Participating in research as an undergraduate is a great first step in the transition from student to professional biologist. Research allows one to follow his/her own interests and explore aspects of biology that can't be encapsulated in normal coursework. Faculty in the Biology Department are eager to mentor undergraduate research. Intrigued? Here are some suggestions:

1) Consider what most interests you about biology. Do you like animals, plants, fungi, protists or bacteria? Would you prefer field work or lab work? What subjects (e.g., physiology, genetics, ecology) or processes (e.g., photosynthesis, predator-prey interactions) fascinate you?

2) Browse the Biology faculty web pages. Find a few faculty members that have similar interests.

3) Contact those faculty. Express to each why you are interested in research and what kinds of topics interest you.