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Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Biology
Getting involved in independent research is a very popular thing to do in the Biology Department. Approximately half of each graduating class completes an honors thesis, with an additional quarter of the students participating in research without an honors thesis.
Who is eligible?
Biology majors have the option to conduct research with any of the Biology faculty members, or with faculty in other departments on campus. Students wishing to do research with faculty members outside the department must petition for Bio 199X credit in order for that credit apply toward the Biology major requirements, and honors, if applicable.
Tips for Searching for a Research Advisor
If you are searching for a research position, you’ll need to do more than email 15 faculty stating, “I want to join your lab. Do you have any openings?” A generic email is not compelling and you may not even receive a reply. Do your homework by reading what the faculty member’s interests are and be ready to ask specific questions. Be prepared to discuss your potential research interests. Faculty have many requests about research projects, so you should demonstrate your genuine interest with thoughtful questions. Take the perspective of the faculty member who has limited time, many requests and specific interests. Remember, politeness and persistence are important!
For more information about summer research funding, the honors program, and petition forms, please visit the Biology Research & Honors website at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/biology/biohonors/
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