Research
Research is everywhere and available in every academic discipline, and there are numerous opportunities to engage in it.
For pre-health students, these opportunities are most commonly in the biological sciences, neuroscience, and psychology. But you don’t necessarily need to work in a laboratory for a research project. You can also work in the humanities, social sciences, or public health.
By participating in research, you’ll gain exposure to the most recent developments in a particular academic discipline. You’ll also get to experience the process of scientific discovery, and be introduced to various methodologies.
Other Benefits of Research
- You will gain critical thinking skills.
- You will learn how to analyze scientific and peer-reviewed articles.
- You will gain experience in working as part of a team.
- A research experience can result in your contributions to an abstract, poster or paper.
- Your research mentor may write a letter of recommendation for you, because he or she has gotten to know you and your work personally.
Students who are particularly attracted to research and who wish to combine research and medicine may consider a MD/PhD route. Participation in long-term research projects -- with publishable/published results -- is essential to any pre-health student who is considering a combined MD/PhD degree.
No research experience? No problem. Most faculty members at Scranton are not looking for students with prior research experience. They are seeking energetic and reliable students who genuinely want to participate.
Faculty-Student Research Program
Scranton’s Faculty Student Research Program (FSRP) offers you the opportunity to be involved in research activities with a faculty member. All undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing can participate.The student will choose a faculty sponsor of their choice or from the maintained list of faculty sponsors available from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. After a potential faculty sponsor is chosen, interested students will meet with their faculty sponsor to discuss the research and activities involved. When the student and professor reach an agreement, they complete a contract that outlines the nature of the research and the work involved.
Other Opportunities for Research on Campus
In addition to the FSRP, students may find research opportunities by networking with faculty directly. Check the websites of departments in which you are interested to find information on current research projects or a listing of faculty and their research interests and projects.
Research Outside the University
During the summer months, students may choose to pursue opportunities at other institutions. If you wish to extend your experience beyond campus, you can do so through:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) or Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP) through research universities around the United States