Get Involved in Research at RU!

Undergraduate Research

Participating in undergraduate research is a valuable opportunity for life science majors to connect classroom learning to real-world applications while enhancing understanding and fostering critical thinking. It provides hands-on experience with advanced techniques while building collaboration, communication, and innovation skills. Ultimately, research prepares students for advanced opportunities and empowers them to contribute to scientific and societal advancements.

Students interested in research at Rutgers University have several ways to get involved. The most common way is by registering for research credit through their major or a credit-bearing program (such as the ARESTY RA program). In some cases, research may be required to complete for their major or can substitute for a requirement, such as in Biological Sciences, where it can count as an upper-level life science elective credit and fulfil one lab requirement. Additionally, students can gain hands-on lab experience through summer research or internship programs, volunteering, or securing paid positions.

Identify Research Opportunities in the Life Sciences

To find research opportunities that align with your academic interests and goals, follow these steps:

I. Explore Faculty Research

Investigate Rutgers–New Brunswick faculty involved in life science research by reviewing their lab websites and publications.

Pay attention to research areas that resonate with your interests., whether it's investigating human health and disease, or learning how to conduct research with a particular model organism, like the fruit fly or worm.

Leverage Peer Insights

Talk to your peers who have participated in research to gain insight into their experiences and recommendations.

Check out the DLS SURF videos to explore examples of student research projects and better understand what undergraduate research involves!

Utilize Faculty Resources

Use the following pages to explore faculty research interests and identify labs that match your goals.

Molecular Biosciences Research Faculty Areas of Research- Search Tool-- a very useful resource!
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Department of Genetics
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Aresty Center
https://rwjms.rutgers.edu/research/overview
Waksman Institute
Center for Quantitative Biology (previously BioMaPS)
Center for Advanced Biotechnology

II. Reaching Out to Faculty for Research Opportunities

To secure a research position, we recommend you begin to reach out to faculty the semester before you want to begin.

Identify 5 faculty whose projects interest you to start. Take the time to learn about their research by reviewing their website and recent publications.

Craft a Professional and Personalized Email

Write a concise email expressing your interest in their research and your desire to participate in their work.
Personalize your email by referencing specific aspects of their research or recent projects. Avoid sending generic mass emails; a well-crafted, thoughtful message makes a stronger impression.
If you’re unsure about your email, seek feedback from a trusted friend, academic advisor, or course instructor.

Attach Your Resume

While prior research experience isn’t required, include your resume to highlight relevant work or volunteer experiences that demonstrate responsibility and reliability.
Career Exploration and Success (CES) offers resources for resume building, and you can schedule an appointment with a CES representative for guidance.

Interview and Establish Expectations

Once a faculty member expresses interest, arrange an interview to discuss their projects and learn more about the expectations for your role in their research program.
Collaborate with your mentor to learn background information, clarify responsibilities, and set learning objectives for the project.

Confirm Commitments

Before committing, ensure you understand the time requirements, responsibilities, and prerequisites.

Students typically commit a minimum of 4–5 hours per week in the lab for each registered credit of Research in Biology.

Complete any necessary paperwork for registering for research. A completed contract and research proposal are often required for registration for credit.