4 answers
Chloe
Student
Middletown, Delaware
2
Questions
Asked
669 views
How can I get involved in research early on in college, especially in biotechnology or healthcare?
I want to be hands-on and contribute to something meaningful, but I’m not sure where to start or how competitive those opportunities are. Are research opportunities mostly reserved for upperclassmen or students with connections? How do I find professors doing work I care about, and how do I reach out without feeling like I don’t know enough yet? I’m willing to work hard and learn, but I also know that getting in the door can be the hardest part. This is something I want to figure out early because I don’t want to waste any time.
Login to comment
4 answers
Robert Epstein
General Manager
118
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Cloe,
Another thing you could do is stop by the Human Resources department of local hospitals (especially large teaching hospitals) or local biotech companies. Explain what you’re looking for and see what they may offer. Even if they don’t presently have something, ask them where else you might try. Best of luck!
Another thing you could do is stop by the Human Resources department of local hospitals (especially large teaching hospitals) or local biotech companies. Explain what you’re looking for and see what they may offer. Even if they don’t presently have something, ask them where else you might try. Best of luck!
Thanks for the suggestion! I hadn’t thought about reaching out to hospitals or biotech companies directly—definitely something I’ll look into. Appreciate the tip!
Chloe
Courtney Wheelock
Research
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
It's great to get involved early if you know you're interested in research! Most researchers would be more than happy to have you help in their lab and can work out a way to train you and get you involved in their studies. I suggest looking into the ongoing research at your school (this can usually be found on your college's website) to find something you're interested in and reaching out via email to those involved in the project. If you're in class with a researcher or professor that you would like to work with, going the extra mile to introduce yourself after class will do wonders to getting this process started! When you introduce yourself be sure to let them know you're interested in their work, learning more, and getting involved as a volunteer. If they have graduate students that's also a great opportunity to connect and help them with their projects as well. The experience and training you get from starting early will be worth it!
Find a department/lab/professor you are interested in working with
Email the faculty member or research assistant associated with the research
Don't be afraid to follow up!
Courtney recommends the following next steps:
Thanks so much for the advice! That actually makes me feel a lot better about reaching out early. I really appreciate it!
Chloe
Catherine Fontanilla
Senior Program Manager, Research Operations
1
Answer
Hayward, California
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
To get involved in health/biotech research early on in college, I suggest that you consider seeking out research opportunities that you can take part in as a research participant! From a participant's perspective, you'll get a peek at some of the operational processes from recruiting participants to the gathering of data. This can also be a great way for you to ask questions and network with professionals in this field.
Thanks for answering my question, I appreciate it!
Chloe
Charissa Gonzalez
Executive Assistant
13
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Charissa’s Answer
Getting started in research can feel intimidating, but the good news is: you do NOT need to wait until junior or senior year, and you definitely don’t need connections. Many freshmen and sophomores find meaningful roles once they know where to look and how to approach professors.
Here’s a simple guide.
1. Start Exploring Before You Even Arrive on Campus
Most universities publish:
Faculty research pages
Lab websites
Undergraduate research programs
Student research clubs
A high school student can browse these to get a feel for what's happening on campus and which topics excite them (e.g., genetics, bioinformatics, cancer research, medical devices, immunology, etc.). Even industry trend documents show how fast biotech and genomic fields are growing and how many opportunities exist for hands‑on learning.
2. Yes — Freshmen Can Do Research
Opportunities are not only for upperclassmen. In fact:
Many labs like taking younger students because they can train them long-term.
Intro positions often involve helping with experiments, prepping lab materials, or basic data work.
Hard work matters far more than prior knowledge.
Students often think they “don’t know enough,” but professors expect beginners. They’re looking for curiosity, reliability, and willingness to learn.
3. The Most Effective Way to Find a Lab
Step A: Identify professors working on topics you care about
Search your future university’s:
Department of Biology/Biotechnology/Engineering pages
Medical school research labs
Centers and institutes (e.g., cancer centers, genomics institutes)
For each professor/lab, skim:
The lab website
Recent papers
Any student opportunities
This helps you send a personalized note instead of a generic one.
Step B: Reach out by email
Here’s a simple template for a new student:
Subject: Undergraduate interested in your research on [topic]
Hi Dr. ___,
My name is ___ and I’m an incoming/first‑year student majoring in ___. I’m really interested in your work on ___, especially your recent work on ___. I’m eager to gain hands‑on experience and would love to learn more about whether your lab has opportunities for an undergraduate beginner.
I’m hardworking, curious, and excited to learn. I’m happy to start with basic tasks and grow from there.
If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate the chance to talk or visit your lab.
Thank you for your time!
4. Join Programs That Make It Easier
Many colleges offer:
Undergraduate research fellowships
Honors programs with research tracks
Summer research internships
Work‑study positions inside labs
Student organizations focused on biotech or pre‑health
5. Don’t Worry About Feeling Underqualified
Every researcher started as someone who didn’t know anything yet. Professors do not expect:
You to understand all their papers
You to have lab skills
You to already know what you want to specialize in
They do value:
Showing up on time
Asking good questions
Being patient with learning new skills
Contributing positively to the lab community
Passion and consistency matter far more than prior experience.
6. Once You’re In, Doors Open
Students who join labs early often:
Get to work on publications or conference posters
Earn paid summer positions
Become mentors for new students
Build strong recommendation letters
Research is a long game — the earlier you start, the more it compounds.
These programs often match students with labs—no cold emailing required.
Here’s a simple guide.
1. Start Exploring Before You Even Arrive on Campus
Most universities publish:
Faculty research pages
Lab websites
Undergraduate research programs
Student research clubs
A high school student can browse these to get a feel for what's happening on campus and which topics excite them (e.g., genetics, bioinformatics, cancer research, medical devices, immunology, etc.). Even industry trend documents show how fast biotech and genomic fields are growing and how many opportunities exist for hands‑on learning.
2. Yes — Freshmen Can Do Research
Opportunities are not only for upperclassmen. In fact:
Many labs like taking younger students because they can train them long-term.
Intro positions often involve helping with experiments, prepping lab materials, or basic data work.
Hard work matters far more than prior knowledge.
Students often think they “don’t know enough,” but professors expect beginners. They’re looking for curiosity, reliability, and willingness to learn.
3. The Most Effective Way to Find a Lab
Step A: Identify professors working on topics you care about
Search your future university’s:
Department of Biology/Biotechnology/Engineering pages
Medical school research labs
Centers and institutes (e.g., cancer centers, genomics institutes)
For each professor/lab, skim:
The lab website
Recent papers
Any student opportunities
This helps you send a personalized note instead of a generic one.
Step B: Reach out by email
Here’s a simple template for a new student:
Subject: Undergraduate interested in your research on [topic]
Hi Dr. ___,
My name is ___ and I’m an incoming/first‑year student majoring in ___. I’m really interested in your work on ___, especially your recent work on ___. I’m eager to gain hands‑on experience and would love to learn more about whether your lab has opportunities for an undergraduate beginner.
I’m hardworking, curious, and excited to learn. I’m happy to start with basic tasks and grow from there.
If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate the chance to talk or visit your lab.
Thank you for your time!
4. Join Programs That Make It Easier
Many colleges offer:
Undergraduate research fellowships
Honors programs with research tracks
Summer research internships
Work‑study positions inside labs
Student organizations focused on biotech or pre‑health
5. Don’t Worry About Feeling Underqualified
Every researcher started as someone who didn’t know anything yet. Professors do not expect:
You to understand all their papers
You to have lab skills
You to already know what you want to specialize in
They do value:
Showing up on time
Asking good questions
Being patient with learning new skills
Contributing positively to the lab community
Passion and consistency matter far more than prior experience.
6. Once You’re In, Doors Open
Students who join labs early often:
Get to work on publications or conference posters
Earn paid summer positions
Become mentors for new students
Build strong recommendation letters
Research is a long game — the earlier you start, the more it compounds.
These programs often match students with labs—no cold emailing required.