Finding Research Internships

[anna726]

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I'm an undergrad, looking for a research internship for next semester or the summer. Does anyone have any advice on how to go about finding research opportunities?
I have a friend who just emailed a ton of professors and asked them if they had any room in their labs. Does this usually work? Should I just call the labs directly and ask?

Thanks!

 

[Evidence Based]

I have a friend who just emailed a ton of professors and asked them if they had any room in their labs.

This. Find an area you like, and send out a bunch of emails to researchers doing work in this area. The body of email can be like a cover letter, and make sure to attach you resume.

Hi Dr. X, My name is anna726, I'm an undergrad bio/chem/psych/whatever major at State U. My interests include A, B, and C, and I'm looking for a summer research position. I've noticed that your lab does research on (A, B, C, or some combo thereof), and this is an area I'm very interested in. Are you planning on hiring any undergraduate RAs for the summer of 2011?

Etc. Fill it out more, and be courteous. Not everyone will get back to you (expect ~50% response rate, depending on who you email.) Out of those, not everyone will have enough grant money or positions to hire you for the summer. Still, if you email enough people, you're bound to turn up something good.

I took this route last summer. Emailed 20 or so neuroscience/psychiatry researchers. Heard back from 10, got asked for to come in for an interview at 4 or 5. Worked out great for me.

There are also some formal summer research programs, but I'll pass those off to people who know better. I believe those tend to pay a bit better, but are also much more competitive. Hope that helped!

 

[kmktz]

You can also check various Department of Energy laboratories. They always have summer internship programs available. Obviously most conduct research in physics and chemistry but some also conduct biology and medical research (Argonne and Brookhaven come to mind).

These internships are all paid and many provide travel reimbursement and free lodging throughout their duration (8-10 weeks).

 

[krispy]

I bet if you searched the forums you would find a LOT of help concerning research...but here is a list of research opportunities across the US:

http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5047

Also, the NIH always has research opportunities during the summer. I would call professors at your school to see if they needed any help during the summer/continuing on into the school year, as well. Good luck

 

[NickNaylor]

Google "AAMC GREAT research," click on first link, enjoy.

 

[Evidence Based]

Google is definitely your friend.
Also, if you want more ideas for formal programs, check out an REU (research experience for undergraduates). They pay well, are funded by the federal government, and are decently competitive. The research runs the gamut of topics, from cognitive psychology to meteorology to theoretical physics. Some related to medicine, but I imagine those are more competitive.

EDIT: Slash just click on Krispy's link. Just clicked through and found the same thing I just posted.