WHY RESEARCH?

The Minority Association of Premedical Students

 BASIC FACTS OF RESEARCH

• What is research
• “Creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge”
• RESEARCH IS NOT CONFINED TO ONLY SCIENCE

• Where does research take place

• Academic institutions, gov. facilities, non-profits, company labs, nature, private practices, and hospitals
• Research spans every field and takes place all around us
 WHY IS RESEARCH IMPORTANT IN THE MEDICAL FIELD?

• Synthesis of new drugs could better fight diseases

• Development of new techniques could make operations safer

• Investigating underlying problems could prevent future complications

• Understanding patients can lead to higher success rates for treatments

• These all contribute to the general improvement of healthcare!

 WHY DO MEDIC AL SCHOOLS WANT APPLIC ANTS WITH RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE?

• It shows that you are able to balance school with other academic pursuits

• Shows that you are able to work with others on a common project

• Shows that you can be trusted to work independently

• Shows that you care about improving the world

 WHAT DO UNDERGRADS GAIN FROM RESEARCH?

• You can figure out what you would like to do in the future

• Valuable skills

• Provides mentorship / rec letters

• School Credit

• Money
RESEARCH TESTIMONIALS
FROM MAPS MEMBERS
 TALK TO PROFESSORS

• Approach professors who teach classes you enjoy

• Catch them after lecture or shoot them a professional email

• Be sure to read up on their research or set up a time to meet with them so you
can learn more about their work
• All researchers are passionate about their work and most jump at the opportunity to talk about what
they are working on
 RESOURCES FOR UNDERGRADS AT OHIO STATE

• Visit OSU’s Office of Research and Creative Inquiry

• List of opportunities is constantly being updated
• Find funding and opportunities as well

• Search through department websites for researchers

to work with
• Great way to find out more about what topics they study

• Check out the bulletin boards around campus

• Reach out to those around you

• Don’t be afraid to ask peers, academic advisors, or professional mentors
 SEARCH FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS

• Summer is a great time to do research

• Fully commit yourself to a project
• Get paid to research something that is interesting to you!

• Several program types: REU, SROP, SURF, SURE

• Research on site for 8-12 weeks
• Room, board, travel funds, and stipends are provided

• Look for opportunities on the AAMC and NSF websites

• Broaden your search to other schools

• Take advantage of Google

 FINAL TIPS

• Be proactive

• Utilize time off of school

• Apply early

• Stay on top of deadlines and establish timelines for yourself

• Gather requested materials early

• Have other plans or opportunities to fall back on

• Don’t become discouraged

THANKS FOR COMING!

Twitter: @MapsOsu
Instagram: @mapsosu