The advisor will assign the research grade, based upon the quality of laboratory performance, the student s intellectual contribution to the project, and the research paper. Students who have not completed the research project before matriculation into medical school may complete this requirement during the summer between the first and second years. The advisor should be engaged in research that engages the interest of the student.
Some academic departments have brochures that list the research interests of their faculty.
Most faculty members who are active in research also maintain web pages that describe their interests. The next step is to visit a faculty member and ask permission to pursue a research project in his or her laboratory. The faculty member will need to know that he or she is not required to provide stipend support, and should be advised of the expectations of the program regarding duration of the research and awarding of the grade. Details on registration are still being worked out - please consult the program directors for current status. During the spring semester, students who have completed their research requirement will share their experiences and answer questions from students planning to do research in the summer.