Finding a place to develop the scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills that you need in medical school, graduate school, or jobs that require a strong scientific foundation can be daunting. Our advisers and peer advisors can offer you guidance in how to find those opportunities, but you can also look for these on your own.
How Do I Find a Research Opportunity?
Know Yourself
It’s important that you understand where your curiosity lies. Is it a particular disease that you are fascinated by, a population of individuals who disproportionately suffer from illness, or cure you want to find? Then use your resources to search for research at Vanderbilt and VUMC in those areas. You can search individual department websites, and as you review faculty research, ask yourself, what big picture problem are they trying to solve? Is that something you are interested in diving into?
Feel free to visit the following pages that highlight the wide array of research opportunities at Vanderbilt and through Vanderbilt School of Medicine:
Apply Through a Program
Certain organizations are dedicated to bridging the gap between undergraduates and research opportunities. These organizations help students identify areas of involvement, guide them through the research process, and even provide funding! Notable examples include SyBBURE and Vanderbilt’s SIM program.
Leverage Your Connections
Throughout your time at Vanderbilt, you will encounter various professors, almost all of whom are engaged actively in research. If a class stimulates your intellectual curiosity, try to learn more about your professor’s work in an effort to understand if you might want to reach out. Similarly, talk to your peers who may already be involved in a lab. They may know of openings in their own lab or department, or point you in a certain direction given their own search. Don’t hesitate to get resourceful!