Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in the active research programs of the department. Research experience is a valuable complement to coursework, allows students to delve deeper into a specific area of scientific research, and provides a unique opportunity for first-hand experience in a research environment. This can be extremely valuable for students pursing graduate or professional programs after graduation or just to get a taste of what research is like. You can explore research opportunities at any time, but most faculty members will expect students to have already completed many of their core courses.

BIOL 3900 is a specific course designed for students to earn credit by completing scientific investigations under the direction of a faculty member. Permission from a Faculty member is required to register for BIOL 3900.

Suggestions on how to get involved in Undergraduate Research:

1. Earn high grades in your courses and make an effort to get to know your professors. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA in Biology (and 2.8 overall) to be eligible for undergraduate research and you are more likely to be accepted into the lab of the faculty member of your choice if you have a strong background.

2. Spend some time identifying an area of research you would like to be involved in. Then identify Faculty members whose research programs match your interests. Recent publications are often also included on individual faculty web pages. Explore some of the faculty members’ publications to gather background information on their area of scientific expertise. It will be important to be prepared when you go speak with the faculty member (see below).

3. After identifying a faculty member, contact them to express your interest in their work and ask about the possibility of doing research in their lab. Be prepared to explain why an undergraduate research project would be a valuable experience for you and why you would be a successful undergraduate researcher in their laboratory.

4. Do not be discouraged if a particular faculty member cannot immediately accept your request. There are many reasons why faculty members may not be able to take on more undergraduate researchers. The most common is that their lab is full, and space and equipment are limited. They may also be over-committed with various responsibilities. Therefore, be flexible, inquire with another faculty member or try again a different semester.

For students who want more assistance getting connected with a research lab:

Students can click on “Apply Now” to declare an interest in actively participating in Undergraduate Research mentored by Faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Please note:

1. Direct interactions with potential mentors remains the most successful approach to enroll in our research program as an undergraduate.

2. The completion of this form does not secure a spot in Undergraduate Research, but it will increase the chances of success.

3. These forms are collected approximately each month during the academic year. Peak times for matching with faculty are the middle of the semester prior to joining a lab.

4. For more information, you can contact the Biological Sciences Director of Undergraduate Research (ddreau@uncc.edu).

Additional Resources:

Contact the UNC Charlotte Office of Undergraduate Research for opportunities on campus during th eacademic year and in the summer.