Research overview

 

Research opportunities

All ILS students will complete a 240-hour research experience to earn their ILS Honors Citation. No prior research experience? Great! Prior research experience? Great! Everyone will have a strong set of transferable skills and understanding of scientific research upon completion of the ILS program.

Research can be conducted across a broad range of life sciences topics to appeal to the myriad corners of scientific inquiry applicable to our students. *We strongly advise that students do not pursue research until summer after their first year at the absolute earliest in order to 1) get strong academic footing in the first year of college to build the foundation of a strong transcript before adding in other responsibilities, 2) acclimating to the pace and rigor of the college environment and learning a new self-care routine, 3) having enough experience to know what to look for in a lab and with a project that will be the best fit for each student, and 4) be a more attractive candidate by PIs and supervisors for their research.

Please refer to the ELMS page and Dr. Kramer for specifics on your Research Experience requirements. These include submitting your Internship Form BEFORE you begin your research experience, submitting your ePortfolio, and earning the Cleared For Citation checkmark.

ILS RESEARCH INTERNSHIP APPROVAL PROCESS:

Avanish Yendluri working in his lab.

Consider enrolling in BSCI279H Catalyst Seminar in the Spring semester of your first year in the ILS program. See the Courses tab.

  1. Request appropriate letters of recommendation through the student portal (see the Admissions tab), prepare your CV, and cover letter.

  2. Start applying! Check out the resources above, email at least 30 labs before you ask for additional assistance, and ask around your ILS network.

  3. Identify a research mentor (PI), and complete the ILS Internship Approval form. Submit to Dr. Kramer within the first week of your research internship.

  4. Complete your e-portfolio and submit to Dr. Kramer for final sign-off for the ILS research internship requirement.

Research Experience ideas: on Campus

Students interested in a long-term research experience are encouraged to explore the incredible opportunities available on campus at UMD. By working with a Maryland faculty member, ILS students are able to learn about cutting edge research in their field of interest and can easily fit research into their schedule during the year. 

For suggestions on how to secure an on-campus research experience, visit the Finding a Faculty Research Mentor page on the website for the College of Computer, Math, and Natural Sciences (CMNS).

Students who prefer a more structured research program can apply for any of the following opportunities:

HHMI Fellowships for Undergraduate Research allows students the opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor while experiencing the investigative process and demonstrating their aptitude for research. The Biological Sciences (BSCI) program at UM has been recognized for its excellence in undergraduate research by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Thus, over the last decade, the BSCI program has awarded over 300 prestigious HHMI Fellowships for Undergraduate Research to UM undergraduates. This fellowship requires that students have already identified a research mentor and have a well-developed research plan. HHMI applicants are typically already working in a UM laboratory before they apply for the HHMI Fellowship. These fellowships provide up to $6,000 in stipend support for up to one year.

Maryland Center for Undergraduate Student Researcher offers students the opportunity to assist faculty members with scholarly research over the semester, spending 4 to 6 hours a week working under the direction of their faculty mentor. The MSR program compiles a database of faculty members seeking student volunteers and offers research experience across all disciplines.

Maryland Summer Scholars Program  provides funding support for undergraduate students to enhance their academic experience by spending the summer working closely with University of Maryland, College Park faculty mentors on scholarly research.  Maryland Summer Scholars may research on the College Park campus or elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad as required by the nature of the project. To be eligible students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits prior to the summer they intend to apply for. 

Research experience ideas: Off-Campus

Diego and Shreya with a sheep’s heart in the lab.

The proximity of UMD to numerous federal and non-profit research agencies affords ILS students the opportunity to undertake research in some world class organizations: NIH, National Cancer Institute, Smithsonian Institution, USDA-Beltsville, and the J. Craig Venter Institute. Summer internship programs offer the experience of working with renowned leaders in the fields of biological, biomedical, and ecological research.

Students who wish to conduct research over the summer, but who are not local, are encouraged to seek research experiences close to their homes. Students can search for relevant undergraduate research opportunities through the following nationwide databases:

ILS program staff can assist students in identifying research opportunities that will further their current professional goals, as well to expand their horizons of what is possible in related fields.