What is the “real” education?

If you doubt the traditional educational college view of taking notes in lecture halls, this booklet is the place to start. Involvement in a research laboratory is one of several options that you can take in order to enhance your college experience. Laboratory experience is highly valuable if you are interested in attending to a professional or medical school. Research experience is absolutely essential if you want to go to a graduate school.

There are four easy steps:

1) Identify a research field of your interest.

2) Match your research interest with faculty members’ at OU.

3) Learn more about their research projects visiting their web pages and reading their publications.

4) Visit professors of your choice and discuss a possibility of working in laboratory.

This booklet is designed such that you can jump-start on the steps 1 and 2. The number of positions is limited, so professors evaluate your true interest and motivation toward their research projects. Thus, Step 1 is the most important for your success. Open your mind and listen to your inner voice. Visit http://www.biosci.ohiou.edu/undergraduate/ugradresearch.htm for most recent information!

Are there any student organizations for research?

National Biological Honor Society Tri-Beta: Beta Beta Beta is a national honor and professional society of the biological sciences. A Tri Beta chapter offers its members activities and experiences that enrich and extend but do not duplicate the primary requirements for the biology major. Tri Beta was established in 1922 by Dr. Frank G. Brooks at Oklahoma City University. Ohio University’s chapter of Tri Beta was established in 1994.

The national chapter of Tri Beta publishes a national journal BIOS, to recognize outstanding individual and chapter accomplishments. This journal publishes articles by Tri Beta members and articles of national society affairs. Subjects covered include articles on current research, developments in biology, biology as a profession, as well as graduate and profession training for biologists. Special emphasis is placed on publication of undergraduate research papers. For details, email Dr. Tanda (tanda@ohio.edu), Club Faculty Advisor.

Microbiology Student Organization: This organization is dedicated to promote involvement in microbiology related topics. We provide assistance in furthering the education of individuals with interests in microbiology. We also hope to develop solid relationships between students and faculty in an attempt to make the college experience more enjoyable. For details, email Dr. Cunningham (cunninj1@ohio.edu), Club Faculty Advisor.

Wildlife Club: This club is dedicated to exposing its members to the myriad of animals that call Ohio their home. Hiking, camping, conservation work and simple sight-seeing of animals is our trade. Anyone is welcome in our midst we ask only that you treat wildlife with respect. We meet about 3 times a quarter to plan events, witness wildlife presentations and enjoy eachother’s company. For more information please contact Scott Moody (moody@ohio.edu) Club Faculty Advisor.

Can I earn credits for undergraduate research?

Yes, you can. If you are enrolled in Biological Sciences Majors, you have several options. Undergraduate research is generally done for course credit in Biological Sciences. A student may register for BIOS 493 (prerequisite: 20 hrs in BIOS and 3.0 g.p.a. in BIOS courses) or BIOS 494H (prerequisite: 30 hrs and 3.5 g.p.a. in BIOS courses). Both of these courses require permission from the professor directing the research project. Note that BIOS 494H is only for a student who is qualified for the Biological Sciences Honors Program. In addition BIOS 495H is designed for seniors enrolled in 494H who choose to write an honors thesis based on an undergraduate research project. It requires 494H, 40 hours and a 3.5 g.p.a. in BIOS courses and permission of the supervising faculty member. See the next section about the Biological Sciences Honors Program.

I am not a part of the Honors Tutorial College, but Can I graduate with honors?

Yes, you would be able to graduate with the Biological Sciences Departmental Honors, if you can meet the following criteria:

1. Complete a senior honors research thesis with one of the faculty in the Department (this requires registering for BIOS 494H and 495H).

2. Graduate with an overall GPA of at least 3.5, i.e. cum laude.

If you are interested in this program, you need to start thinking about it in your Junior year. You can pick up a copy of the Guidelines for Graduation with Departmental Honors from Angie Nilsen in the Biological Sciences office, Irvine 107 or email Dr. Anne Loucks (loucks@ohiou.edu).

Are there any funding opportunities for undergraduate research?

Yes, there are several paid positions and fellowship available in different sources. They are summarized below and visit their web pages for details.

The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Fund awards up to $1500 for students conducting original research projects, creative projects, and scholarly work. Funding is provided to cover the expenses of items–such as travel, supplies, and materials—that are necessary in order for the research to be conducted. The minimum funding for expenses provided by this program is $100 and the maximum is $1500. All requests for funding must be justified in terms of their contribution to the research and the lack of available funds from other sources. Application forms are available at http://www.honors.ohio.edu. This year’s deadline is September 19, 2009.

The Student Enhancement Awards (SEA award) are sponsored by the Ohio University Council for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. This program assists undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, by providing funds for research and presentation of their research at professional conferences. The awards are based on competitive research proposals and provide funding ($6000 maximum) for up to one year. For more information visit the web site at http://www.ohiou.edu/research/seaguide.html. Deadline is usually the end of February.

Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE) positions are administered through the university’s Financial Aid office and are intended to provide paid employment in jobs that will enhance career exploration. A listing of PACE positions becomes available in April for the following year.

http://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.edu/employment/emp_pace.html

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) sponsored by The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) provides summer research opportunities for undergraduate students interested in careers in medicine or biomedical research. Participants in this program work in an active research laboratory under the guidance of a faculty member. Students combine lab work with summer school courses or other educational experiences. Selection is based on academic records and the appropriateness of applicants’ scientific interests. Students about to begin their senior year of college studies are preferred, but promising juniors and recent graduates will be considered. Participants are provided with room, board, and a $1750 stipend. Eight undergraduate credit hours in biology are also available tuition-free to program participants. Those program participants who meet minimum requirements for admission to OU-COM, including having taken the MCAT, will be offered an opportunity to interview during the summer.

http://www.oucom.ohiou.edu/surfprog.htm

Undergraduate Research Scholar funded by The Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs, provides opportunities for multi-disciplinary exchange among faculty, students and alumni, with interests in public affairs and leadership development. HTC or departmental honors students are eligible to apply. Students selected for these positions will work 10 hours per week for 10 weeks per quarter or for three quarters. Opportunities include working with:

· Voinovich Center Faculty Research Groups

· Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development

· Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative

· Environmental Studies faculty

· National Business Incubation Association

http://www.voinovichcenter.ohio.edu/students/index.html

Whom should I contact regarding off-campus research opportunities?

Ann LaComb (lacomb@ohio.edu) is the contact person for off-campus research opportunities. She has all information that comes to the department.