innovation. Primary Location: Longwood campus In-person/remote: This position is a hybrid position, and arrangements can be made between researcher and student. Funded? This is not a funded position, but I would be willing to sponsor a student who would like to apply for Harvard College Research Program funding. Time commitment: 10+ h/wk (negotiable) Requirements: No prior experience required Who this project might be a good fit for, in terms of interests and/or goals: Our lab/project/research group is an ideal fit for curious and motivated individuals who possess a passion for delving into the intricacies of biological mechanisms. We also welcome students with computational or data science backgrounds to explore new aspects of biology and medicine using big data.  If interested, please contact: Dr. Yu-Hua Tseng, [email protected]  

Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Multidisciplinary Research Opportunity, Deadline to Apply: July 24, 2023

The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is seeking applications from Harvard College undergraduates to work on fellows’ research. We pay Harvard College students $18/hr to work approximately 6-10 hours a week doing research and brainstorming. Some projects relevant to science are:

• Intersectionality of Gender and Autism Fellow Ruth Grossman Subject areas: Social Communication/Neurodiversity/Intersectionality
• Olfactory Exploration Through Ultrasonic Sieving: Does it Exist? Fellow Eduardo Mercado Subject areas: Animal Behavior/Biology/Ecology/Psychology

  Interested students should go to our application portal to apply.

July 20, 2023

The Faja Lab within the Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School currently offers a volunteer research internship opportunity for undergraduate students to obtain specialized research skills with children on the autism spectrum.

Students will have the opportunity to contribute research projects that examine the individual differences observed in people on the autism spectrum, evaluate potential physiological and behavioral measures of treatment response, and develop and test novel interventions for people on the autism spectrum. Examples of current NIH-funded projects in the lab include: (1) Evaluating a set of electrophysiological and eye-tracking measures of social change in school-aged children diagnosed with ASD. (2) Using electrophysiological and behavioral measures to investigate the early cognitive development of toddlers and preschoolers. (3) Examining social skills that support the intimate relationships of adults on the autism spectrum.

Undergraduate students will be involved in several aspects of these projects, including, but not limited to data entry and scoring, literature reviews, and recruitment. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and assist with study visits. We encourage our students to deepen their knowledge and research skills by working in depth on a project related to their interests, which may include behavioral coding or electrophysiological processing. As a valued part of this vibrant environment, students will also get to enjoy a variety of professional development opportunities and lectures in addition to experience gained working within the lab.

The Faja Lab is part of a larger research network in the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience that includes a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in neuroscience, psychology, and education. We are working to expand our knowledge of child development and developmental disorders in collaboration with clinical experts in fields such as developmental pediatrics and child neurology. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to drive science forward as rapidly as possible; allowing us to translate what we learn into earlier identification, improved therapies, and better outcomes for children and families affected by developmental disorders.

Requirements Eligible students must be currently affiliated with an academic program in the Boston area and are expected to commit a minimum of 8-10 hours per week in-person at our lab for two semesters. Students may receive course credit or pursue external funding for financial compensation. Summer positions require 12-20 hours per week, and full-time hours are available for students with external funding. For further information about the position please contact [email protected] . To submit application materials to labs across the Division of Developmental Medicine, please complete the Research Position Interest Form at the following link: https://bit.ly/BCH-LCN-DDM

March 29, 2023

Research Opportunity in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Srinivasan Lab, Posted March 29, 2023. Vibrotactile actuators for motor learning and rehabilitation Concentrations: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Description: Wearable haptic interfaces can transmit tactile information using sensations such as vibration, touch, and force feedback. Vibrotactile actuation can also be used to modulate mechanoreceptors in muscles. Wearable haptic interfaces are promising for applications in robotics, athletics, rehabilitation, biofeedback-based medical devices and much more. This project will focus on the development of a low-profile wearable interface with on-board processing and actuation to help accelerate motor learning of complex tasks. Specifically, we will study its utility in learning dance movements using motion capture systems and neural reflex analyses.

Skills: Mechanical engineering, electronics, signal processing, programming, fabrication, interest in dance or rehabilitation applications  Prior experience in embedded electronics, circuits, signal processing, wearables is preferred, but not required. Hourly commitment required: 8-10h per week.

If interested, please email: Shriya Srinivasan < [email protected] >

March 22, 2023

The Jenks Vestibular Lab at Mass Eye and Ear seeks a biomedical engineering/bioengineering undergraduate student interested in computational neuroscience. In particular, the lab has projects focused on developing computational and mathematical models that study the effects of neural noise on different vestibular behaviors. The vestibular system, often called the sixth sense, is vital for relaying motion cues to the brain. These motion cues, being rotational velocities and linear accelerations, are essential for spatial orientation, postural control, and perception of gravity. However, like all the other sensory systems, vestibular cues to the brain are corrupted by neural noise, which has behavioral consequences. For example, neural noise has a role in postural sway, dizziness, disorientation, and vestibular disorders such as vestibular migraine and vertigo.

This research role provides challenging learning opportunities and close mentorship from Dr. Faisal Karmali, an expert in computational neuroscience specializing in the vestibular system. Highly self-motivated students eager to improve their computational skillset are encouraged to apply.

If interested, please email Kassia Love at  [email protected] .

PI name : Edward A. Kravitz, PhD, George Packer Berry Professor of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School http://www.hms.harvard.edu/bss/neuro/kravitz/

Description of the project and duties: Aggression in the Fruit Fly Fight Club Our laboratory studies aggression using a fruit fly model system. The studies link quantitative behavioral experiments with powerful genetic methods in explorations of how higher-level aggression is generated in the nervous system. Recently we have started optogenetic methods as well. We are interested in having 1-2 undergraduate students work with us part time (possibly for academic credit) during the academic year and full time during summers. While we are mainly interested in students looking for a senior honors thesis project, we will consider all applications.  References: 1. Review: Fernández MP and Kravitz EA. (2015) Aggression in Drosophila. Behav Neurosci. (2015)129:549-563. 2. Article:  Alekseyenko OV (2019) Serotonergic Modulation of Aggression in Drosophila Involves GABAergic and Cholinergic Opposing Pathways. Curr Biol. 29:2145-2156. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.070. PMID: 31231050 

Skills required.  We prefer students who have had introductory Neurobiology and Genetics courses. Laboratory experience is helpful but not required

Learning outcome: Hopefully an honors thesis in a concentration field. Detailed understanding of state of the art genetic methods applied to the understanding of an important biological problem.

Number of hours students are expected to work, length of the project: These are negotiable during the academic year. Hopefully full time during summers. Sophomores and Juniors are encouraged to apply and the ultimate goal will be an honors thesis in a specialty area.

Mentoring: Student will be trained and working under close supervision of a post-doctoral fellow at start.  Then student will carry out project on his/her own with guidance and input from a Post-Doc and lab head. There are weekly laboratory meetings that all laboratory members attend during which ongoing research of lab members are presented.

Does laboratory provide any funds to pay student’s stipend? Students are encouraged to apply for various Harvard Funds for salary during summers—The laboratory will cover full summer stipends that are not covered by Harvard summer research awards. During Academic year, students are encouraged to take concentration Research Classes for academic credit.

What information do students need to submit and contact information for submitting this information: Email resume (cv) to Dr. Rachel Monyak ( [email protected] ) with a copy to Ed Kravitz ( [email protected] ) with contact names for recommendation letters.  

March 2, 2023

Summer Research Opportunity, Wyant Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Posted March 2, 2023. 

Mechanistic studies of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy Principal Investigator: Gregory Wyant, PhD Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

The laboratory is dedicated to pursuing a cellular and molecular understanding of how physiological cues, such as oxygen, nutrients, mechanical, or electrical signals regulate tissue physiology and function, with special reference to heart and skeletal muscle. We have a deep interest in understanding the pathophysiological consequences of disruption of any of these signals, such as in the setting of ischemic injury, starvation, or denervation, and development of novel therapeutic approaches. We are particularly interested in organelle metabolism in relation to these tissues and the development of novel tools to isolate and study compartmentalized metabolism in the in vivo context.

In-Person Summer Research Opportunity, Dr. Ksenia Kastanenka, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Posted March 2, 2023. A paid summer research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Ksenia Kastanenka at Massachusetts General Hospital an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. The laboratory is part of a larger multi-disciplinary group, the scientific effort of which is geared toward understanding the etiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The laboratory is focused on studying circuit disruptions during the disease progression and understanding mechanisms of action of therapeutics aimed at reversing the disease. To that end state-of-the-art technology, such as in vivo imaging with multiphoton microscopy, is used to monitor circuit dynamics. Additionally, optogenetics is used to modulate circuit activity. For more information, visit  https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/research/researchlab.aspx?id=1803

Desired qualifications: We seek a self-motivated individual currently matriculated in a Bachelor’s of Science program (3 rd  or 4 th year), with some experience in Neuroscience or related biomedical discipline with a strong intellectual commitment to understanding mechanisms of disease using mouse models and an enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research. Evidence of scientific knowledge is required evidenced by attending science classes. Good inter-personal and communication skills are a must.

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter summarizing your education and experience, along with the contact information of three references to  [email protected]  addressed to Dr. Ksenia Kastanenka. 

February 1, 2023

Remote Undergraduate Research Opportunity: Using Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Surgery at MGH/HMS  

Contact information:  Dr. Lana Schumacher, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Massachusetts General [email protected]           Arian Mansur, Harvard Medical School Student, [email protected]  

Project description and duties: Our program is an opportunity to work with physicians and medical students on cutting-edge clinical surgical research in artificial intelligence. Our team is developing artificial intelligence models to improve the operations in our department to reduce complication rates and improve surgical education.

Responsibilities include:

• Learning the steps of thoracic surgery procedures (e.g., right lower lobectomy) and medical anatomy. • Generating annotated/labeled datasets of thoracic surgery procedures. • (Optional) Working with our engineers to develop AI models to analyze the labeled datasets.   • The candidate will also gain the possibility for co-authorship on publications. 

Skills required: 

• Commitment to research and learning. • Meticulous, hard-working, and goal-oriented • Experience with Video-editing (Adobe, Wondershare, etc.) or AI/ML knowledge are a plus but not required.  

Number of hours: The project will require at least 8-10 hours/week of commitment.   

Mentoring: Dr. Lana Schumacher is a thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital. Arian Mansur is a second-year medical student at Harvard Medical School student who graduated from Harvard College in 2021. There will be ample of opportunity for pre-med mentorship  

Student stipend:   This is a volunteer position. The Laboratory may supply stipends for students who could commit a minimum of 6 months for 15+ hours/week. Students are also encouraged to apply to the HCRP and other fellowships ( https://lifesciences.fas.harvard.edu/research-opportunities ) 

Application information: Please e-mail your resume/CV along with a cover letter including a brief outline of your interests, goals, and anticipated time availability to Dr. Lana Schumacher at [email protected] and Arian Mansur [email protected] . 

Undergraduate research opportunity, Dr. Alan Beggs Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital/ Harvard Medical School Alan Beggs, Department of Genetics, contact Dr. Pamela Barraza, email:  [email protected] , Center for Life Sciences,  https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/labs/beggs-laboratory

We focus on the discovery and description of genes that cause congenital myopathies. The main project you would be involved with is in describing the mitochondrial involvement in SEPN1-related myopathy. We need help handling zebrafish experiments as well as other molecular biology experiments in the lab. Basic lab skills such as pipetting are preferred but not required. You will learn how to keep zebrafish husbandry and perform functional studies, as well as basic molecular biology such as RTqPCR, Western Blot and DNA sequencing. You will also be involved in the experimental design and data analysis. You will be able to take this project and present it at conferences or presentations assigned to you.

We hope to find someone that can commit to work between 20-40 hours during the summer, this is a wide range of hours, meaning we are willing to negotiate this part. You will be directly mentored by a postdoc who will guide you throughout the job. If you are interested, please send your CV along with a statement with your reason for wanting to join our group and your future plans regarding research.

January 31, 2023

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Walsh Lab, Boston Children's Hospital Contact information: Norma Hylton, MD-PhD student in the laboratory of Christopher Walsh at Boston Children’s Hospital, https://walshlab.org/ Project description and duties: We are looking for an undergraduate student to work on a specific, independent, project studying genetic variants in Pannexin-1 (PANX1) associated with malformations of cortical development. This project builds on prior work in the Walsh lab to understand the genetic landscape of cortical malformations. This research will primarily use tissue culture, western blotting, and imaging techniques. An ideal candidate would be an undergraduate who is interested in potentially working in the lab for multiple years as part of a senior thesis and is considering PhD or MD/PhD programs in the future.  Skills required: No previous research experience is required, though previous laboratory experience is a plus; should have some background in science courses (intro biology and intro biology laboratory). We will teach you all the skills you need. Learning outcomes: Research skills including study design, data analysis, experimental approaches, scientific presentation and writing with the opportunity for co-authorship on a manuscript Time commitment: Flexible, roughly 10-12 hrs/week, with possible opportunity for full-time research work during summer if interested Mentoring: Will be mentored by an MD-PhD student on a day-to-day basis, with occasional meetings with PI and the opportunity to present and receive feedback in lab meetings. Student stipend: This is a volunteer position. Undergrads are encouraged to apply for funding through programs like the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP). Application information: Interested candidates should email a CV and transcript (can be unofficial) to Norma Hylton, [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Hoekstra Lab, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

The Hoekstra Lab is looking for an undergraduate research assistant to work on a project examining the neural basis of the evolution of skilled movement. We are comparing dexterous deer mice from forests that are good at climbing to non-dexterous mice from prairies that are poor climbers to uncover the neural and behavioral basis of this difference in skill. This work is generally relevant to how the nervous system generates skilled movement, which can go awry in disorders like ALS and Parkinson’s. Depending on the applicant and their interests, this project will involve: behavioral experiments, automated machine-learning-based analysis of behavioral data, wet lab work, such as immunostaining and imaging. Prior experience in these techniques is not expected! Undergrads in the lab have been very successful at winning funding from HCRP, the MCZ, or PRISE and will receive guidance on the application process. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Kelsey Tyssowski ( [email protected] ) with your CV and a short description of your interests and when you’d like to start/your time constraints.

January 18, 2023

Remote/In-person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, MJ Lab, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital

Contact information: Dr. Jalali, https://mj-lab.mgh.harvard.edu Project description and duties: MJ Lab develops and uses simulation models and data science methods to understand complex public health issues and inform decision and policy making. The lab invites undergraduate students for research opportunities all year round—underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The candidates are expected to assist the research team with literature searches, data analyses, and writing the results. There are several ongoing analytical and modeling projects at the lab; two major areas of research are the development of population-level simulation models to inform drug policies and COVID-19 policies. Skills required: Excellent writing and communication skills are required. Priority goes to motivated and organized individuals committed to doing impactful population health research with great attention to detail. Experience in data analysis, programming, mathematical modeling, machine learning, or text mining is not required but preferred. Learning outcomes: Students will gain experience in the review and assimilation of literature, data analysis and visualization, and composition of presentations and presentation of the results. Students are often involved in more than one project to provide them with the opportunity to explore different areas of research. Number of hours: Flexible. Students work from 6 to 15 hours per week, depending on their availability. More hours are expected during the summer. Mentoring: Students will work in a collaborative, productive, and friendly research team, working closely with research associates and postdoc researchers. All project teams meet regularly with the PI and discuss the research. The PI is passionate about meeting with students to advise them about the preparation of graduate school applications and career development. Student stipend: One paid and three unpaid positions are available. Students are welcome to take credits for research in their programs. The PI will support students in applying for undergraduate research fellowships such as HCRP. Application information: Candidates should send their CV to Dr. Jalali ( [email protected] ). Please put “Undergraduate Research Opportunity” in the subject, provide your availability over the spring and summer semesters, and feel free to ask any questions.

Undergraduate research opportunity for Spring and Summer 2023, van Veluw lab, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School PI: Susanne van Veluw, PhD  https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/research/van-veluw-lab-neuroimaging Overview: Our lab is interested in the crosslinks between cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and dementia. We use a combination of advanced neuroimaging techniques in human brain tissue and animal models to unravel the histopathological underpinnings of neuroimaging markers of SVD and to get at the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Our research focuses on cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Sporadic CAA is one of the two most common forms of SVD affecting the brains of older individuals. CAA is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β in the walls of leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels, and frequently co-occurs with parenchymal amyloid β deposits in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We are a young and dynamic lab and offer an undergraduate student the opportunity to contribute to a project that focuses on the crucial crosslinks between cerebral small vessel disease and Alzheimer’s disease pathology in the medial temporal lobe, a brain region which is involved in memory and where Alzheimer’s pathology develops in early stages of the disease. Skills required: We do not require specific skills. However, motivation, reliability and organization are a must! Computational skills, such as basic coding and some experience with processing of neuroimaging data, are a plus. Learning outcomes:  The student can learn a variety of cutting-edge methods, which will be applied to the project, such as the acquisition and postprocessing of ex vivo ultra-high-resolution MRI, hands-on histopathology, and deep-learning based analysis of histopathological hallmarks of the disease. Over time, the student will have the opportunity to present the work at lab meetings and to contribute to the preparation of manuscripts. Time requirement: The earliest the student can start working with us, the better. The number of hours of work and in-person presence are negotiable. Student stipend: This will be a volunteer position.  Mentorship:  The student will be closely mentored by a postdoctoral fellow in the lab, and will moreover benefit of meetings with the PI. If interested, please submit a brief statement and your CV to Dr. Valentina Perosa at  [email protected] .

January 5, 2023

Undergraduate research opportunity, George Church Lab, Harvard Medical School   PI: George Church, PhD  https://arep.med.harvard.edu/gmc/   https://arep.med.harvard.edu  

Overview: The Church lab has pioneered development of technologies for genome sequencing, DNA assembly, genome editing, writing, and recoding, machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, aging reversal, xeno-transplantation, and  in situ  3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging. We are interested in designing new-to-nature biological systems that can have real-world applications, and which expand our understanding of natural biological systems.   

A few exciting undergraduate research opportunities are currently available for the spring and summer.  Students will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects such as:    

• Development of high-throughput autonomous robotic experiments to test many iterations of biological system designs  
• Expanding the number of open codons to be used to translate proteins with chemistries beyond what is available in nature 
• Development of new genome editing and directed evolution methods 
• Engineering of enzymes containing multiple instances of nonstandard amino acids    

  Skills required:   students with  prior laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.  Students will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists in the lab and be trained for lab techniques. 

Learning outcomes:  The student will develop a broad set of research skills. This is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques at the bench and also develop experience in developing novel research directions. Over time, the student will develop increased independence in understanding of subject matter related to their project, experimental design, and data analysis. The student will have opportunities to present data in both individual meetings and group settings.  

Number of hours students are expected to work and length of the research experience will depend on project of interest, and is negotiable.  

Mentorship:  The student will receive mentorship from a postdoctoral fellow in the lab, and meetings with PI.   

Students are encouraged to apply to the HCRP and/or register for research course credit.  

If interested, please submit a brief statement of interest and your CV to Dr. Felix Radford at  [email protected]  

December 13, 2022

Undergraduate research opportunity, Viswanathan Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School PI: Srinivas Viswanathan, MD, PhD Department: Medical Oncology [email protected] viswanathanlab.dana-farber.org

The Viswanathan lab uses cutting-edge genomic and genome-scale functional genetic technologies to dissect the molecular underpinnings and vulnerabilities of cancer, with a focus on genitourinary cancers (particularly cancers of the prostate and kidney). A range of exciting undergraduate research opportunities are available in either a wet-lab or dry-lab setting. Potential areas of research include the following:

• Use of genome-scale functional genetic (CRISPR) screening, biochemistry, and proteomics to discover new therapeutic targets in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
• Genetic and drug-screening of kidney cancer models in order to identify new therapies for rare and aggressive subtypes of kidney cancer.
• Molecular biology and biochemistry studies to understand the basic mechanisms of tumorigenesis in genitourinary cancers.
• Analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing data from patients with prostate and kidney cancers, including the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data.

A list of published manuscripts on related work can be found at the following link: https://viswanathanlab.dana-farber.org/publications.html

Skills required.

For those interested in wet lab projects, prior experience or exposure to a laboratory environment is preferred.

For those interested in dry lab projects, facility or working familiarity with R, python, and Unix is preferred.

Learning outcomes:

The student will develop a broad array of research skills. Over time, the student will develop graded technical and conceptual independence related to the project, with the ability to contribute to study design, data acquisition, and data analysis. The student will have opportunities to present data in both individual meetings and group settings.

Number of hours students are expected to work and length of the project is negotiable

The student will receive mentorship from postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory as well as through regular meetings with the PI.

Students are encouraged to apply to the HCRP and/or register for research course credit.

If interested, please submit a brief statement of interest and your CV to Dr. Viswanathan at [email protected]

November 15, 2022

Undergraduate Internship, Arnett Lab, Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital Overview   The Boston Children's Hospital Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience (LCN) are dedicated to  furthering our understanding of brain and cognitive development in typically developing infants  and children, as well as children diagnosed with or at risk for various developmental disorders.  In gaining a better understanding of these processes, our goal is to contribute to the healthy  growth and development of our children.  Dr. Arnett and her research team aim to improve precision medicine care for children and  families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Arnett’s laboratory investigates brain behavior associations leading to atypical neurodevelopment among children. Research  initiatives have included investigations of neurocognitive and genetic etiologies of ADHD,  learning disorders and autism; as well as single gene disorders associated with autism and  intellectual disability. For more information on the Arnett Lab, please visit:   https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/labs/arnett-lab-research  Arnett Lab Practicum Goals  1. To expose trainees to clinically-oriented research in academic health centers. 2. To provide trainees with supervised experience in data collection from children and families  receiving clinical care at Boston Children’s Hospital.  3. To provide trainees with experience with data entry/management.     Research Activities  Responsibilities will include performing literature reviews, consenting potentially-interested  research participants, supporting data collection, entering and managing data, and assisting  with dissemination of research findings (e.g., contributing to peer-reviewed publications).  Interns will also participate in weekly lab meetings, monthly journal club meetings, and other  professional development seminars (optional). The number and variety of research  opportunities at the Arnett Lab makes it possible to adapt the intern’s experience to his or her  learning needs and professional goals.   Requirements  The intern must be able to commit to a full year. During the school year, 10 hours/week are  expected. During the summer months, a minimum of 15 hours/week are expected.    Application Procedures  To apply, please send the following materials to Virginia Peisch, PhD   ( [email protected] ):  1. Cover letter   2. CV  

November 14, 2022

Community Residence Counselors, The Pavilion at McLean Hospital

Immediate job openings at McLean Hospital, Belmont Massachusetts.  The Pavilion at McLean Hospital has immediate openings for Community Residence Counselors on day/evening and weekend shifts, part-time positions available.  The Pavilion is a small, specialty, psychiatric residential program.  Patients from across the United States and from around the World come to the Pavilion for a 14-day diagnostic evaluation.  Community Residence Counselors have hands on experience and work closely with the nursing staff and members of a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists.  The patient population is men and women ages 18 and older.  Competitive salary and benefits, prior experience not required.  Wonderful opportunity for students who might be considering careers in medicine, psychology, or social work.  For more information, please contact Hope Kelly at  [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity for spring and summer of 2023, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School Contact information: Mohammad Rashidian, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School Project description and duties:  Developing novel cancer therapeutics

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, however, a significant fraction of patients fail to respond to therapy and may suffer serious side effects. Our lab studies cancer immunology using expertise in chemical biology, molecular biology, and immunology. We are focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of how the tumor microenvironment is shaped and continuously changed in response to cancer immunotherapies. We aim to develop new and improved diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools to detect, diagnose, characterize, treat, and prevent cancer.   Our research aims are: (1) to investigate changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in response to treatment; (2) to explore how to reshape the TME to a more pronounced anti-tumor status and develop tools to realize this possibility; and (3) to develop precision therapeutics for cancer. In the long term, our goals are to help better understand the dynamics of immune responses, and to investigate what is behind the heterogeneous response to cancer immunotherapy. These are essential for developing more effective therapies, more effective methods for early detection of cancer, and new prognostic modalities.   Skills required: students with basic biology lab skillsets are encouraged to apply. Students will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists in the lab and be trained for lab techniques.   Learning outcomes: research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing, as well as lab skillsets such as cell culture, protein engineering, protein expression and purification, ELISA analysis, SDS-PAGE, mass-spec, and western blot analyses, protein labeling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy and flow cytometry.   Mentoring: senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will be mentoring students. The PI will have regular monthly meetings with students as well.   Student stipend: positions are volunteer positions, however the PI will work with students to apply for available fellowship programs (HCRP, PRISE, etc.).   Application information: motivated students should contact Dr. Rashidian at [email protected]  

November 9, 2022

The Faja Lab Internship Opportunity, Boston Children's Hospital

The Faja Lab is part of a larger research network in the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience that includes a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in neuroscience, psychology, and education. We are working to expand our knowledge of child development and developmental disorders in collaboration with clinical experts in fields such as developmental pediatrics and child neurology. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to drive science forward as rapidly as possible; allowing us to translate what we learn into earlier identification, improved therapies, and better outcomes for children and families affected by developmental disorders. Requirements Eligible students must be currently affiliated with an academic program in the Boston area and are expected to commit a minimum of 8-10 hours per week in-person at our lab for two semesters. Students may receive course credit or pursue external funding for financial compensation. For further information about the position please contact [email protected] . To apply, please submit a CV/resume to: bit.ly/LCN-Application

Student Research Assistant, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine

Luke Messac, MD, PhD, in the Brigham and Women's Department of Emergency Medicine, is seeking an undergraduate research assistant for a paid position. There are a number of projects that this undergraduate could be involved in, depending on timing and the student's interests. Current and prospective projects include:

• Using machine learning and mobile ECG to an develop early warning score in an emergency department in Malawi.
• Assessing whether bedside ultrasound can reliably detect schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension in eastern Sierra Leone
• Using machine learning and retrospective data to attempt to differentiate acute ischemic stroke from acute hemorrhagic stroke in settings where advanced imaging is not available.
• Analyzing a novel national dataset of hospital financial aid policies to prepare a manuscript on the landscape of charity care eligibility in the United States
• Aiding in edits and publicity on a book on the history of medical debt in the United States. 

The research assistant will assist with writing grant proposals, collecting and analyzing data, preparing research manuscripts, managing international collaborations, and drafting pieces for popular press outlets. 

Applicant requirements:

• Interest in research using both historical and quantitative methods to answer urgent questions in global emergency care and health policy
• Ability to work with diverse teams in multiple locales
• Facility with or interest in learning new skills (e.g. archival research, R programming language, clinical research) relevant to projects
• Reliability, attention to detail and careful written work

Compensation:

• Pay will be $15/hour, up to a maximum of 200 hours.

Interested students should submit a resume and a paragraph describing their interest to Dr. Luke Messac at  [email protected] .

October 31, 2022

Undergraduate Research in Computational Genomics, Walsh lab, BCH

Contact information : Alisa Mo, MD, PhD, Department of Genetics and Genomics,  [email protected] , Center for Life Sciences, 3 Blackfan Circle,  https://walshlab.org/

Project description and duties:  We are looking for an undergraduate student interested in studying the human genetics of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. This project builds on prior work in the Walsh lab examining somatic mutations in brain disorders (see  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33432195/  and  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.23.481681v1.full ). This research will primarily use computational techniques. An ideal candidate would be a sophomore or junior with a strong computational background. 

Skills required:  Familiarity with programming languages (preferably Python) and statistics. No prior research experience is required. A basic understanding of genetics is preferred. 

Learning outcomes:  Research skills including study design, data analysis, experimental and computational approaches, scientific presentation and writing

Time commitment: Flexible

Mentoring:  Will be mentored by postdoctoral researcher on day-to-day basis, with occasional meetings with PI and the opportunity to present and receive feedback in lab meetings.

Student stipend:  This is a volunteer position. Undergrads are encouraged to apply for funding through the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP).

Application information:  Interested candidates should email a CV to  [email protected]

October 19, 2022

• High school graduate with college credits required
• Active/enrolled college undergraduate required. 
• Prefer individuals with science or patient-care background OR interest in science, research and administration
• Highly organized with the ability to take the initiative and manage smaller projects independently.
• Ability to work independently on projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office. Advanced skills preferred
• Ability to multi-task on a daily basis

October 18, 2022

Position title: In-Person Undergraduate Research Opportunity, Dr. Wayne Marasco Lab, DFCI Contact information: PI: Wayne Marasco. Contact: Matthew Chang, [email protected] . The lab is located in the Longwood area in DFCI’s Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology ( https://marascolab.dana-farber.org/ ).

Project description and duties: We have a number of available projects focused on developing novel CAR T cells and checkpoint modulating antibodies for various indications. Additionally, our lab is working on identifying broadly neutralizing influenza and coronavirus antibodies and characterizing the immune response from vaccinated and infected individuals. Students will be responsible for executing experiments and analyzing the results, as well as assisting other lab members to broaden their research experience.

Skills required: No prior research experience is required. Students are expected to commit to the agreed upon schedule, be well organized, have good time management skills, pay careful attention to experimental details, and have excellent communication skills. Students should also have a desire to learn and be self-motivated to carry out their projects. Completion of a general biology course is a plus.

Learning outcomes: Students in the Marasco Lab will gain hands on experience in antibody and/or CAR-T discovery, characterization, and engineering and will have a unique opportunity to contribute to projects headed towards clinical development. They will also have an opportunity to improve their research skills (experimental design and execution, data analysis) and are expected to provide updates and present during group meetings.

Number of hours students are expected to work, length of the project: Time commitments are negotiable, however we recommend 10-20 hrs/week for the academic semester and 40 hrs/week during the summer.  

Mentoring: Students will work directly with a postdoc or scientist in our lab and other lab members are available for support as needed. Additional mentorship will be provided by Dr. Marasco. Students are expected to attend and present during group meetings (as their schedule allows).

Student stipend: The Marasco Lab is not able to provide stipends to students, however we are happy to support applications to available undergraduate research fellowships.  

Application information: Interested students should submit a resume and a brief paragraph describing their interest in the lab to Matthew Chang ( [email protected] ).   

September 22, 2022

Contact information: Nora Kory, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Department of Molecular Metabolism. Email: [email protected] , 655 Huntington Ave, Boston MA 02115

Project description and duties:

The Kory lab in the Department of Molecular Metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focuses on mitochondria, critical organelles in metabolism that generate both energy and precursors for biosynthesis. Beyond their metabolic roles, mitochondria are being recognized as important signaling hubs and mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging and age-associated diseases including neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. For mitochondria to function properly metabolites must be efficiently exchanged with the rest of the cell in a regulated manner. While metabolites can diffuse through pores in the outer membrane, the inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to most metabolites and separates two chemically contrasting environments. We want to understand how mitochondria achieve efficient metabolite exchange and at the same time maintain the unique chemical environment of the mitochondrial matrix.

Our goal is to use mitochondrial transport proteins as tools to interrogate metabolic and signaling pathways to understand how mitochondria perform their multifaceted functions.

Current projects address:

• How is mitochondrial metabolite flux adjusted to proliferative demand and cell function?

• What role does the mitochondrial NAD pool play in the development of aging and age-associated disease?

• How are metabolic processes inside mitochondria, such as TCA cycle, electron transport chain and one-carbon metabolism coordinated with cytosolic metabolism?

• What are the roles of mitochondrial metabolites in metabolic signaling, quality control, communication and regulation of physiology?

• How can dietary modifications be harnessed to improve mitochondrial health in aging?

The student will be working closely with Dr. Kory, postdoctoral fellows and research scientists and in the lab to conduct experiments, prepare reagents, discuss research and analyze and present data.

Skills required : Students with basic biology lab experience motivated to contribute to cutting edge research relevant to human health are encouraged to apply.

Learning outcome s: This position offers a stimulating environment to work closely with an international group of scientists with backgrounds from biochemistry to neuroscience.

Students will learn research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing, as well as lab skillsets such as cell culture, CRISPR techniques, molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, running SDS-PAGE, mass-spec, and western blot analyses, mouse experiments and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy and flow cytometry. The candidate will also gain the possibility for co-authorship on publications.

Number of hours : We require a minimum time commitment of 18 hours per week and enrollment in relevant FAS courses. Priority is given to students who aim to commit to long-term research and perform their thesis research in the lab.

Mentoring : Students will be mentored by Dr. Kory, a postdoctoral fellow and research Scientist in the group. Students can also attend weekly group meetings / talks and can connect with other members of the group. Students will also get regular feedback from Professor Kory and have the opportunity to participate in department events, such as research seminars, retreats and social events.

Student stipend : Students may receive academic credit or a stipend. Students interested in receiving academic credit should reach out to their concentration department or Director of Undergraduate Study for information about registering for the course. Students can receive funding through programs like the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP).

Application information : Please email your resume to Dr. Nora Kory at [email protected] .

The Orefice Lab, located at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), is seeking 2 undergraduate research assistants to participate in ongoing projects exploring somatosensory and viscerosensory  neural circuits. Students from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply to this position.

Each student would work with a graduate student or postdoc in the lab. Project A aims to understand how the gut microbiome influences the development of sensory neurons in the gastrointestinal tract. Project B investigates the neural mechanisms underlying altered taste, texture, and feeding behaviors in mouse models for autism spectrum disorder. Students working on these projects would have the opportunity to perform mouse behavior, mouse husbandry, tissue processing, histology, and imaging, as well as various data analysis methods. Prior experience with rodent models is a plus, but is not required.

This position will begin ASAP. Interested students should be willing to commute to MGH (185 Cambridge St, Boston) and to commit to a minimum of 10 hours a week in the lab during the school year. The position is paid hourly. Ideal applicants will be willing to make a long-term commitment to this project (a year or more), provided that the lab is a good fit for the student.

If interested in Project A , please send your CV to Lyuba Bolkhovitinov at [email protected] .

If interested in Project B , please send your CV to Yao Zhou at [email protected] .

If interested in both projects, you may email both individuals. In your email please specify:

• your research interests and why you are interested in joining our laboratory
• why you are interested in Project A and/or B
• your previous research laboratory experience, if any
• current year, major, and courses you may be taking
• the approximate days and times you may be able to work in the lab (e.g., Monday mornings from 8-12pm; Friday afternoons from 12-5pm)
• career or post-graduate plans (if known)

Student training will be tailored to the applicant’s skill set and interests, with the aim of nurturing independence and scientific proficiency. In addition to developing technical lab skills, the student will have the opportunity to enhance their scientific knowledge by participating in lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminars as schedules allow. We are committed to providing a mentorship-focused research environment that will help prepare students for future careers in medicine and biomedical research. Students showing strong dedication may have the opportunity to perform an independent research project. Students who contribute significantly to a research project may be included as co-authors on publications resulting from the project.

The Orefice Lab is committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive laboratory environment, where diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe diversity benefits and enriches the development of our science. We support an environment where lab members of different backgrounds and experiences, including socio-economic origins, nationalities, immigration statuses, races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, genetics, disabilities, ages, and veteran statuses, feel a sense of belonging.

For further questions, please contact [email protected] and [email protected] . For more information on the lab, visit https://www.oreficelab.org/ .

September 2, 2022

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in the Ramanathan Lab

We have been working on human development using human embryonic stem cells. The goal is to recapitulate the morphogenesis of tissues during human development, and use such robust systems to both understand the underlying mechanisms and disease focusing on the central nervous system. The lab has a team of biologists, bioengineers, physicists and applied mathematicians. Part of the lab also works on computational approaches to make inferences from large data sets in order to guide our experiments.

We are looking to recruit and work with undergraduate students in the lab again, now that we are done with COVID! Students in the past have started in our lab their junior year and continued to work on their thesis. All of them have gone on to MD PhD, MD and PhD programs at the best of places.

The most recent papers and sample papers from the lab can be found by following the links below

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.10.491358v1

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.10.491359v1

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30573831/

https://www.cell.com/fulltext/S0092-8674 (11)00543-5

Please contact PI Sharad Ramanathan if interested:  [email protected]  

Remote Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computational and Systems Biology at Zomorrodi Lab (MGH/HMS)

Contact information:

Ali R. Zomorrodi

Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children

44 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114

E-mail: [email protected]

Zomorrodi lab website

Zomorrodi lab integrates biological networks, mathematical/statistical/physical models and engineering tools to develop computational mechanistic models of the microbiome and the host. These models are used to advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and to streamline the design of personalized treatments.

We are recruiting undergraduate researchers to work on a projects

• Integrate metabolic and genetic networks for immune cells

The goal of this project is to construct integrated biological network models for immune cells. More specifically, in this project we will integrate genome-scale computational models of metabolism with gene expression models for macrophages (an important innate immune cell type).

Skills required : Familiarity with a programming language (preferably Python).

• Develop machine learning tools to analyze longitudinal microbiome data

The goal of this project is to develop new machine learning methods that use longitudinal microbiome data to predict disease progression or onset.

Skills required : Familiarity or prior experience in machine learning. Familiarity with a programming language (preferably Python or R).

• Develop statistical tools to analyze longitudinal multi-omics data .

The goal of this project is to develop efficient statistical analysis approaches for the integrated analysis of longitudinal multi-omics data from the human host and microbiome.

Skills required : Background in statistical hypothesis testing and generalized linear models, bility to program in R or Python. This project is rather suitable for stat/biostat majors.

Learning outcome s :

Students will learn how computational simulations and biological network models can be used to address translational problems. More broadly, students gain experience in essential research skills including data analysis, interpretation of results, presentations, and scientific writing.

Time commitment:

Negotiable. The PI is flexible to accommodate students’ schedules or other time demands although students who plan to stay in the lab for longer time periods (two semesters or so) are preferred. These projects can be extended further upon mutual interest.

Students will be directly mentored by Dr. Zomorrodi and have the opportunity to (remotely) interact with other lab members and attend group meetings. Mentorship Zoom meetings are held once a week on a regular basis.

Student stipend:

These are volunteer research positions. Students are encouraged to apply for undergraduate research fellowships such as HCRP or to register for a research course credit.

Application information :

Interested candidates should email a CV to Dr. Zomorrodi at [email protected] and briefly explain what their interests are. Please use “Remote Undergraduate Research Opportunities” as the subject of your email.

August 19, 2022

Full-time (30 hrs/week) Funded Research Opportunity, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School

Contact information: Mohammad Rashidian, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School

Project description and duties: Developing novel methods to treat cancer

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, however, a significant fraction of patients fail to respond to therapy and may suffer serious side effects. Our lab studies cancer immunology using expertise in chemical biology, molecular biology, and immunology. We are focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of how the tumor microenvironment is shaped and continuously changed in response to cancer immunotherapies. We aim to develop new and improved diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools to detect, diagnose, characterize, treat, and prevent cancer.

Our research aims are: (1) to develop methods for non-invasive monitoring of immune responses; (2) to investigate changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in response to treatment; (3) to explore how to reshape the TME to a more pronounced anti-tumor status and develop tools to realize this possibility; and (4) to develop precision therapeutics for cancer. In the long term, our goals are to help better understand the dynamics of immune responses, and to investigate what is behind the heterogeneous response to cancer immunotherapy. These are essential for developing more effective therapies, more effective methods for early detection of cancer, and new prognostic modalities.

Student stipend: This is a funded position and requires ~30-40 hours of commitment per week, ideal for students who are wrapping up their studies or would like to spend a year working in a lab before applying for graduate studies or MD programs.

Skills required: students with biology lab skillsets are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with mice models is a plus as the job requires working with animal models.

Learning outcomes: research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing, as well as lab skillsets such as cell culture, protein engineering, protein expression, and purification, ELISA analysis, running SDS-PAGE, mass-spec, and western blot analyses, protein labeling, animal handling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy, and flow cytometry.

The number of hours students are expected to work, and the length of the project: at least 30 h per week for one year.

Mentoring : senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will be mentoring students. The PI will have regular weekly meetings with students as well.

Application information : motivated students should contact Dr. Rashidian at [email protected]

• Harvard-affiliated Labs
• Harvard Wintersession & Winter Recess
• Summer Programs Away
• Underrepresented Minority Fellowships
• Post-Bac Job Listings
• Post-Bac Resources
• Transportation for Researchers
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities (HUROS) Fair
• Undergraduate Research Spotlight
• Resume Template & Proposal Tips
• Lab Citizenship
• Research Ethics and Lab Safety
• Conference Presentation Grants
• Research Advising - Contact Us!

Research Opportunities

Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in research in a variety of fields with faculty members.

Research is a systematic process that aims to create new knowledge: to discover things not previously known, to answer new questions, to devise new models and methods, or to employ, interpret, or combine existing ideas and frameworks in new ways.

Research is a core mission of the university and is closely related to other forms of creative endeavor, such as the production of original art, the invention of new technologies and devices, and the establishment of innovative entrepreneurial ventures.

Student involvement in research and creative endeavor is integral to Northeastern’s model of experiential education and its emphasis on innovation and problem solving. Here, you will find more details on the research and creative process and information on how to get started on a project of your own.

One way to get involved in research is to join a project that is actively recruiting undergraduate researchers. You can search our database of opportunities ; some colleges and departments also maintain listings of research opportunities. Before contacting a faculty member about one of these opportunities, be sure to review our advice for connecting with faculty mentors .

Another way to get involved is to design your own research project or creative endeavor. Doing so entails understanding common steps in the research process: generating an idea, designing a project, connecting with faculty mentors, writing a proposal, executing the project, and sharing your results. Continue reading below for fuller explanations of each step of this process.

The idea for a research or creative project might arise from your experiences in class, on co-op, or through service and extracurricular activity, to name but a few sources. Undergraduates in science and engineering fields in particular often arrive at a research idea through discussion with their faculty mentor about how they can contribute to ongoing projects within the lab.

The next step involves turning your idea or topic into a question that can be investigated through research or creative activity. Your research question should encapsulate what your project intends to create, invent, or discover.

Try to define what it is about your idea or topic that you find stimulating or motivating. Consider why others should care about this topic—what might they find compelling?

Be sure to consider:

• Is this question arguable based on ascertainable facts?
• Does this question avoid assumptions that could bias it toward a particular result?
• Is this question novel and significant within your field? Does it point to a gap in the literature, the marketplace, the artistic conversation?

Northeastern’s world-class faculty are leaders in their fields and invaluable resources for students interested in research and creative endeavors. You may search our database to find the names, departments, and education of all of Northeastern’s faculty members, as well as to see which faculty members have mentored previous Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor Award winners. Before contacting a professor, be sure to review our advice and strategies for connecting with faculty .

Depending on your field, the project that you propose might be an extension of ongoing work in your principal investigator’s lab, a new analysis formulated with a mentor, or a roadmap for developing a product, design, or work of art. As varied as the forms of research and creative endeavor may be, there are several common elements that make up a competitive project proposal. These elements include:

• Personal Information : This is where you establish yourself as a qualified, capable researcher, explaining how your education, skillset, and experience have prepared you to undertake the project you are proposing.
• Background and Significance : Situate your project within the existing conversations and practices in your field. How will your project contribute to and differ from the work of other scholars, practitioners, artists, and entrepreneurs? This section of a proposal provides context for your project and establishes that your work will represent both a novel and a significant contribution to your field of inquiry. Investigating the background of your project often entails compiling an annotated bibliography —a collection of essential sources that you expect to draw on in your research, where each citation is followed by a summary of the source and a description of how it is relevant to your work. The Northeastern University Libraries’ detailed  subject area guides  can point you to the most useful and comprehensive sources.
• Methodology : Explain, in detail, the research or creative methods being applied in the project. By describing how you plan to carry out the project, step by step, you establish that the project is feasible—both in terms of the necessary resources and the time allotted for completion. Proposals often include an explicit timeline detailing how long each phase of the project is expected to take and when milestones are expected to be met. You should also consider potential challenges that you might encounter, and how you plan to respond to them if they arise.
• Budget : Prepare a line-item budget detailing each projected expense you expect your project to incur and each expected contribution of resources. Explain the source of your expense projections (e.g., the search engine used to price a flight, the scientific supply house for equipment).
• Expected Outcomes : What do you expect the result of your project to be—a journal article, report, dataset, film, portfolio…? And how do you anticipate sharing your results (and thereby contributing to the conversations in your field that you documented in the background section of the proposal)?

Research and creative projects require more than enthusiasm—to be successful, they require content-area knowledge and expertise in the methods of your discipline. For example, these methods might include theories of inquiry and interpretation, the design and analysis of surveys or interviews, the use of specialized equipment or software, the handling of fragile archival or artistic materials, or protocols relating to the safety of researchers and research subjects.

Many departments at Northeastern offer courses on the research methods of their discipline, with the aim of preparing students to design and execute viable projects. Northeastern’s subject-area librarians can direct you to sources that cover research methods in the disciplines, and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships maintains a library of methodological resources . Methodologies that ensure the protection of human subjects and appropriate treatment of vertebrate animals are crucial to the ethical conduct of research.

The resources that enable research and creative endeavor at Northeastern are more than financial: the expertise of our field-leading faculty researchers ; the workspaces, laboratories, and makerspaces of our campus; the diverse holdings and subject-expert librarians of our library ; and a network of local and global connections. When funding is needed to advance a project, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships administers a number of competitive funding opportunities .

Sharing your results is an integral part of the research and creative process. The most appropriate medium for sharing your results will depend on the nature of your project’s final product—you might submit a paper for publication in a journal, a poster for presentation at a conference, a film for screening at a festival, or a business plan for consideration in a venture competition.

Undergraduate researchers are encouraged to submit their work to Northeastern’s internal research events, such as the annual  Research, Innovation and Scholarship Expo (RISE) .

A common place for researchers in the STEM fields, social sciences, or humanities to present initial work is at one of the regularly scheduled conferences hosted by professional academic organizations in those fields.

Some academic journals publish exclusively undergraduate research, and faculty mentors can help to identify which of these might be a good outlet for your project.

The Northeastern Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approve proposals to do research with human subjects and vertebrate animals, respectively. It is the policy of Northeastern University that no activity involving human subjects be undertaken until those activities have been reviewed and approved by the University’s IRB. Accordingly, all university research involving human subjects must first be reviewed by the Office of Human Subject Research Protection (HSRP). The Northeastern University IACUC has the responsibility to ensure that all animal research activities are in compliance with applicable federal guidelines or regulations. Your faculty mentor will be able to provide guidance regarding whether your research requires IRB or IACUC approval. You may also contact the Office of Human Subject Research Protection or the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine directly to discuss the requirements for your project.

Some conferences, publications, or funding opportunities may request an “abstract” of your project. An abstract should quickly inform readers about the purpose of your article, poster, or project and allow readers to assess if your work would be relevant for their purposes. The main parts of an abstract are:

• Motivation: Why do we care about the problem and the results? What is the importance and impact?
• Problem statement: What problem are you trying to solve? What is the scope of your work?
• Approach: How did you go about solving the problem? (i.e., analytic models, variables)
• Results: What did you find? Be specific.
• Conclusions: What are the implications of what you found?

Get paid for your ideas

Your opinions matter - participate in research studies, try out new products, and share your feedback.

Top companies have questions, you've got answers.

Companies and institutions invest billions into new products.   with your ideas they can build the right products, faster., share your experiences, rate product ideas, try out new products, how does it work.

Getting started takes less than a minute and adds you to our database of product experts.

Invitation to participate

You'll receive an invitation to sign up when there is an upcoming study in your area.

During a call or in-person session, you'll share your ideas.. and get paid for them.

Join a community of change-makers.

We focus on powering research for the world's most impactful projects.  When you join our expert community, your feedback will help people all over the world.

Level up to higher paid research!

The better your answers, the more invites you'll get to higher paid research.

Recent studies

60 minute sessions, in person or over the phone., what keeps you up at night.

Do you struggle to sleep?  This project is for you.

Managing stress in the workplace

Do you manage stressed employees?  Help us understand how.

Personal achievement & peak performance

Do you like to push yourself to grow?  Share your story.

Your ideas matter

Shape the future of key products and get paid for your time..

      SIGN UP        ABOUT         CONTACT

© Copyright 2019 Join Our Research - All Rights Reserved

Finding a Project and Mentor

Joining a research lab is less like registering for a class and more like finding a job. While our Center does not directly place students into research labs/groups, we do offer resources to help students navigate the process of finding faculty to work with. We strongly encourage all students interested in research to attend our “Getting into Research” workshop. These workshops are led by our experienced Graduate Student Mentors and are offered multiple times each quarter. Click here to find an upcoming workshop .

STEP 1. IDENTIFY YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS

Getting involved in research is an important decision that will shape your undergraduate experience. The right research experience can greatly enhance your education and further your preparation for industry, business, and graduate/professional school. UCLA is a world-class research institution with over a thousand faculty performing original research across all disciplines. While students commonly do research with faculty in their home department or a closely related department, students may work with faculty in any of UCLA’s 150+ academic departments.

You should first consider what type of research you are interested in pursuing. Make a list of subjects and topics that interest you and that you would want to commit time to. Review courses you have previously taken, revisit assigned readings, and talk to your professors and TAs about your interests and what type of work is currently being done in those fields.

**NOTE: If your major or minor has a research requirement, you may be restricted to working with faculty in certain departments to satisfy those requirements. Meet with a student affairs officer or academic counselor in your department to learn more.

STEP 2. MAKE A LIST OF FACULTY TO CONTACT & RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY TO

Once you have an idea of the area in which you would like to do research, you should compile a list of at least 5-10 faculty members to contact and research opportunities to apply to from the following resources:

• College of Letters and Science
• David Geffen School of Medicine
• Samueli School of Engineering
• School of Nursing
• School of Dentistry
• Fielding School of Public Health
• Undergraduate Research Portal: The Undergraduate Research Portal can be found on MyUCLA under the “Academics” tab. This is a platform where faculty from across campus post research opportunities they are actively recruiting student researchers for. The opportunities posted here are not comprehensive of all opportunities at UCLA so do not be discouraged if you don’t see a listing that interests you.

STEP 3. CONTACT FACULTY & APPLY TO RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

If you have identified a research opportunity on the Undergraduate Research Portal, follow the application instructions in the listing.

If you are contacting faculty directly, we recommend emailing them a cover letter and CV. For general guidance on writing a professional and well-formatted email, refer to this video .

Your cover letter will comprise the body of your email and should clearly & concisely:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain your interest and enthusiasm in their research
• Identify your goals and how working with them will help you progress towards those goals
• Request an interview to further discuss a potential research opportunity (include your general availability and a potential start date)
• Include your contact information (email & phone)

As an attachment to your email, include your curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is similar to a resume but is a more comprehensive document outlining your qualifications. Be sure to include:

• Relevant coursework – you may want to include a short description of techniques/concepts mastered.
• Relevant work history & experience
• Leadership experience (on/off campus) that demonstrates organizational skills, independent thinking, etc.)
• Honors, awards or distinctions (include name of award, granting college/department, and monetary value if appropriate)

Anticipate that at this stage, your CV should be 1-2 pages in length. For help refining your CV or cover letter, we recommend students visit the  UCLA Writing Center  or  UCLA Career Center . Both centers offer appointments where professionals can meet one-on-one students.

If you don’t hear back from a specific faculty you emailed or research opportunity you applied to, send a polite follow-up email 1-2 weeks after your initial email. You should not drop-in to a faculty’s lab or office unannounced.

Click here to view a sample cover letter .

Click here to view a sample CV .

These resources are provided as examples and need not be utilized as templates. There are many ways to create an effective cover letter and CV. We encourage you to explore various approaches in order to develop materials that present your unique background and skill sets most effectively.

UCLA Career Center Resources for CVs and Cover Letters:

• UCLA Career Guide: Resumes & Cover Letters Chapter  (CV template, p. 9)
• CV vs. Resume : At the undergraduate level CV’s and resumes are very similar except as noted in this chart.
• Active Verb List : Craft compelling experience descriptions that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

STEP 4. PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW

If you are invited to interview, make sure you are on time and that you have questions to ask regarding the research project and the laboratory environment, such as:

• Who will be supervising and training me?
• How is the project structured?
• What techniques and equipment will I be using?
• What safety training(s) do I need to complete?
• What is the expected time commitment? Are hours flexible during exam season?
• How long or short term of a commitment would be expected of me? (e.g. quarter-to-quarter, 1 year minimum, etc.)
• Are there any additional obligations (e.g. lab meetings) that I would be expected to attend?
• How many people are currently working in the lab?

For questions about getting started in undergraduate research, contact us through Message Center ( Topic: Beginning Undergraduate Research ).

• University Home

Search form

Undergraduate research opportunities.

• Research Ethics
• Preparing for Undergraduate Research
• UCSC Divisions
• UCSC Academic Options
• The Independent Project Option

Join a Lab or Research Group

• Examples of Emails to Professors
• Other Research Opportunities
• STEM Summer Research
• UCSC Undergraduate Research Awards
• Application Tips & Deadlines
• What's Next?
• For Students

There are many research opportunities for undergraduates at UCSC, but unfortunately not enough for every student who is interested. You will need to be dedicated and focused to find and keep a position. The advice below can help you, but does not guarantee that you will get into a lab or research group.

To find out additional information for your field of study, go to the webpage for the division/school:

• Engineering
• Humanities 
• Physical & Biological Sciences
• Social Sciences

are available on:

• Preparing for Undergraduate Research at UCSC
• Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should i work with a research group, when should i start, how do i find a research group to join, can i contact a professor i haven't taken a class from, i've identified several professors whose work i find interesting. what do i do now, how should i contact the professor, what should i say or write to the professor, i have an appointment to meet the professor. what should i bring how should i dress.

UCSC is a research university. Working with an active research group will give you the chance to participate fully in the university community and engage in the practice of your discipline.  It will also provide an invaluable complement to your coursework. While textbooks often present science as a series of topics and facts, in a research group you will participate in the activity of science, where answers to questions are not known, you build on the work of others, and collaborate with many people to formulate questions, design experiments, gather and interpret data, and present the results for peer review and feedback.

Go Back To Top

You should start contacting professors about opportunities as early as possible.  You should meet with professors who are doing research you find interesting and ask what you can do to prepare to be involved in UR.  Each professor has different requirements for student researchers, and you need to know so you can prepare.  In addition, often research groups are full, but if a professor knows you are interested, it can help get you a position later on.

If a lab or research group is currently full, ask if there is a group or lab meeting you can attend.  You will learn more about the group's research and will be in an excellent position when there is an opening for an undergraduate with the group.  You can also ask to shadow a graduate student for a day or, if appropriate, ask to go into the field with group members and help with data collection.

In addition, you may find your interests change over time and that you would like to work in more than one lab or with more than one research group as an undergraduate.

Consider what subject(s) fascinate you. Was there a class or seminar or paper you kept talking about to your friends and family?

Look at the research information for your division. 

• Engineering- Research Groups
• Humanities- Centers and Projects
• Physical & Biological Sciences- Research Programs
• Social Sciences- Research Centers and Initiatives

Look at departments' webpages that list faculty research subjects. Does the professor list undergraduates as research group members and/or encourage students to contact him or her?

Search the UCSC Undergraduate Research Opportunities Database .

Check SlugQuest and the Employee Request System through the Career Center . Some positions are advertised there.

Attend seminars to learn about research in your department and to network.

You should also talk to other undergraduate and graduate students who are involved in research. You can often find email addresses on the research group webpage or at the Campus Directory . Ask them who they work or worked with and how they got involved. It may help your chances of getting a position if you a graduate student or undergraduate who has been with the group for a long time is willing to give you a verbal or written reference.

Take advantage of any advising opportunities in your department.  Does the academic adviser know of professors who are looking for undergraduate researchers or who are very receptive to undergraduates approaching them?

Yes!  It is a great idea to start looking for an opportunity by talking to your current and past professors, but you can contact any professor who is doing research that interests you.  Of course, before you contact the professor make sure that you read his or her webpage, get an overview of the research, and prepare questions to ask.

The next step is to learn more about each research group.

• What are the research topics and what methods are used to do the research?  You should review the web site carefully and read recent papers the group has produced. If the papers are difficult for you to understand, write down questions you can ask. 
• If you haven't yet, talk to other members of the group, especially any undergraduates who work there. Ask them how they approached the professor and what the culture of the research group is like. Every lab or research group has its own culture and group dynamics.  For example, are undergraduates given independent projects? Do they work for credit, get paid, or volunteer? Is the professor the primary mentor or do the undergraduates usually work with graduate students? 

Once you have done the background work, you are ready to contact the professor.

You can go to office hours, send an email , or talk to the professor after a class or a talk. There are several critical points to remember:

Be formal with a professor until you are invited to be more casual.

• Address him or her in writing and in person as Professor or Doctor until you are asked to be less formal.
• Write professional emails (see the examples ). Don't use emoticons, slang, abbreviations, or casual cultural references.  Make sure the spelling and grammar are correct.
• Don't mass-email the entire department.  If you are interested in the work multiple professors are doing, email each one individually and tailor the email to that specific research group's work.

Professors are busy. If you approach them in person, ask if this is a convenient time and be prepared to make an appointment. If you email, it may take a while for the professor to reply.

You should reply to any professor's email with 48 hours, even if the professor took much longer to reply to you.

Be brief. You need to get to the point, show that you have done your research, and be enthusiastic.

• If applicable, mention how you met or heard about the professor.
• Explain why research is important to you and your goals.
• Discuss what is interesting to you about the professor's research and explain why you want to work specifically with that professor or research group.  Mention papers you have read.  If the papers were too advanced for you to understand, that is fine.  Be prepared with specific questions.
• Show that you are prepared by mentioning relevant classes that you have done well in and that you have talked with other undergraduates already involved in research.
• Demonstrate that you understand the level of commitment required by explaining that you have the time in your schedule (often 10-15 hours a week) and can be involved for a specific length of time.  Many researchers want you to commit to working in the lab for at least a year because training a new lab member is a significant investment of time and effort.
• Ask to schedule a meeting.

Treat the meeting like an interview- the professor likely has many students interested in joining the research group.

Be on time! Otherwise, the professor will not be interested in making other appointments with you.

Bring a brief statement of your interests, an up-to-date resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript. Be prepared to provide names and emails of academic references. (Tips for preparing a CV or resume can be found at the Career Center website).

Be prepared to describe why you want to work with the group and what your goals are. The professor is much more likely to be interested in having you work with the group if you are genuinely interested in the subject and are not just looking to improve your resume.

Be prepared to address in detail any of the points mentioned above in What should I say or write to the professor ?

Be as well dressed or better dressed than the professor. Expectations vary widely between fields and research groups, and this is where your background research can really help.

Be prepared with questions. For example:

• What type of projects are available?
• Who would be your mentor?
• Are there group meetings you could attend?
• What projects are other undergraduates in the research group working on?
• Is there the potential to do an independent project and/or get academic credit?
• How many hours would you be expected to work?
• What would your responsibilities be?
• Have undergraduates attended or presented at conferences or workshops?
• Is there the potential for paid employment at some time?

After the meeting, send the professor a formal email thanking him or her for taking the time to meet with you and expressing your continued interest.

If a lab or research group is currently full, ask if there is a group or lab meeting you can attend.  You will learn more about the group's research and will be in an excellent position when there is an opening for an undergraduate student.

• Department Links to Professors' Research Interests

University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

© 2024 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

• Get Curious
• Talk to People
• Take Action
• Inspire Others
• Events and Outcomes
• JHU At-A-Glance
• Students and Schools
• Ready to Hire?
• Mentor Students
• Hire Students
• “When U Grow Up” Podcast

A student’s guide to undergraduate research

• Share This: Share A student’s guide to undergraduate research on Facebook Share A student’s guide to undergraduate research on LinkedIn Share A student’s guide to undergraduate research on X

Originally written by Shiwei Wang for Nature journal in March 2019.

Participating in original research during your undergraduate studies can greatly expand your learning experience. However, finding the project can be a challenging task, so here’s a short but comprehensive guide that can help you get the most out of an undergraduate research opportunity.

Choose the right lab

Learn to think like a scientist. A lot of people start their undergraduate research by glancing at the faculty list and e-mailing multiple professors whose work seems interesting. Although this might get you a position somewhere, it is not the most effective approach. Before looking at labs, dive into the science to find out which areas fascinate you. Read a lot, go to talks, and talk to your professors not just about their classes, but about science in general as well.

Subscribe to e-mail newsletters from journals such as Nature and Science. Try to read research highlights and science news regularly. Podcasts and articles by, for example, Nature, Science, Scientific American or Quanta can also be interesting sources of information. Follow academics, journals and universities on Twitter. Start your undergraduate research by learning more about science, thinking like a scientist and working out what you love.

Look for questions, not subjects. You might have chosen a major to study, but don’t let this limit your search for research labs. Modern labs are interdisciplinary and very different from what you do in undergrad labs. Instead of limiting your search to your department, try to look at labs in all related departments. Choose labs on the basis of the questions they’re trying to answer.

Mentoring is as important as research. Contact group members to learn about your prospective laboratory’s environment. Are the group members close? Is the lab friendly or competitive and condescending? Is the lab head hands-off or hands-on? The size of the group is also important. If you join a small group, you’ll have a higher chance of being mentored directly by your principal investigator, whereas in a big group, you are more likely to be mentored by a postdoctoral researcher or graduate student.

Reach out with confidence. Once you’ve determined that the research programme interests you and the group dynamic is healthy, send the principal investigator an e-mail. Make sure to explain why you’re interested in working in the lab and that you have spoken to other lab members. Be patient if they don’t reply. If you don’t receive a response after a week or so, send a second e-mail or reach out in other ways, such as by asking group members to enquire for you.

Get the most out of the experience

Start your research with reading, and keep on reading. Usually, the principal investigator will assign you a mentor and a project. Ask for literature to read: learning about the state of the field and why the work is important will help you to push the project forward. Read about your field as well as other, totally unrelated fields. As an undergraduate, you have the freedom to change your major and your future plans. Make sure to strike a balance between reading and conducting experiments. It’s hard to do both at the same time, but it will make you a better scientist.

Set specific goals for yourself and let your mentors know. Think about what you want from your research and how much time you are willing to put in. Besides learning the techniques, do you want to learn how to analyse results and design experiments? Do you want to learn how to write proposals by applying for undergraduate research grants? Do you want to improve your presentation skills by going to conferences? Do you want to potentially finish a project for publication? Working out what you want to achieve will help you to direct your time effectively.

Research takes time. Don’t blame yourself if experiments don’t work or the project is not moving forward as fast as you expected. Science is about failing and trying again. Getting used to and coping with frustration is part of the learning curve of research.

Find a healthy balance. University is already a lot of work, and research will only take up more time. When planning your schedule, try to allocate large blocks of time (whole afternoons or individual days) to research. Rushing through a procedure could be unsafe and will often produce useless results. Always plan extra time for experiments. Consider working less in the lab during exam weeks so you don’t get overwhelmed. Talk to your mentor about your schedule and feelings regularly, so that you can arrange experiments at times that suit you, and you can keep on top of your mental health.

Find financial support. If you wish to do research at your own institution over the summer, your institution might offer funding to cover your expenses. If you want to go to another university, you can apply for funding from that institution’s undergraduate research programme, or from foundations, companies or academic societies. For example, the US National Science Foundation offers a Research Experiences for Undergraduates programme. Universities, foundations and academic societies might also offer grants to cover your travel expense to various conferences. Don’t let money limit what you want to do. Talk to senior students or professors, or search online to find all the opportunities!

Always think about the big picture. Your undergraduate research doesn’t define what you’re going to do after your degree. Keep reading and taking classes outside your comfort zone. Explore and learn as much as possible. Working out what you love is the best preparation you can get for the rest of your career.

Read the full article on the Nature website.

To find a research opportunity at Johns Hopkins University, visit the Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research website .

• for Instructors
• for Students
• for Professionals
• for Businesses
• for Researches
• Research Projects
• Publications, etc.
• Crowdsourcing
• Collaboration Priciples
• Request data
• for Sponsors
• Coaching Program
• Executive Team
• Testimonials
• Conferences
• Participants

Join Our Research Team

What we can offer:.

• Share existing data: Researchers can request the existing data that have already been collected (please see our Data web page for more information on what kind of data are currently collected).
• Collect new data: If interesting ideas are presented, we will also consider collecting new data , that is measuring variables or creating experimental conditions that are currently not integrated in our project design.
• Work on developing research papers with you : Our team includes some of the world’s leading researchers. We would be happy to work with you and provide help with theory development, literature review, data analysis, and paper write up. Please see our Research Collaboration Principles page for the details on the coordination, workload distribution and authorship issues.

What we can not offer:

• We cannot help you with collecting data for “your” study. We are often approached with request to distribute surveys among our students by researchers who have difficulty collecting data for their studies. We are not in a business of collecting data and we will generally turn down those requests. Our students and the educational value of the X-Culture project are our main concerns. We will never jeopardize the quality of our teaching by overloading our students with unnecessary surveys. We collect only data that can help us generate knowledge that can directly benefit our students. So, generally, if it’s not about culturally diverse workplace, virtual collaboration or teamwork, we probably won’t be able to help you.
• We cannot accommodate every data request . We turn down the vast majority of requests for data collection. We are at a point when our students have “almost too many” surveys and adding new  survey items requires that something is dropped in exchange. Therefore, we must be very selective and can afford to consider only the most interesting and promising research proposals. Needless to say, any request that do not meet research ethics standard will not be considered. Please note that while adding new items to our student survey may be close to impossible, requests to add new observational variables, or taking measures that do no require anything of our students would be easier to accommodate.
• We cannot share with you our student database .  The privacy of our students is our major concern and under no circumstance will we share their names, emails, or other personal information.
• We will not work “for you”, only “with you” . We are not not selling our services and do not seek clients, only partners. We will be happy to share our data and resources with researchers who put forth interesting research ideas, but we will not have the resources to accommodate unreasonable requests for data preparation, analysis, and the like. We share with you what we have and we work together from there on.

How to Request Data   icon-question-circle  

To request existing data or collection of new data, please   icon-envelope-o   email us your research proposal .

There are no submission deadlines and no fixed research proposal formatting requirements, but the proposal must contain the following information:

• Research question(s) of the proposed study, no problem if specific hypotheses have not been developed yet, just a general research question or purpose of the study is sufficient at this stage. If available, it would also help to briefly describe the theoretical foundation of the study.
• Constructs: A bullet-list of constructs/variables that you would need from our existing database or additional measures that we need to add to our research design to collect new data. Please see the X-Culture Data webpage for what’s already measured. If requesting new data to be collected, please attach a complete list of items, as well as detailes on the timing (when need to be measured) and other information on how the data should be collected.
• Expected research outcomes : A brief review of the goals and results of the study, expected publications, etc.
• Expected timing: Expected research project schedule and other timing information that can give us information as to how long it is likely to take to complete the project – very general information would be sufficient at this stage.  
• Preferred Collaboration Mode: A summary of the researcher’s preferences as to collaboration with the X-Culture team, what resources are at the researcher’s disposal, what tasks or functions the researcher prefers to complete on his/her own and what tasks or functions the researcher prefers to be completed by collaborators from the X-Culture team, any other preferences with respect to communication, workload distribution, timing, co-author team composition, etc.
• CV of the researcher(s) submitting the proposal.
• Other: Any other information you feel would be relevant.

For more information:

• Data Codebooks : detailed information on variables, item wording, and more, etc.
• Research Collaboration Principles : policies on data sharing, co- authorship, etc.
• Publications : Publications and presentations based on X- Culture data.
• Ongoing Research Projects : studies currently in works
• Join X- Culture Research Team : get involved as an instructor, request existing data, request new data collection.

Education During Coronavirus

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Science | June 15, 2020

Seventy-Five Scientific Research Projects You Can Contribute to Online

From astrophysicists to entomologists, many researchers need the help of citizen scientists to sift through immense data collections

Rachael Lallensack

Former Assistant Editor, Science and Innovation

If you find yourself tired of streaming services, reading the news or video-chatting with friends, maybe you should consider becoming a citizen scientist. Though it’s true that many field research projects are paused , hundreds of scientists need your help sifting through wildlife camera footage and images of galaxies far, far away, or reading through diaries and field notes from the past.

Plenty of these tools are free and easy enough for children to use. You can look around for projects yourself on Smithsonian Institution’s citizen science volunteer page , National Geographic ’s list of projects and CitizenScience.gov ’s catalog of options. Zooniverse is a platform for online-exclusive projects , and Scistarter allows you to restrict your search with parameters, including projects you can do “on a walk,” “at night” or “on a lunch break.”

To save you some time, Smithsonian magazine has compiled a collection of dozens of projects you can take part in from home.

American Wildlife

If being home has given you more time to look at wildlife in your own backyard, whether you live in the city or the country, consider expanding your view, by helping scientists identify creatures photographed by camera traps. Improved battery life, motion sensors, high-resolution and small lenses have made camera traps indispensable tools for conservation.These cameras capture thousands of images that provide researchers with more data about ecosystems than ever before.

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s eMammal platform , for example, asks users to identify animals for conservation projects around the country. Currently, eMammal is being used by the Woodland Park Zoo ’s Seattle Urban Carnivore Project, which studies how coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats and other animals coexist with people, and the Washington Wolverine Project, an effort to monitor wolverines in the face of climate change. Identify urban wildlife for the Chicago Wildlife Watch , or contribute to wilderness projects documenting North American biodiversity with The Wilds' Wildlife Watch in Ohio , Cedar Creek: Eyes on the Wild in Minnesota , Michigan ZoomIN , Western Montana Wildlife and Snapshot Wisconsin .

"Spend your time at home virtually exploring the Minnesota backwoods,” writes the lead researcher of the Cedar Creek: Eyes on the Wild project. “Help us understand deer dynamics, possum populations, bear behavior, and keep your eyes peeled for elusive wolves!"

If being cooped up at home has you daydreaming about traveling, Snapshot Safari has six active animal identification projects. Try eyeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, baobab trees and over 400 bird species from camera trap photos taken in South African nature reserves, including De Hoop Nature Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve .

With South Sudan DiversityCam , researchers are using camera traps to study biodiversity in the dense tropical forests of southwestern South Sudan. Part of the Serenegeti Lion Project, Snapshot Serengeti needs the help of citizen scientists to classify millions of camera trap images of species traveling with the wildebeest migration.

Classify all kinds of monkeys with Chimp&See . Count, identify and track giraffes in northern Kenya . Watering holes host all kinds of wildlife, but that makes the locales hotspots for parasite transmission; Parasite Safari needs volunteers to help figure out which animals come in contact with each other and during what time of year.

Mount Taranaki in New Zealand is a volcanic peak rich in native vegetation, but native wildlife, like the North Island brown kiwi, whio/blue duck and seabirds, are now rare—driven out by introduced predators like wild goats, weasels, stoats, possums and rats. Estimate predator species compared to native wildlife with Taranaki Mounga by spotting species on camera trap images.

The Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Instant Wild app has a dozen projects showcasing live images and videos of wildlife around the world. Look for bears, wolves and lynx in Croatia ; wildcats in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula ; otters in Hampshire, England ; and both black and white rhinos in the Lewa-Borana landscape in Kenya.

Under the Sea

Researchers use a variety of technologies to learn about marine life and inform conservation efforts. Take, for example, Beluga Bits , a research project focused on determining the sex, age and pod size of beluga whales visiting the Churchill River in northern Manitoba, Canada. With a bit of training, volunteers can learn how to differentiate between a calf, a subadult (grey) or an adult (white)—and even identify individuals using scars or unique pigmentation—in underwater videos and images. Beluga Bits uses a “ beluga boat ,” which travels around the Churchill River estuary with a camera underneath it, to capture the footage and collect GPS data about the whales’ locations.

Many of these online projects are visual, but Manatee Chat needs citizen scientists who can train their ear to decipher manatee vocalizations. Researchers are hoping to learn what calls the marine mammals make and when—with enough practice you might even be able to recognize the distinct calls of individual animals.

Several groups are using drone footage to monitor seal populations. Seals spend most of their time in the water, but come ashore to breed. One group, Seal Watch , is analyzing time-lapse photography and drone images of seals in the British territory of South Georgia in the South Atlantic. A team in Antarctica captured images of Weddell seals every ten minutes while the seals were on land in spring to have their pups. The Weddell Seal Count project aims to find out what threats—like fishing and climate change—the seals face by monitoring changes in their population size. Likewise, the Año Nuevo Island - Animal Count asks volunteers to count elephant seals, sea lions, cormorants and more species on a remote research island off the coast of California.

With Floating Forests , you’ll sift through 40 years of satellite images of the ocean surface identifying kelp forests, which are foundational for marine ecosystems, providing shelter for shrimp, fish and sea urchins. A project based in southwest England, Seagrass Explorer , is investigating the decline of seagrass beds. Researchers are using baited cameras to spot commercial fish in these habitats as well as looking out for algae to study the health of these threatened ecosystems. Search for large sponges, starfish and cold-water corals on the deep seafloor in Sweden’s first marine park with the Koster seafloor observatory project.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center needs your help spotting invasive species with Invader ID . Train your eye to spot groups of organisms, known as fouling communities, that live under docks and ship hulls, in an effort to clean up marine ecosystems.

If art history is more your speed, two Dutch art museums need volunteers to start “ fishing in the past ” by analyzing a collection of paintings dating from 1500 to 1700. Each painting features at least one fish, and an interdisciplinary research team of biologists and art historians wants you to identify the species of fish to make a clearer picture of the “role of ichthyology in the past.”

Interesting Insects

Notes from Nature is a digitization effort to make the vast resources in museums’ archives of plants and insects more accessible. Similarly, page through the University of California Berkeley’s butterfly collection on CalBug to help researchers classify these beautiful critters. The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology has already digitized about 300,000 records, but their collection exceeds 4 million bugs. You can hop in now and transcribe their grasshopper archives from the last century . Parasitic arthropods, like mosquitos and ticks, are known disease vectors; to better locate these critters, the Terrestrial Parasite Tracker project is working with 22 collections and institutions to digitize over 1.2 million specimens—and they’re 95 percent done . If you can tolerate mosquito buzzing for a prolonged period of time, the HumBug project needs volunteers to train its algorithm and develop real-time mosquito detection using acoustic monitoring devices. It’s for the greater good!

For the Birders

Birdwatching is one of the most common forms of citizen science . Seeing birds in the wilderness is certainly awe-inspiring, but you can birdwatch from your backyard or while walking down the sidewalk in big cities, too. With Cornell University’s eBird app , you can contribute to bird science at any time, anywhere. (Just be sure to remain a safe distance from wildlife—and other humans, while we social distance ). If you have safe access to outdoor space—a backyard, perhaps—Cornell also has a NestWatch program for people to report observations of bird nests. Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center has a similar Neighborhood Nest Watch program as well.

Birdwatching is easy enough to do from any window, if you’re sheltering at home, but in case you lack a clear view, consider these online-only projects. Nest Quest currently has a robin database that needs volunteer transcribers to digitize their nest record cards.

You can also pitch in on a variety of efforts to categorize wildlife camera images of burrowing owls , pelicans , penguins (new data coming soon!), and sea birds . Watch nest cam footage of the northern bald ibis or greylag geese on NestCams to help researchers learn about breeding behavior.

Or record the coloration of gorgeous feathers across bird species for researchers at London’s Natural History Museum with Project Plumage .

Pretty Plants

If you’re out on a walk wondering what kind of plants are around you, consider downloading Leafsnap , an electronic field guide app developed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution. The app has several functions. First, it can be used to identify plants with its visual recognition software. Secondly, scientists can learn about the “ the ebb and flow of flora ” from geotagged images taken by app users.

What is older than the dinosaurs, survived three mass extinctions and still has a living relative today? Ginko trees! Researchers at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History are studying ginko trees and fossils to understand millions of years of plant evolution and climate change with the Fossil Atmospheres project . Using Zooniverse, volunteers will be trained to identify and count stomata, which are holes on a leaf’s surface where carbon dioxide passes through. By counting these holes, or quantifying the stomatal index, scientists can learn how the plants adapted to changing levels of carbon dioxide. These results will inform a field experiment conducted on living trees in which a scientist is adjusting the level of carbon dioxide for different groups.

Help digitize and categorize millions of botanical specimens from natural history museums, research institutions and herbaria across the country with the Notes from Nature Project . Did you know North America is home to a variety of beautiful orchid species? Lend botanists a handby typing handwritten labels on pressed specimens or recording their geographic and historic origins for the New York Botanical Garden’s archives. Likewise, the Southeastern U.S. Biodiversity project needs assistance labeling pressed poppies, sedums, valerians, violets and more. Groups in California , Arkansas , Florida , Texas and Oklahoma all invite citizen scientists to partake in similar tasks.

Historic Women in Astronomy

Become a transcriber for Project PHaEDRA and help researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics preserve the work of Harvard’s women “computers” who revolutionized astronomy in the 20th century. These women contributed more than 130 years of work documenting the night sky, cataloging stars, interpreting stellar spectra, counting galaxies, and measuring distances in space, according to the project description .

More than 2,500 notebooks need transcription on Project PhaEDRA - Star Notes . You could start with Annie Jump Cannon , for example. In 1901, Cannon designed a stellar classification system that astronomers still use today. Cecilia Payne discovered that stars are made primarily of hydrogen and helium and can be categorized by temperature. Two notebooks from Henrietta Swan Leavitt are currently in need of transcription. Leavitt, who was deaf, discovered the link between period and luminosity in Cepheid variables, or pulsating stars, which “led directly to the discovery that the Universe is expanding,” according to her bio on Star Notes .

Volunteers are also needed to transcribe some of these women computers’ notebooks that contain references to photographic glass plates . These plates were used to study space from the 1880s to the 1990s. For example, in 1890, Williamina Flemming discovered the Horsehead Nebula on one of these plates . With Star Notes, you can help bridge the gap between “modern scientific literature and 100 years of astronomical observations,” according to the project description . Star Notes also features the work of Cannon, Leavitt and Dorrit Hoffleit , who authored the fifth edition of the Bright Star Catalog, which features 9,110 of the brightest stars in the sky.

Microscopic Musings

Electron microscopes have super-high resolution and magnification powers—and now, many can process images automatically, allowing teams to collect an immense amount of data. Francis Crick Institute’s Etch A Cell - Powerhouse Hunt project trains volunteers to spot and trace each cell’s mitochondria, a process called manual segmentation. Manual segmentation is a major bottleneck to completing biological research because using computer systems to complete the work is still fraught with errors and, without enough volunteers, doing this work takes a really long time.

For the Monkey Health Explorer project, researchers studying the social behavior of rhesus monkeys on the tiny island Cayo Santiago off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico need volunteers to analyze the monkeys’ blood samples. Doing so will help the team understand which monkeys are sick and which are healthy, and how the animals’ health influences behavioral changes.

Using the Zooniverse’s app on a phone or tablet, you can become a “ Science Scribbler ” and assist researchers studying how Huntington disease may change a cell’s organelles. The team at the United Kingdom's national synchrotron , which is essentially a giant microscope that harnesses the power of electrons, has taken highly detailed X-ray images of the cells of Huntington’s patients and needs help identifying organelles, in an effort to see how the disease changes their structure.

Oxford University’s Comprehensive Resistance Prediction for Tuberculosis: an International Consortium—or CRyPTIC Project , for short, is seeking the aid of citizen scientists to study over 20,000 TB infection samples from around the world. CRyPTIC’s citizen science platform is called Bash the Bug . On the platform, volunteers will be trained to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics on a given sample. Each evaluation will be checked by a scientist for accuracy and then used to train a computer program, which may one day make this process much faster and less labor intensive.

Out of This World

If you’re interested in contributing to astronomy research from the comfort and safety of your sidewalk or backyard, check out Globe at Night . The project monitors light pollution by asking users to try spotting constellations in the night sky at designated times of the year . (For example, Northern Hemisphere dwellers should look for the Bootes and Hercules constellations from June 13 through June 22 and record the visibility in Globe at Night’s app or desktop report page .)

For the amateur astrophysicists out there, the opportunities to contribute to science are vast. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission is asking for volunteers to search for new objects at the edges of our solar system with the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project .

Galaxy Zoo on Zooniverse and its mobile app has operated online citizen science projects for the past decade. According to the project description, there are roughly one hundred billion galaxies in the observable universe. Surprisingly, identifying different types of galaxies by their shape is rather easy. “If you're quick, you may even be the first person to see the galaxies you're asked to classify,” the team writes.

With Radio Galaxy Zoo: LOFAR , volunteers can help identify supermassive blackholes and star-forming galaxies. Galaxy Zoo: Clump Scout asks users to look for young, “clumpy” looking galaxies, which help astronomers understand galaxy evolution.

If current events on Earth have you looking to Mars, perhaps you’d be interested in checking out Planet Four and Planet Four: Terrains —both of which task users with searching and categorizing landscape formations on Mars’ southern hemisphere. You’ll scroll through images of the Martian surface looking for terrain types informally called “spiders,” “baby spiders,” “channel networks” and “swiss cheese.”

Gravitational waves are telltale ripples in spacetime, but they are notoriously difficult to measure. With Gravity Spy , citizen scientists sift through data from Laser Interferometer Gravitational­-Wave Observatory, or LIGO , detectors. When lasers beamed down 2.5-mile-long “arms” at these facilities in Livingston, Louisiana and Hanford, Washington are interrupted, a gravitational wave is detected. But the detectors are sensitive to “glitches” that, in models, look similar to the astrophysical signals scientists are looking for. Gravity Spy teaches citizen scientists how to identify fakes so researchers can get a better view of the real deal. This work will, in turn, train computer algorithms to do the same.

Similarly, the project Supernova Hunters needs volunteers to clear out the “bogus detections of supernovae,” allowing researchers to track the progression of actual supernovae. In Hubble Space Telescope images, you can search for asteroid tails with Hubble Asteroid Hunter . And with Planet Hunters TESS , which teaches users to identify planetary formations, you just “might be the first person to discover a planet around a nearby star in the Milky Way,” according to the project description.

Help astronomers refine prediction models for solar storms, which kick up dust that impacts spacecraft orbiting the sun, with Solar Stormwatch II. Thanks to the first iteration of the project, astronomers were able to publish seven papers with their findings.

With Mapping Historic Skies , identify constellations on gorgeous celestial maps of the sky covering a span of 600 years from the Adler Planetarium collection in Chicago. Similarly, help fill in the gaps of historic astronomy with Astronomy Rewind , a project that aims to “make a holistic map of images of the sky.”

Get the latest Science stories in your inbox.

Rachael Lallensack | READ MORE

Rachael Lallensack is the former assistant web editor for science and innovation at Smithsonian .

• High School
• College Search
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• College Life

Your Guide to Conducting Independent Research Projects

For me, asking questions is the best way to stay curious and inspire others.

I am currently earning my undergraduate degree in Dance and minor in Modern Languages – French at Point Park University . I am a part of their honors program in which I have been given various opportunities to do research that has been published and presented at national conferences.

I want to note that you do not have to do research through an organization. The project I’m currently working on is for a conference and will not receive any academic credit for it.

You probably have already done a research project and did not even realize it. I was first introduced to how to do research in high school, so after finding what worked best for me, I wanted to share my process to make the project less daunting and more fun. 

Step 1: Define the project 

What is your subject?

Normally the subject is related to your major, but if you are interested in a subject, your project can be based on something you have no previous knowledge about.

When applying to conferences, my research typically fit under a certain category and theme. When choosing a subject, look at the requirements closely to determine if the subject will work. 

What is its purpose? 

Answer the question: Why do I want to do this research project?  Is it to forward your academic goals, spread awareness, inform or persuade a group of people, or to learn more about a subject you are passionate about?

Having a purpose behind your work can fuel your passion and help with motivation. Whatever your research entails will make an impact, so recognizing this could also help you feel more fulfilled after it is finished. 

If you have to do it as a requirement, try to reframe your mindset to a more positive one where you can find something positive to gain from your research. This could be a new skill acquired or improved upon.

What format will it be in?  

Some examples of different formats could be an essay, poster, speech, or an artistic piece.

Depending on the format, there could be different requirements for the information or an element incorporated that is not included in the other formats. 

If you have a choice of format, be sure to assess your strengths and weaknesses. I pride myself on being a good public speaker and performer, so I prefer giving a speech rather than writing an essay. 

However, if you want to improve a certain skill, you could choose a format that challenges a skill you want to work on.

What question is being answered? 

I have been taught that good research answers a complex but specific question. Therefore, create a question that requires critical thinking and is focused enough to be answered by a comprehensive thesis statement.

Step 2: Gather information

This may be self-explanatory, but it’s time to research! H ave a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

• Examples: Journals/Diaries, Speeches, Photographs, Raw Data 
• Examples: Journal Articles, Biographies, Textbooks / Encyclopedias / Dictionaries 
• Examples: Manuals, Textbooks / Encyclopedias / Dictionaries, Bibliographies

Good places to find sources are your local library, school databases, or Google Scholar .  Since not everything on the internet is true, vetting your source is crucial.  Some things to keep in mind before using a source are the author, time period, peer-review status, publisher, and intended audience.  

Step 3: Compile findings and provide a takeaway

Using the data you have collected to support your thesis, answer your initial question. This article explains how different kinds of theses are used in different research contexts. 

The thesis is generally at the end of the first introductory paragraph. Coming up with a thesis is easier said than done, but finally reaching an answer should be gratifying.

Make sure all the points in your paper answer the initial question and support the amazing thesis you just created.  You may need to write a proposal or abstract for your research. 

Try to focus on the main ideas in your work and provide a bit of context that would make the reader or listener more interested to learn additional information.

Be sure to proofread your work, double check it meets all the requirements, and verify your citations are in the correct citation style.

A service I find useful to check my grammar is Grammarly . You can also get your friends to look over it and get their thoughts. 

Step 4: *Optional* Peer / Advisor Review

On my research projects, I have had the privilege of having an advisor to give me advice who is an expert in the field of research I am interested in. This advisor offered great advice when I got stuck or needed a push in the right direction.

Some tips on finding an advisor are to:

• See if their past research aligns with what you are interested in
• Investigate how other’s experiences were if they have been an advisor in the past
• Reach out through email or attend their office hours to see if they would be interested in helping you
• Keep your options open because you never know who you could have the potential to connect to

Starting an independent research project can be scary. Whether your research is formal or informal, I encourage you to keep learning and asking questions.

In the words of author, anthropologist, and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”

Good luck! You got this. We would love to hear your experiences and how you found where you belong , so direct message us on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

Author: Rosalie Anthony

Rosalie is currently attending Point Park University earning her Dance- B.F.A degree with a minor in French. Previously, she attended and graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts in dance. She is passionate about learning, teaching and mentoring. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, chatting with friends, and discovering new places to go in Pittsburgh.

More Articles By Niche

When it comes to extracurricular activities, there’s no set rule concerning how many you should be involved in or how involved you must be.

It may seem like a daunting task, but securing an internship as a high school student is a realistic and possible thing.

Here you’ll find information about how best to be prepared to meet with your college/career counselor so that they can help you achieve your goals. They were really helpful when I was going through the college application process.

• - Google Chrome

Intended for healthcare professionals

• Access provided by Google Indexer
• My email alerts
• BMA member login
• Username * Password * Forgot your log in details? Need to activate BMA Member Log In Log in via OpenAthens Log in via your institution

Search form

• Advanced search
• Search responses
• Search blogs
• How to get involved in...

How to get involved in research as a medical student

• Related content
• Peer review
• Anna Kathryn Taylor , final year medical student 1 ,
• Sarah Purdy , professor of primary care and associate dean 1
• 1 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK

Participating in research gives students great skills and opportunities. Anna Taylor and Sarah Purdy explain how to get started

This article contains:

-How to get involved with research projects

-Questions to ask yourself before starting research

-What can you get published? Research output

-Advice for contacting researchers

-Different types of research explained

-Stages of research projects

Students often go into medicine because of a desire to help others and improve patients’ physical and mental wellbeing. In the early years of medical school, however, it can seem as if you are not making much difference to patient care. Involvement in research can provide exciting opportunities to work as part of a team, improve career prospects, and most importantly add to the evidence base, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Research is usually multidisciplinary, including clinical academics (medical doctors who spend part of their working life doing research), nurses, patients, scientists, and researchers without a medical background. Involvement in such a team can improve your communication skills and expand your understanding of how a multidisciplinary team works.

Participating in research can also help you to develop skills in writing and critical appraisal through the process of publishing your work. You may be able to present your work at conferences—either as a poster or an oral presentation—and this can provide valuable points for job applications at both foundation programme and core training level. This is particularly important if you are considering a career in academia. You will also develop skills in time management, problem solving, and record keeping. You might discover an area of medicine in which you are keen to carry out further work. For some people, getting involved in research as a medical student can be the first step in an academic career.

Kyla Thomas, National Institute for Health Research clinical lecturer in public health at the University of Bristol, says, “my first baby steps into a clinical academic career started with a research project I completed as a medical student. That early involvement in research opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities that I never would have considered.

“Importantly, participating in undergraduate research sets students apart from their colleagues. Applying for foundation posts is a competitive process and it is a definite advantage if you have managed to obtain a peer reviewed publication.”

Getting involved with research projects

Although it is possible to do research at medical school, it is important to be realistic about how much free time you have. It might be possible to set up your own research project, but this will require substantial planning in terms of writing research protocols, gaining ethical approval, and learning about new research methodologies. Other opportunities for research that make less demands on your time include:

Intercalated degrees—these often have time set aside for research in a specific area, so it is important to choose your degree according to what you might like to do for your dissertation (for example, laboratory-based work in biochemistry, or qualitative research in global health. Some subjects may have options in both qualitative and quantitative research).

Student selected components or modules can provide a good opportunity to be involved in an ongoing study or research project. If you have a long project period, you might be able to develop your own small project.

Electives and summer holidays can also provide dedicated time for research, either within the United Kingdom or in another country. They can allow you to become established in a research group if you’re there for a few weeks, and can lead to a longstanding relationship with the research group if you continue to work with them over your medical school career.

If you don’t know what to do, contacting the Student Audit and Research in Surgery (STARSurg), 1 the National Student Association of Medical Research (NSAMR), 2 or your medical school’s research society may be a good place to start.

The INSPIRE initative, 3 coordinated by the Academy of Medical Sciences, gives support and grants to help students take part in research. Some UK medical schools have small grants for elective and summer projects, and organise taster days for students to get an idea of different research areas.

You may also be able to access other grants or awards to support your research. Some of the royal colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, offer bursaries to students doing research in their holidays or presenting at conferences. Other national organisations, such as the Medical Women’s Federation, offer bursaries for elective projects.

Box 1: Questions to ask yourself before starting research

What are you interested in? There is no point getting involved in a project area that you find boring.

How much time do you have available? It is crucial to think about this before committing to a project, so that your supervisor can give you an appropriate role.

What do you want to get out of your research experience? Do you want a brief insight into research? Or are you hoping for a publication or presentation?

Do you know any peers or senior medical students who are involved in research? Ask them about their experiences and whether they know of anyone who might be willing to include you in a project.

Box 2: Research output

Publication —This is the “gold standard” of output and usually consists of an article published in a PubMed ID journal. This can lead to your work being cited by another researcher for their paper, and you can get up to two extra points on foundation programme applications if you have published papers with a PubMed ID.

Not all research will get published, but there are other ways to show your work, such as presenting at conferences:

Oral presentation —This involves giving a short talk about your research, describing the background, methods, and results, then talking about the implications of your findings.

Poster presentation —This involves creating a poster, usually A1 or A2 in size, summarising the background, methods, and results of your research. At a conference, presenters stand by their poster and answer questions from other delegates.

Contacting researchers

Most universities have information about their research groups on their websites, so spend some time exploring what studies are being carried out and whether you are interested in one of the research topics.

When contacting a member of the research group, ask if they or someone else within their team would be willing to offer you some research experience. Be honest if you don’t have any prior experience and about the level of involvement you are looking for, but emphasise what it is about their research that interests you and why you want to work with them. It’s important to have a flexible approach to what they offer you—it may not initially sound very exciting, but it will be a necessary part of the research process, and may lead to more interesting research activity later.

Another way to make contact with researchers is at university talks or lectures. It might be intimidating to approach senior academics, but if you talk to them about your interest they will be more likely to remember you if you contact them later on.

Box 3: What can students offer research teams?—Views from researchers

“Medical students come to research with a ‘fresh eyes’ perspective and a questioning mindset regarding the realities of clinical practice which, as a non-medic myself, serves to remind me of the contextual challenges of implementing recommendations from our work.”

Alison Gregory, senior research associate, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, UK.

“Enthusiasm, intelligence, and a willingness to learn new skills to solve challenges—bring those attributes and you’ll be valuable to most research teams.”

Tony Pickering, consultant anaesthetist and Wellcome Trust senior research fellow, University of Bristol, UK.

Box 4: Different types of research

Research aims to achieve new insights into disease, investigations, and treatment, using methodologies such as the ones listed below:

Qualitative research —This can be used to develop a theory and to explain how and why people behave as they do. 4 It usually involves exploring the experience of illness, therapeutic interventions, or relationships, and can be compiled using focus groups, structured interviews, consultation analysis, 5 or ethnography. 6

Quantitative research —This aims to quantify a problem by generating numerical data, and may test a hypothesis. 7 Research projects can use chemicals, drugs, biological matter, or even computer generated models. Quantitative research might also involve using statistics to evaluate or compare interventions, such as in a randomised controlled trial.

Epidemiological research —This is the study of the occurrence and distribution of disease, the determinants influencing health and disease states, and the opportunities for prevention. It often involves the analysis of large datasets. 4

Mixed methods research —This form of research incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Systematic reviews —These provide a summary of the known evidence base around a particular research question. They often create new data by combining other quantitative (meta-analysis) or qualitative (meta-ethnography) studies. They are often used to inform clinical guidelines.

Box 5: Stages of research projects

Project conception—Come up with a hypothesis or an objective for the project and form the main research team.

Write the research protocol—Produce a detailed description of the methodology and gain ethical approval, if needed.

Carry out the methodology by collecting the data.

Analyse the data.

Decide on the best way to disseminate your findings—for example, a conference presentation or a publication—and where you will do this.

Write up your work, including an abstract, in the format required by your chosen journal or conference.

Submit . For conference abstracts, you may hear back swiftly whether you have been offered the chance to present. Publication submissions, however, must be peer reviewed before being accepted and it can take over a year for a paper to appear in print.

Originally published as: Student BMJ 2017;25:i6593

Competing interests: AKT received grant money from INSPIRE in 2013.

Provenance and peer review: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

• ↵ STARSurg. Student Audit and Research in Surgery. 2016. www.starsurg.org .
• ↵ NSAMR. National Student Association of Medical Research. 2016. www.nsamr.org .
• ↵ The Academy of Medical Sciences. About the INSPIRE initiative. 2016. www.acmedsci.ac.uk/careers/mentoring-and-careers/INSPIRE/about-INSPIRE/ .
• ↵ Ben-Shlomo Y, Brookes ST, Hickman M. Lecture Notes: Epidemiology, Evidence-based Medicine and Public Health. 6th ed . Wiley-Blackwell, 2013 .
• ↵ gp-training.net. Consultation Theory. 2016. www.gp-training.net/training/communication_skills/consultation/consultation_theory.htm .
• ↵ Reeves S, Kuper A, Hodges BD. Qualitative research methodologies: ethnography. BMJ 2008 ; 337 : a1020 . doi:10.1136/bmj.a1020   pmid:18687725 . OpenUrl FREE Full Text
• ↵ Porta M. A Dictionary of Epidemiology. 5th ed . Oxford University Press, 2008 .

Our website uses cookies, as almost all websites do, to help provide you with the best experience we can. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile phone when you browse websites. LEARN MORE >

Our website uses cookies, as almost all websites do, to help provide you with the best experience we can. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile phone when you browse websites.

Cookies help us:

• Make our website work as you’d expect.
• Provide a message we believe is more relevant to you.

We do not use cookies to:

• Collect any personally identifiable information.
• Collect any sensitive information.
• Pass personally identifiable data to third parties.

You can learn more about all the cookies and the information we collect by reading our Privacy Policy . If you don’t want to use cookies you can either exit the website or change your browser settings .

• What is All of Us

What All of Us can do for you

Why all of us needs you, how all of us protects your privacy.

The future of health begins with you

Too often, health care is one-size-fits-all. But imagine a future where prevention, treatment, and care are tailored for YOU.

That future starts with research that includes all of us.

What is All of Us?

Part of the National Institutes of Health , All of Us is changing how health research is done.

We're building one of the largest and most diverse health databases of its kind.

Researchers are already using this data to learn more about why people get sick or stay healthy, and what makes each of us unique.

They're using this information to find better ways to prevent and treat illnesses and to care for all of us.

But there's more to do.

• Your genetic ancestry
• Your risk for certain hereditary diseases
• Your body's reaction to certain medicines
• There is no cost to participate other than some of your time. Most people will spend no more than a few hours a year taking part in the program's activities.
• You can find out about research powered by the data you've shared.
• You will join a community of people who are already making a difference.

Many groups have been left out of health research in the past. You can help change that.

Researchers need information from large numbers of people who reflect the diversity of the United States. Our goal is to reach more than 1 million people from all backgrounds.

If you join All of Us , we will ask you to answer health surveys and connect your electronic health records and wearable devices. We may also ask you to share biosamples (like blood, urine, and saliva).

All of this information helps paint a full picture of what makes each of us unique. It helps researchers understand how our health history, genetics, environment, and life experiences impact our health.

Why join All of Us?

I joined the All of Us Research Program because I believe that health care should be as unique as each one of us and I want to be part of it.

Medical research has not always focused on minorities or Latinos. I think it's important for my generation to share our health information to help future generations.

I signed up for the All of Us Research Program because I represent a group that has historically been underrepresented in research and I want to be counted.

I believe firmly that the All of Us Research Program will be the first step in generating new discoveries that will translate into patient care.

How to Participate

You are more than welcome to only sign the consent to join. You will still be able to participate by answering surveys and taking part in other activities.



However, you won’t be invited to provide your sample (blood or saliva) or you won’t get the $25 compensation for your time. We won’t be able to offer you your DNA results.

If you have an in-person appointment, you will have your measurements taken:

• Hip circumference.
• Waist circumference.
• Blood pressure.
• Heart rate.

You will also be able to provide a sample (blood or saliva). You can still provide a sample without agreeing to receive your DNA results.

You will receive $25 if you agree to share your Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and have your in-person visit to provide a sample (blood or saliva) and/or measurements.

• Your genetic ancestry.
• Your hereditary disease risk.
• How your body may react to certain medicines.

You’ll get your DNA results if you complete a series of activities:

• Agree to share your Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
• Say yes to get your DNA results.
• Finish “The Basics” survey.
• Provide a sample (blood or saliva).
• Verify your identity.

It might take a few months or years to receive your DNA results. In some cases, we might not be able to offer them to you because:

• We were not able to get enough DNA from your sample to study it.
• You had a bone marrow transplant.
• We cannot verify your identity.
• Answer more surveys.
• Connect a wearable device (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch).
• Learn about other research opportunities.

All of Us is a research program and does not provide health care or medical advice.

All of Us follows all laws and rules for keeping the data you share with us safe and private.

We often test the security of our databases. Before making data available to researchers, we remove personal details that could identify you. We also require researchers to go through training. They must agree to our data use rules.

Voices of All of Us

All of Us requires training to make sure that every researcher who wants to use the Workbench understands how to really follow the rules set in place by All of Us .

The safety, the security, and the ethics of this program are at the highest level. We really care about our participants as partners.

It’s an easy thing to do, it’s safe, it’s secure, and I hope you’ll be involved too.

They do a great job of protecting people who may disclose things through the All of Us data set ... that may not necessarily be disclosed in their day-to-day lives.

Learn more from the Voices of All of Us

Where All of Us is now

All of Us celebrates its 5-year anniversary in May 2023 .

So far, more than 780,000 people have joined the program. More than 80% of All of Us participants are from groups that have rarely been part of health research.

Help us reach 1,000,000+ participants

*Fully enrolled participants are those who have shared their health information with  All of Us , including giving blood and urine or saliva samples.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

Are you ready to help shape the future of health?

All of Us works closely with Health Care Provider Organizations around the country to make joining easy.

People who live too far from a partner site can join online.

Sign up online

Sign up in-person

Join an All of Us Event

If you prefer, you can call (844) 842-2855 and a support center guide can walk you through the sign up process over the phone.

We’re open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, excluding public holidays. Toll-free TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Service is available by dialing 711.

Your participation in All of Us is voluntary. You can choose to leave the program at any time.

• (844) 842-2855
• TTY dial 711
• [email protected]

New Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates from Across U.S.

The National Science Foundation awarded a team, led by principal investigators Professor Ajay Gopinathan and Carrie Kouadio, funding to establish a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at UC Merced.

This new program seeks to increase the diversity of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research community.

The Interdisciplinary Biological Engineering and Science Training (I-BEST) program is affiliated with the CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines (CCBM) and will provide students hands-on experience they might not otherwise have in interdisciplinary research in biophysical sciences, biotechnology, biomaterials and bioengineering.

CCBM Executive Director Kouadio and CCBM co-founder and faculty co-Director Gopinathan will work with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) and the STEM Center to provide mentorship, education, professional development and social activities for 10 students each year, who will live on campus for 10 weeks of the summer as they conduct research with faculty mentors.

CCBM already has one undergraduate academic-year fellowship program and one established summer research program focused on local students. I-BEST will offer spots to students from across California and the United States.

I-BEST REU will increase opportunities for underrepresented students as well as those with limited research opportunities and help prepare participants for graduate school and future careers, Kouadio said.

CCBM is an interdisciplinary center. It has been active since 2016 and integrates about 30 faculty members, 70 graduate students and 20 undergraduates, as well as multiple scientists and postdoctoral researchers, who all contribute to its research, education, training, outreach and efforts to broaden participation.

“Major advances nowadays in bio-related fields require contributions by people from multiple disciplines working together in a team,” Gopinathan said. “Students will be able to experience such cutting-edge research first-hand in the highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment created and sustained by CCBM’s infrastructure, faculty and students. The knowledge generated through these projects should have a high scientific impact and lead to applications that benefit society.”

REU participants will work with graduate students and faculty on projects that cross the boundaries between chemistry, physics, materials science, molecular and cell biology and bioengineering. They will enhance their research skills, develop effective scientific communication skills — especially across disciplinary boundaries — develop their confidence in doing team science in interdisciplinary fields and help advance scientific understanding.

They also will get exposure to life on a UC campus, attend networking and professional development workshops, including career panels with industry experts, and take part in activities such as trips to Yosemite National Park, movie nights and tours of the Merced Vernal Pool and Grassland Reserve .

CCBM’s established summer research program has recruited diverse cohorts since it began in 2016 — 64% from underrepresented groups, 35% Hispanic and 57% women — and Gopinathan and Kouadio aim to replicate or better those results.

They and affiliated faculty plan to recruit at CSU campuses, as well as community colleges in the Central Valley, and at national events such as the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science conference and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists.

I-BEST is now the second active REU site at UC Merced, along with one in physics, and the sixth for the campus since its founding.

Gopinathan is a professor in the Department of Physics , where, since 2006, he has been leading a research group using theoretical and computational methods to understand biological transport and self-organization. He is also a member of the Health Sciences Research Institute , serves as a director of the National Institutes of Health-funded G-RISE graduate training program and is the chair of the national Division of Biological Physics of the American Physical Society.

For over seven years, Kouadio has served as executive director of the CCBM, working with faculty, project scientists, students, staff and partners to achieve the Center's research, education, outreach and participation-broadening goals. She oversees Center administration and K-12 and community outreach , including the Science for Humanity Series, the annual Open House and CCBM summer camps.

“We are truly pleased that our CREST Center is continuing to bring in new opportunities for research connected to our scientific focus areas,” Kouadio said. “By giving undergraduates from outside of UC Merced the chance to conduct interdisciplinary research on our campus for a summer and to participate in valuable professional development sessions, these students will be well-positioned to consider UC Merced for their graduate studies and to pursue their career goals.”

Additional Links

• Executive Leadership
• University Library
• School of Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts
• Ernest & Julio Gallo Management Program
• Division of Graduate Education
• Division of Undergraduate Education

Administration

• Office of the Chancellor
• Office of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
• Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence
• External Relations
• Finance & Administration
• Physical Operations, Planning and Development
• Student Affairs
• Research and Economic Development
• Office of Information Technology

University of California, Merced 5200 North Lake Rd. Merced, CA 95343 Telephone: (209) 228-4400

• © 2024
• About UC Merced
• Privacy/Legal
• Site Feedback
• Accessibility

Join a research project

Research projects are likely to be happening in the organisation you are currently working in. Investigate, and take the time to map them out. If you are currently on a course, your lecturers may well be connected to studies which are happening. Let people know what you are interested in. There are likely to be opportunities for you to assist on a trial and get important insights about the ways in which research actively links to improving services, interventions and patient care.

“You learn a lot about research processes just by becoming involved in existing research projects.” – Martin Webber, Professor of Social Work

Approach the R&D department where you are 

Make contact with lecturers from your training 

Publish what you can where you can! Service reviews, opinion pieces

“You can work as co-investigators on projects that are led by more experienced researchers to get into the groove, to get a feel for the processes and structures from working together.”

Ben Hannigan, Professor of Mental Health Nursing

Newsletter sign up

By clicking sign up I confirm that I have read and agree with the privacy policy

Frist Center for Autism and Innovation

VUMC Seeking Clinicians who Currently Care for Adults with IDD for Project

Posted by stasikjs on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Internships and Applications .

Are you a clinician caring for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD)? If yes, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has an opportunity for you to enhance your skills and improve patient outcomes. 

Join experienced clinicians at VUMC who have developed an ECHO I/DD training program designed to foster an all-teach/all-learn environment. The program will consist of live video-conferencing sessions that meet twice a month for an hour for six months, starting in May 2024.

By participating in this program, you will not only enhance your skills but also  be compensated  for your valuable time. Moreover, the sessions will count for CME, adding to your professional development. The sessions will include managing co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions, supporting adults with I/DD in the clinic, housing, and community support, supporting families/caregivers, post-secondary education and employment, and more. 

Wellpoint sponsors this project, and clinicians who accept Wellpoint insurance are eligible to participate. For more information, please  get in touch with  Dr. Beth Malow, the Vanderbilt site director, at  [email protected] ,  or see the flyer below. 

Comments are closed

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

New Group Joins the Political Fight Over Disinformation Online

The group intends to fight what its leader, Nina Jankowicz, and others have described as a coordinated campaign by conservatives and their allies to undermine researchers who study disinformation.

By Steven Lee Myers and Jim Rutenberg

Two years ago, Nina Jankowicz briefly led an agency at the Department of Homeland Security created to fight disinformation — the establishment of which provoked a political and legal battle over the government’s role in policing lies and other harmful content online that continues to reverberate.

Now she has re-entered the fray with a new nonprofit organization intended to fight what she and others have described as a coordinated campaign by conservatives and others to undermine researchers, like her, who study the sources of disinformation.

Already a lightning rod for critics of her work on the subject, Ms. Jankowicz inaugurated the organization with a letter accusing three Republican committee chairmen in the House of Representatives of abusing their subpoena powers to silence think tanks and universities that expose the sources of disinformation.

“These tactics echo the dark days of McCarthyism, but with a frightening 21st-century twist,” she wrote in the letter on Monday with the organization’s co-founder Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, a public-relations consultant who in 2020 was involved in efforts to defend the integrity of the American voting system.

The inception of the group, the American Sunlight Project, reflects how divisive the issue of identifying and combating disinformation has become as the 2024 presidential election approaches. It also represents a tacit admission that the informal networks formed at major universities and research organizations to address the explosion of disinformation online have failed to mount a substantial defense against a campaign, waged largely on the right, depicting their work as part of an effort to silence conservatives.

Taking place in the courts, in conservative media and on the Republican-led House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, the campaign has largely succeeded in eviscerating efforts to monitor disinformation, especially around the integrity of the American election system.

Many of the nation’s most prominent researchers, facing lawsuits, subpoenas and physical threats, have pulled back.

“More and more researchers were getting swept up by this, and their institutions weren’t either allowing them to respond or responding in a way that really just was not rising to meet the moment,” Ms. Jankowicz said in an interview. “And the problem with that, obviously, is that if we don’t push back on these campaigns, then that’s the prevailing narrative.”

That narrative is prevailing at a time when social media companies have abandoned or cut back efforts to enforce their own policies against certain types of content.

Many experts have warned that the problem of false or misleading content is only going to increase with the advent of artificial intelligence.

“Disinformation will remain an issue as long as the strategic gains of engaging in it, promoting it and profiting from it outweigh consequences for spreading it,” Common Cause, the nonpartisan public interest group, wrote in a report published last week that warned of a new wave of disinformation around this year’s vote.

Ms. Jankowicz said her group would run advertisements about the broad threats and effects of disinformation and produce investigative reports on the backgrounds and financing of groups conducting disinformation campaigns — including those targeting the researchers.

She has joined with two veteran political strategists: Mr. Álvarez-Aranyos, formerly a communications strategist for Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan group that seeks to counter domestic authoritarian threats, and Eddie Vale, formerly of American Bridge, a liberal group devoted to gathering opposition research into Republicans.

The organization’s advisory board includes Katie Harbath, a former Facebook executive who was previously a top digital strategist for Senate Republicans; Ineke Mushovic, a founder of the Movement Advancement Project , a think tank that tracks threats to democracy and gay, lesbian and transgender issues; and Benjamin Wittes, a national security legal expert at the Brookings Institution and editor in chief of Lawfare .

“We need to be a little bit more aggressive about how we think about defending the research community,” Mr. Wittes said in an interview, portraying the attacks against it as part of “a coordinated assault on those who have sought to counter disinformation and election interference.”

In the letter to congressional Republicans, Ms. Jankowicz noted the appearance of a fake robocall in President Biden’s voice discouraging voters in New Hampshire from voting in the state’s primary and artificially generated images of former President Donald J. Trump with Black supporters, as well as renewed efforts by China and Russia to spread disinformation to American audiences.

The American Sunlight Project has been established as a nonprofit under the section of the Internal Revenue Code that allows it greater leeway to lobby than tax-exempt charities known as 501(c)(3)s. It also does not have to disclose its donors, which Ms. Jankowicz declined to do, though she said the project had initial commitments of $1 million in donations.

The budget pales in comparison with those behind the counteroffensive like America First Legal, the Trump-aligned group that, with a war chest in the tens of millions of dollars, has sued researchers at Stanford and the University of Washington over their collaboration with government officials to combat misinformation about voting and Covid-19.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon in a federal lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana accusing government agencies of using the researchers as proxies to pressure social media platforms to take down or restrict the reach of accounts.

The idea for the American Sunlight Project grew out of Ms. Jankowicz’s experience in 2022 when she was appointed executive director of a newly created Disinformation Governance Board at the Department of Homeland Security.

From the instant the board became public, it faced fierce criticism portraying it as an Orwellian Ministry of Truth that would censor dissenting voices in violation of the First Amendment, though in reality it had only an advisory role and no enforcement authority.

Ms. Jankowicz, an expert on Russian disinformation who once served as an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stepped down shortly after her appointment. Even then, she faced such a torrent of personal threats online that she hired a security consultant. The board was suspended and then, after a short review, abolished.

“I think we’re existing in an information environment where it is very easy to weaponize information and to make it seem sinister,” Mr. Álvarez-Aranyos said. “And I think we’re looking for transparency. I mean, this is sunlight in the very literal sense.”

Ms. Jankowicz said that she was aware that her involvement with the new group would draw out her critics, but that she was well positioned to lead it because she had already “gone through the worst of it.”

Steven Lee Myers covers misinformation and disinformation from San Francisco. Since joining The Times in 1989, he has reported from around the world, including Moscow, Baghdad, Beijing and Seoul. More about Steven Lee Myers

Jim Rutenberg is a writer at large for The Times and The New York Times Magazine and writes most often about media and politics. More about Jim Rutenberg

Excellence in plant and microbial science

Neurodiversity Project Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Neurodiversity Project Officer to join the Directorate, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

Working as part of the Directorate, you will be responsible for implementing, delivering, monitoring, and reporting on a BBSRC-funded  ‘Connecting Culture Project’, which aims to foster cross-institutional activities and sharing of best practice.

The project, led by JIC, will focus on increasing awareness around neurodiversity and celebrating the value it brings. The project seeks to establish a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodiverse staff and students through combining training, awareness building and networking activities.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in project management and knowledge of EDI practices relating to neurodiversity, as well as establishing broader networks while refining your communication and engagement skills.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will be passionate about EDI, research culture and our science, who can confidently manage a collaborative neurodiversity project, including the delivery of events and the creation written and digital content to promote the activities. The post holder will be able to interact with a range of people at different levels both internally and externally and understand how and why valuing neurodiversity is important.

Candidates will have five GCSE’s grade A-C (including English) or equivalent. Education to a degree level and/or a relevant professional qualification will be highly advantageous.

You will have a strong understanding of EDI and its impact in the workplace. An excellent understanding of neurodiversity is also highly desirable. Candidates should also have demonstrable experience in project management, preferably in EDI or related initiatives, and developing content, events and activities that are informative, accurate and engaging. Previous experience working in a research institute or similar academic environment would be beneficial.

Additional information

This role will be 15 hours per week, for a period of 12 months.

Interviews are to take place on 17 May 2024.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here , or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or [email protected] quoting reference 1004648 .

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

More Vacancies

Postdoctoral researcher (hogenhout group).

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof Saskia Hogenhout (twitter: @SaskiaHogenhout) at the John Innes Centre (JIC) to study phytoplasma effectors in human and animal cells and animal model systems.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof Saskia Hogenhout (twitter: @SaskiaHogenhout) at the John Innes Centre (JIC) to study molecular processes in host-pathogen interactions.

Search the Research Collection

Early registration is now open for the 2024 convention in Minneapolis.

This Week in SABR: April 26, 2024

Welcome to “This Week in SABR” on Friday, April 26, 2024. Click here to view this newsletter on the web .

Last call to vote in SABR Board of Directors election SABR 52: Black Baseball in Minnesota Panel Register now for Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference Contribute to SABR’s Four Pillars Fund Baltimore celebrates Union Park historical marker dedication Join us for Live Oral History with Dave Righetti

SABR 52: Black Baseball in Minnesota Panel

We hope you’ll join us for SABR’s 52nd annual convention on August 7-11, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota! We’re excited to announce our Black Baseball in Minnesota Panel:

• Pete Gorton , founder, The Donaldson Network
• Todd Peterson , co-chair, SABR Negro Leagues Committee
• Carl Rogan , grandson of Hall of Famer Wilber “Bullet” Rogan
• Frank M. White , historian and author

Click here to learn more about our Featured Speakers at SABR 52, including Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Bert Blyleven, and Jim Kaat.

SABR 52 will be the most accessible and social experience we’ve ever organized as we emphasize SABR’s ability to unite all of us in baseball fellowship, so sign up today to join us! All baseball fans are welcome to attend.

Visit SABR.org/convention to learn more.

1 month left to register for Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference

Early registration is now open for SABR’s annual Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference , which will be held on June 6-9, 2024, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. All baseball fans are welcome to attend.

Full and single-day registration is available for a discounted rate before May 24, along with a new virtual registration option. All panels and presentations held at the Hall of Fame’s Grandstand Theater on Friday and Saturday will be available on the Zoom livestream.

In-person attendees will also have an opportunity to view the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit, The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball .

• Schedule: Click here to view the 2024 Malloy Conference schedule .
• Information Packet: Click here to download the conference information packet (PDF)
• Library Grants:  Click here to download an application for the $500 Dick Clark Memorial Library Grants (PDF). Deadline: September 16, 2024.

Visit SABR.org/malloy to learn more or to register.

Contribute to SABR’s Four Pillars Fund

Research – Preservation – Scholarship – Future of the Game . These are the four pillars on which SABR stands as an organization.

Each pillar represents one of our organizational values and the support of donors like you makes a significant impact on our ability to fortify our foundation while also fulfilling SABR’s vision of becoming the essential community for the world of baseball.

This spring, we ask you to contribute to the FOUR PILLARS FUND . Our goal is to raise $65,000 during this campaign to strengthen each of our four pillars by supporting baseball research , committing to preservation , furthering the reach of our scholarship , and building a bridge to the future of the game .

To donate or learn more about SABR’s Four Pillars Fund and the existing efforts and exciting new initiatives that will be funded by a successful campaign , visit SABR.org/donate/four-pillars .

Baltimore celebrates Union Park historical marker dedication

On Friday, April 19, SABR’s Baltimore Babe Ruth Chapter hosted a dedication ceremony for the Union Park historical marker placed by the chapter on the front façade of the St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

The chapter was the recipient of a SABR Local Grant in 2023 to help install the Union Park historical marker. Speakers at the ceremony included Michael Gibbons, director emeritus and historian of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum; Professor Bernard McKenna, author of The Baltimore Black Sox: A Negro Leagues History, 1913-1936 ; Burt Solomon, author of Where They Ain’t: The Fabled Life and Untimely Death of the Original Baltimore Orioles ; Janet Marie Smith, chapter board member; and Bill Stetka, director, Orioles alumni.

Click here to read the full announcement at SABR.org .

Join us on May 9 for Live Oral History with Dave Righetti

Baseball fans, join us for a special virtual event at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, May 9, 2024: a live SABR Oral History interview with former New York Yankees All-Star pitcher and longtime San Francisco Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti .

• Register: Click here to register for this free Zoom event on May 9

All fans are invited to attend this interview session on Zoom, which will be conducted by Oral History Committee chair John McMurray. The interview will be recorded and added to SABR’s Oral History Collection archive afterward.

Last chance to vote for 2024 Board of Directors Election

SABR members, please pay attention to the email address that you have on file with SABR; you should have received messages from [email protected] on April 16 and April 23 with a link to vote online in the 2024 SABR Board of Directors election.

• Not seeing your ballot? Some members have reported that Tuesday’s election ballot email showed up in their Spam folder rather than their inbox. If you did not receive your ballot, please check your Spam folder. Or contact [email protected] to request that your ballot be re-sent.

The poll will close at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, April 30. The only way to vote online is through the link you will receive by email. All emails will come from the address [email protected] .

• Election Guide: Click here to download the 2024 SABR Election Guide (PDF)
• Virtual Candidate Forum: Click here to watch a replay of the 2024 Virtual Candidate Forum (YouTube)

You will find three items on the 2024 election ballot: the election of the SABR Vice President, Secretary, and two (2) Directors positions. Click here to learn more .

Member Benefit Spotlight: This Week in SABR

As a SABR member, you have vast resources and benefits at your disposal. With so much information at your fingertips, we realize it can be overwhelming to absorb it all! To highlight key benefits, read on for a SABR Member Benefit Spotlight , an email series that identifies and explains some of the most valuable features of your membership. We hope this allows you to take full advantage of all SABR has to offer.

Click here for a short video about how to access This Week in SABR and what you can expect to find in your inbox each Friday in our newsletter.

Find new updates to the SABR Research Collection below, including the Baseball Biography Project, Games Project, and Oral History Collection.

3 new stories published at the SABR BioProject

• Brian Jordan , by Douglas Jordan
• Nate McLouth , by Warren Kent III (first-time author)
• Bullet Rogan , by Thomas Kern

Visit SABR.org/bioproject to learn more about the SABR BioProject or to get involved.

4 new stories published at SABR Games Project

• May 12, 1915: Red Faber’s reported 67-pitch complete game beats Washington , by Kurt Blumenau
• August 14, 1960: Bill White’s cycle a bright spot for Cardinals in Pirates’ sweep , by Mike Huber
• April 28, 1964: Dick Stuart rallies Red Sox with 11th-inning grand slam , by Bill Nowlin
• April 30, 1974: Fenway falls silent again after Doug Griffin is beaned by Nolan Ryan , by Andrew Harner

In addition, these stories from SABR’s Ebbets Field: Great, Historic, and Memorable Games in Brooklyn’s Lost Ballpark (2023), edited by Gregory H. Wolf, were posted online this week:

• September 12, 1942: Whitey Kurowski’s home run lifts Cardinals into first-place tie with Dodgers , by Stephen V. Rice
• September 2, 1944: Dixie Walker hits for the cycle as Dodgers climb out of last place , by Mike Huber
• September 11, 1946: Johnny Vander Meer’s tireless 15 innings end in futility , by Richard Cuicchi
• October 3, 1946: Cardinals finish tiebreaker sweep, advance to the World Series , by Don Zminda
• October 2, 1947: Dodgers strike back to beat Yankees in Game 3 , by Thomas J. Brown Jr.
• October 3, 1947: Cookie Lavagetto’s walk-off double shocks Yankees, ruins Bill Bevens’ no-hit bid , by Thomas J. Brown Jr.
• October 4, 1947: Spec Shea’s pitching puts Yankees on the verge of title , by Thomas J. Brown Jr.
• July 4, 1948: Dodgers beat Giants in Fourth of July fireworks , by Paul E. Doutrich
• July 30, 1948: Wally Westlake hits for the cycle as Pirates double up Dodgers , by Mike Huber
• August 5, 1948: Gene Hermanski becomes first Dodger to hit 3 home runs in Brooklyn; Carl Erskine goes distance in first career start , by Gregory H. Wolf
• June 12, 1949: Hodges, Cox combine forces in Dodgers’ offensive explosion , by Richard Cuicchi
• July 12, 1949: The All-Star Game finally comes to Brooklyn , by Lyle Spatz

Visit SABR.org/gamesproject to learn more about the SABR Games Project or to get involved.

Sox Bid Curse Farewell: The 2004 Boston Red Sox Edited by Bill Nowlin

Visit SABR.org/ebooks to download the free e-book edition or save 50% off the paperback edition of all Digital Library books.

Here are some SABR headlines from recent weeks that we don’t want you to miss:

• Check out highlights, photos, and stories from the 2024 SABR Analytics Conference
• 2024 Henry Chadwick Award recipients announced
• Steve Gietschier wins 2024 SABR Seymour Medal
• Learn more about recipients of SABR Local Grants in 2024
• 2024 SABR Baseball Research Award winners announced
• The SABR Bookshelf: Spring 2024
• Member Benefit Spotlight: Contribute to Projects and Publications
• Gary Huckabay honored with 2024 SABR Analytics Conference Lifetime Achievement Award
• Nominations open for 2024 Dorothy Seymour Mills Lifetime Achievement Award
• Check out SABR Day highlights, photos, and videos
• SABR’s Ballpark Figures to feature Stories of the Negro Leagues in 2024
• SABR announces partnership with Alzheimer’s Association
• Find complete collection of SABR-Rucker Archive baseball images online
• Historical Black Newspapers Collection added to SABR Research Resources
• Get a gift for baseball fan in your life with the SABR Store @ CafePress

Please give a warm welcome to all new SABR members who joined this week! View more Members-Only resources at members.sabr.org or click here to download the Membership Handbook. Find contact information for any SABR member in the online Membership Directory .

• Events Calendar: Find details of all upcoming SABR events .
• Video Replays: This week, we heard from the 19th Century Book Club ( Inventing Baseball ). Click here to view video replays of virtual SABR events .

Upcoming Virtual Meetings

• April 27: Schott-Pelican (LA) Chapter meeting with Stew Thornley , Mary Shea , and Ian O’Dougherty (10:00 a.m. CDT)
• April 28: Baltimore Babe Ruth (MD) Chapter meeting with Jack Bales (7:00 p.m. EDT)
• April 28: IWBC Author Talks with Lincoln Mitchell (3:00 p.m. EDT)
• April 29: Clyde Sukeforth (ME/NH) Chapter meeting (7:00 p.m. EDT)
• April 29: Central Illinois Chapter meeting with David Brauer (7:00 p.m. CDT)
• April 30: Games and Simulations meeting with Derrick Beckner (8:00 p.m. EDT)
• May 1: Baltimore Babe Ruth (MD) Chapter meeting with Noah Gittell (7:00 p.m. EDT)
• May 4: Bob Davids Talkin’ Baseball: Steve Steinberg (9:00 a.m. EDT)
• May 4: Rice-Russell Nashville (TN) Chapter meeting with Steve Dittmore and Ken Beck (10:00 a.m. CDT)

Upcoming In-Person Meetings

• April 27: Rabbit Maranville Chapter Meeting (Springfield, MA)
• April 27: Smoky Joe Wood Chapter meeting (Middletown, CT)
• April 27: Baltimore Babe Ruth Chapter ballgame/meet-up (Baltimore, MD)
• April 27: Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter game night (St. Louis, MO)
• April 30: Juan Marichal Chapter meeting (Santo Domingo, DOM)
• May 1: Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting (Tallahassee, FL)
• May 1: Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter fellowship meeting (St. Louis, MO)
• May 5: Gardner-Waterman Vermont Chapter meeting (South Burlington, VT)

To add your SABR event to our calendar listings, please contact Jacob Pomrenke .

• Baseball Records: Spring 2024 newsletter

Sign up for SABR research committee announcements at SABR.org/research/committees .

• Halsey Hall Chapter: May 2024 newsletter (Minneapolis, MN)

Sign up for SABR chapter announcements at SABR.org/chapters .

Click here to learn more about SABR chartered communities.

Here are some recent articles published by and about SABR members:

• Save 40% on baseball books from University of Nebraska Press with discount code 6BAB24 through April 30
• Scott Waltman: Sign will commemorate history of Aberdeen Pheasants (Aberdeen Insider)
• David Brancaccio: How baseball’s Negro Leagues became successful business enterprises (NPR Marketplace)
• Catherine Orihuela: How Newark Eagles’ co-owner Effa Manley fought for civil rights (NPR Marketplace)
• Jayson Stark: Tanner Houck’s 1-hour, 49-minute shutout: A quick appreciation (The Athletic)
• Jay Jaffe: A Look at Aaron Judge’s Season-Opening Slump (FanGraphs)
• Alex Speier: ‘Ready to ball out’: Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer is a man on a mission (Boston Globe)
• Mark Simon: The Running Reds Are Even Better in 2024 (Sports Info Solutions)
• Tyler Kepner: Reconsidering the pitcher win criteria, MLB’s best mounds and more (The Athletic)
• Stephen J. Nesbitt: ‘Back to boring’: Chad Kuhl’s baseball comeback is a welcome return to ‘normal’ (The Athletic)
• Howard Bryant: A racial slur and a Fort Myers High baseball team torn apart (ESPN.com)
• Derrick Goold: How Cardinals reliever assured more chances with ‘biggest performance of my life’ mindset (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• David Laurila: Logan O’Hoppe Bought a Bleacher Ticket (FanGraphs)
• Michael Clair: Meet the fan with an autographed baseball from every Mexican-born Major Leaguer in history (MLB.com)
• Patrick Dubuque: Do Sophomores Still Slump? (Baseball Prospectus)
• Davy Andrews: The Deconstructed Hitter (FanGraphs)
• Rob Mains: Has the Universal Designated Hitter Affected the DH Penalty? (Baseball Prospectus)
• Daniel Brown: Former Dodger Steve Sax sets out to honor the Marine pilot he calls ‘my hero’ (The Athletic)
• Grant Brisbee: Joey Bart is off to a hot start with the Pirates. Should the Giants have regrets? (The Athletic)
• Dan Cichalski: MLB’s oldest living player is turning 100 (MLB.com)
• Peter Devereaux: How the Tobacco Industry Lured Customers with Baseball Cards (Smithsonian Magazine)
• Jeff Cohen/Len Aberman: Baseball and BBQ interview with author Patrick Montgomery (Baseball and BBQ)

Please note: Some articles may require a separate subscription to view online. SABR does not endorse, and is not responsible or liable for, any content that appears on a third-party website.

This Week in SABR is compiled by Jacob Pomrenke. If you would like us to include an upcoming event, article, or any other information in “This Week in SABR,” e-mail [email protected] . To find past editions of TWIS, click here .

Are you receiving our e-mails? “This Week in SABR” goes out by e-mail to all members on Friday afternoons. If they’re not showing up, try adding “[email protected]” to your contact list to ensure they show up in your inbox.

Support SABR today!

Cronkite School at ASU 555 N. Central Ave. #406-C Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-496-1460

Meet the Staff

Board of Directors

Annual Reports

Diversity Statement

Contact SABR

© SABR. All Rights Reserved