Engaging in research, whether in the sciences or in other disciplines, is a wonderful way to enhance your education and to build connections with faculty mentors. Research provides you with an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic, think critically about it, develop your own questions, collect data to address these and so much more. It can also help your application to health professions school as most prefer applicants who have some research experience. Foundational knowledge of research methods is also woven into the MCAT exam. However, you should never undertake research unless you have genuine interest in it. You will be a stronger applicant if you are truly excited about an activity in which you have participated and if you have engaged in it well.
Research Experience
Types of Research Opportunities
There are different approaches you can take to participate in research. You can get involved in research projects here at Brown with faculty members who are doing work that interests you. You can participate in clinical research at local healthcare facilities, enroll in a summer intensive research program, participate in research closer to your home, or work on a research project after graduation. If possible, we recommend that you aim to write a thesis and take a semester or two of independent study for academic credit to show consistent time spent in a research environment.
Research Opportunities
Brown University presents multiple opportunities to engage with research. Exploring the links below will give you a sense of the breadth of these opportunities.
There are also a great number of summer programs at institutions nation-wide that provide foundational or in-depth experience with scholarly research. Most of these programs require an application mid-winter to early spring. They frequently require letters of recommendation and a resume so be sure to plan ahead.