Summer research programs after freshman year

[tomcrill09]

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I will be starting my freshman year this fall majoring in biomedical engineering (premed). I was just wondering what are some of the medical and other types of research programs designed for freshman I can apply into during the summer. I am a Caucasian male in a middle class family so can i still get into programs like SMDEP or are there any other suggestions. (I don't really have any research experience to this point). Thanks for your help.

 

[jtimmer1]

SMDEP isn't targeted toward you anyway. Look at RIT, it is a huge database of opportunities for summer research. 2010 dates should be updated around September.

 

[Mattabet]

Look close to home too. Some of your professors might have research that would be cool to help out with. These types of relationships are really beneficial if you can strike one up in your undergrad career.

 

[yoz]

I would definitely recommend SMDEP i did it a couple summers ago and its one of the best experiences i have ever had. Its not research though.

Plus you would have a good chance of getting in. They take people of all backgrounds not just underrepresented minorities. I'm Asian and i got in and there were plenty of Caucasian people too.

 

[Docere]

The big ones that you should be applying to as an incoming sophomore are SMDEP, REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates), SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship), and SURP (Summer Undergraduate Research Programs). Do a google for any of those terms and you'll get a good list. Or, do as jtimmer1 suggests and take a look at this site. I would also recommend following Mattabet's advice: get to know one or two of your professors really well (go to them and ask questions) and make sure they know you are motivated to do research. Take a look at their own research publications and see if you're interested in doing research under them. If you express genuine interest, they might let you work in their lab. I'm sure your school has a research opportunities website where you can look for a lab on campus that's looking for an extra helper. It might be hard for you to get that position as a freshman, but it's a good resource to check on from time to time.

 

[sully677]

Get some basic research experience so that when you apply for the bigger programs, you have somewhat of a background.

 

[tomcrill09]

Thanks for all the advice I really appreciate it.