Mentored Research is Brigham Young University's academic advantage. It is where an undergraduate student works directly with a faculty member on a specific research project. It is not uncommon for BYU students to graduate having completed a number of research project including experiences at poster sessions, oral presentations, and academic articles.
Importance of Mentored Research
In the classroom, you learn about the theories and research results of the past. In working with a professor on research you can discover your own results and help to further your field of interest. The types of research are as varied as the students interests. There are opportunities here in the College of LIfe Sciences and across campus for bioinformatics majors. These research experiences will help you build a strong resume of research that will enable you to be successful. Whether your pathway leads you through professional school, graduate programs, or even your career, research help you achieve your ultimate goal.
Getting Involved
The best way to get started is to start today. The biggest thing is to find what sparks your curiosity and find a professor who shares it. Professors have dedicated a large part of their lives to research. Spend some time reading up on his or her research before you contact them. A little preparation goes a long way. Professors are extremely busy. You must be proactive and put forth the effort first.
Funding
Many times a professor will pay students helping them with research. In some rare cases, professor don't provide financial compensation. One remedy is the College Undergraduate Research Awards (CURA). These are grants given exclusively to undergraduate students to help foster and encourage research. More information is available at http://lscura.byu.edu.
Bioinformatics Mentored Research Network
In an effort to provide our students access to a broader variety of scientific research, we now have a Mentored Research Network. Professors in the Life Sciences and Computer Sciences have offered to mentor our students in their Labs. These professors are listed under Other Bioinformatics Mentors. Again, spend some time reading up on his or her research before contacting them.
Core Bioinformatics Mentors
Kauwe Lab
Payne Lab
Piccolo Lab
Ridge Lab
Other Faculty Who Use Bioinformatics Techniques
Adams Lab
Chaston Lab
Davis Lab
Hill Lab
Johnson Lab
Maughan Lab
Ventura Lab
