Participating in research is a high-impact practice that has been shown to have positive effects on students’ career development. Participating in research is also fun! It allows students to explore a variety of topics – from ocean cleanup to cancer therapies to climate change. While getting involved in research at BU can be done at every level, there are also external resources to tap into. Here are 3 places to jump start your research journey:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a federal agency invested in providing resources to researchers of every age to advance our understanding of science and technology. During the 2022 fiscal year, NSF spent $8.8 billion to do just this. They have research opportunities for undergraduates through post doctoral students in majors from biology to economics to psychology and archaeology.
Association of American Medical Colleges
For students considering medical school or a future career in healthcare, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides a list of summer research opportunities for undergraduates. Programs exist across the US and come with numerous benefits – from stipends to housing to mentorship and more.
Institute for Broadening Participation
The Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP) started in 2003 and aims to increase diversity in STEM fields. One of the ways they accomplish this is through a database connecting high school and college students to research, internship, and fellowship opportunities. You can search by academic level of study as well as discipline to discover over a thousand program options.
In addition to the ideas above, professional associations are well positioned to share experiential learning opportunities, like research programs and summer internships. For example, the American Psychological Association, the professional organization representing the field of psychology, has a list of such opportunities on their website.
If you need support navigating the search process, make an appointment on Handshake with a member of the CCD or any of the other BU Career Centers!
BU + Beyond 