Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) students at UW-Madison have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading researchers. Many opportunities for laboratory research experience are available on campus for undergraduate students and at least two credits of molecular or cellular related research is required in the major. Research experience provides students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning and compliment their knowledge with practical skills. It is highly valued by employers, graduate programs, and professional schools.
BioCommons & Wiscience –Find a Mentor Video Series, Find a Mentor Workshops, Undergraduate Research Peer Leaders
Wisconsin Discovery Portal -database of campus researchers and their research projects. You can search by your area of interest.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Research tab -explore researchers
WISCIENCE –Entering Research course series
Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) -opportunity for first and second year students
UW Experts Database -find UW experts by suggested topic or search for your interest area
Identify Labs: Once you have identified research mentors with which you are interested in working, it s time to contact them. Many research mentor relationships begin with an email. By sending an email, your potential research mentor has the opportunity to review your materials (i.e. resume) before responding.
Draft your email: Check out these tips to consider when writing your email. When drafting your email, it is important to remember that you need to make a case for yourself. You need to show the potential research mentor that you are qualified and worth speaking with further.
Follow up: Keep in mind that some researchers may not be hiring, that they are often quite busy, and that one research lab may be a better fit for you than another. As such, it is to your benefit to contact multiple research mentors that you are interested in working alongside. And remember – it may take a few attempts before you make contact! So be polite and considerate of response time, but keep on trying if you do not make contact right away.
Sealing the Research Deal
If asked to interview, make sure you are:
- On time
- Enthusiastic, motivated, and yourself!
- Prepared to discuss your interest in the position and why you are a good fit
- Knowledgeable of the research taking place in the lab
- Prepared to ask questions about the position and your role in the lab
- Geared with copies of transcripts, resumes, cover letters, etc.
Students may pursue cell and molecular related research in any department at UW-Madison, however, they will need to have their research experience approved by MCB to have the requirement fulfilled. It is recommended that you connect with your advisor to discuss research and opportunities.
699: Directed Studies
Directed Studies is designed for students to pursue knowledge beyond the curriculum of the major through research under the supervision of a faculty member or research mentor on campus. Action Item, Once you are enrolled in 699 research credits (in your Mentor’s department), email a paragraph to MCB that explain a bit about the research lab and the project you are working on -highlighting the molecular/cellular aspects of your research, mcb@biology.wisc.edu.
For most departments, you will need to complete a 699 authorization/agreement form in order to receive permission to enrol in Independent Study with your PI. Here are a few of these forms.
SMPH 699 Course Authorization Form-This form is for a select number of departments in SMPH (e.g., CRB, Medicine, etc.).
Biochemistry Independent Study Agreement Form– Scroll down on this page to “Enrolling in research for credit”.
Genetics Undergraduate Research Form– This link will lead you to a page on the Genetics website with instructions for enrolling in research in this department.
Mol Bio 699 Course Authorization Form– This form is to be used if your PI does not have a section of 699 in their home/affiliated department.
Getting Started in Your Research Role
A successful research experience is grounded in mutually accepted and understood expectations. It is important that you meet with your mentor to discuss what your role will be, what you hope to gain from the experience, what your mentor expects of you, what you would like to research, etc.
Consider using a Mentor/Mentee Contract to help build your research relationship with your mentor.
Amgen Scholars, hands-on research in the lab alongside top faculty, seminars and networking events, and symposia with peers and leading scientists.
APHL-CDC Fellowships, variety of laboratory fellowship programs to train and prepare scientists for careers in public health laboratories and support public health initiatives.
CVRC Fellowship, program targets undergraduate junior or senior level college students with the goal to perform cardiovascular research.
McNair Scholars Program, aims to increase attainment of PhD degrees by underrepresented students
National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs) – funded summer research opportunities across the United States
Office of the Provost – Undergraduate Research Opportunities, Hilldale Research Fellowship, Undergraduate Research Scholars, Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowships, and more
Research Centers & Programs, Search the 50+ research centers and programs associated with UW-Madison
Sophomore Research Fellowship, Approximately 20-30 $2500 Sophomore Research Fellowships are available to UW-Madison students each year
Summer Research Opportunity Programs, summer research opportunity at UW-Madison to work with faculty in areas like Biomedical Data, Molecular Toxicology, and Medical Scientist Training
Summer Research Program at Rush University, research-intensive training program for students interested in biomedical sciences.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), program to connect first or second year students at UW-Madison to stem cell research
Trewartha Undergraduate Honors Research Grant, this grant enables honors students to undertake more demanding and extensive honors senior thesis research projects
Undergraduate Research Award, $2000 UW-Library award for students who intend intensive use of library resources as part of semester or year long research project such as a thesis.
Undergraduate Research Symposium, explore student research, attending the annual event and speaking with fellow students is a great way to learn about what others have done and how they did it!
Undergraduate Academic Awards Office, support for campus-wide awards and nationally competitive scholarships for research, service, leadership and scholarship
UW-Madison Research News, knowing what is happening on campus is a great way to identify areas and research labs of interest
Wisconsin Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship WICUR, a program developed to cultivate the next generation of cancer discovery scholars and clinicians