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Erica Kosal, PhD

Research

There are so many opportunities across campus to engage in research. From courses that engage students in semester-long research projects to working with graduate students in the field to helping out in a professor's lab, you can find various opportunities. Sometimes, it takes a bit of work to make a connection, but there are so many people on campus who want to help. Sometimes, the timing might be off for an opening in a lab. The key is persistence: sending emails, asking your professors in class, and taking courses that allow you to get your foot in the door. Another great place to start is with the Office of Undergraduate Research. They support and promote discovery-, inquiry-, scholarly-, and creativity-based opportunities through mentored research experiences. They also offer various workshops throughout the academic year which can be very helpful.

There are many opportunities during the summer at different institutions as well. You can learn more about Research Experiences for Undergraduates or REU, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. There are also many other external opportunities for research that you can explore.

Start your exploration on campus by considering some of the following:

  • Research Pack Tracks is a research course run through the Biological Sciences Department. This is a two-semester sequence of courses where you ultimately design and run a study that culminates in a poster presentation session on campus.
  • BIT SURE is a summer research experience with NC State Biotechnology. You will get paid and be under the guidance of some amazing researchers. You will ultimately present your findings at the NC State Undergraduate Research Summer Symposium.
  • CUREs (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences). For example, GN 312 is the Elementary Genetics Laboratory. You will conduct genetic experiments using a variety of bacterial, plant, and animal organisms. You will work with DNA isolation, electrophoresis, and Southern blotting. Another great course is BIT 210, Phage Hunters followed by BIT 211, Phage Genomics. Students have even gotten some publications out of these classes. How cool is that!
  • The Center for Environmental Farming Systems offer opportunities for students offers internships.
  • Join some list serves and you will get the latest information and receive emails on opportunities: Biological Sciences – Undergrad Research News, Opportunities as well as the Jobs/Internships listserv
  • NC State’s Veterinary Scholars Program offers an Undergraduate Research Program (scroll down the page once you click on the link – they have application deadlines of June 1, November 1, and March 1 (for Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer, respectively)
  • Summer Research Programs on Campus and Around the Country
  • NC Museum of Natural Sciences downtown (a short drive or bus ride from campus) provides internships
  • CURiOuS is a database to Connect Undergraduates to Research Opportunities in the Sciences across the state of NC