Life Sciences Research Opportunities at Penn
Penn houses literally hundreds of biological and biomedical laboratories on its campus. The Department of Biology, School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wistar Institute, as well as dozens of other research centers are all located within walking distance of one another. The result is that Penn students interested in scientific research have a wealth of opportunities to get involved in both bench and clinical projects. Some students do research for independent study credit within their major; others take on research positions as pure volunteers or for pay. Either way, students find that the experience of doing novel research deeply enriches the scientific education they receive in the classroom at Penn.
Students can take several avenues in pursuing research opportunities. The Undergraduate Research Directory maintained by the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CURF) offers many leads. In addition, the university website provides detailed information about the research interests of the labs, institutes, and centers on campus; some students locate research positions simply by contacting a principal investigator or faculty member directly. Students also will find that their professors are helpful in making suggestions and identifying desirable opportunities.