It is an extraordinary time for ILS students to become research scientists and clinical physicians. The 21st century is often said to be the "Golden Age of Life Science Research," because scientists are developing new perspectives, methods, and equipment that are resulting in the discovery of life science and biomedical knowledge at an unprecedented rate. In order to pursue a career in the life sciences, it is critical that students acquire a deep appreciation for the research process responsible for generating the new knowledge that will shape their future careers.

The experiential component ILS is thus designed to facilitate meaningful experiences in basic biological, biomedical, and clinical research on the UM campus and at federal research centers and biomedical institutes in the Washington, DC area. Such institutes as NIH-Bethesda, FDA-College Park, USDA-Beltsville, and Smithsonian Institution-Washington, DC, have international renown for research excellence. All ILS students are expected to complete at least one authentic and relevant biology related research experience, including an electronic portfolio, in their first two years on campus in order to receive the ILS honors citation.

Finding research internships

It is the goal of the ILS staff to help ILS students to identify, apply for, and successfully complete meaningful internship experiences that will further their ability to acquire a deeper appreciation for the research process and to achieve their professional goals. ILS students can pursue internship opportunities in many ways, including

• Personal contacts with UM faculty or off-campus researchers
• The network of on-campus research opportunities in the life sciences
• The searchable ILS catalog of relevant internship opportunities in federal research laboratories, private companies, and non-profit research organizations in the DC metro area
• International programs from the UM Education Abroad Office
• Research, clinical, and service opportunities related to the health professions from the Health Professions Advising Office

ILS research internship approval process:

1. Enroll in BSCI279H Catalyst Seminar in the Spring semester of their first year in the ILS program. This 1 credit seminar course is strongly recommended and takes each student step-by-step through the process of identifying and finding a research internship.
2. Meet with Dr. Quimby to discuss your research interests and various research options.
3. If applying for research opportunities off-campus, request letters of recommendation, prepare curriculum vitae (resume) and cover letter. You must meet with Dr. Quimby before requesting a letter from Dr. Cooke.
4. Identify a research mentor.
5. Complete the ILS Internship Approval form with your research mentor and submit to Dr. Quimby within the first week of your research internship.
6. Develop your ILS e-portfolio during your research internship experience.
7. Upon completion of your research internship time complete your e-portfolio and submit to Dr. Quimby for final sign-off for the ILS research internship requirement.