How to get involved in research

The Biophysics major requires two semesters of independent laboratory work (Laboratory in Biophysics and Research Problems in Biophysics).  It is a good idea to start thinking about undergraduate research as a freshman or sophomore. Johns Hopkins offers undergraduate students research opportunities covering a broad spectrum of topics. Getting involved in a research project challenges the mind, brings professional skills, and is a great way to meet faculty and graduate students.  Follow these four steps to start your research career at Hopkins:

1.  Find out what research is being done at JHU. The Topics in Biophysics seminar is an easy way for freshman and sophomores to meet department faculty and find out what biophysics is all about. Web pages for the Biophysics Department and the Graduate Program in Biophysics also provide information about biophysical research at Johns Hopkins. 

As you read these research descriptions, you may come across a topic that caught your interest in a previous class, or a technique that just sounds cool.  Your faculty advisor can help direct you to research labs that match your interests.  Don't hesitate to ask him or her for advice.

2.  Contact faculty members. Once you have found a research lab that interests you, send an email to the faculty member in charge, inquiring whether he or she has an opening. Tell him or her about yourself (courses you have taken, any previous research experience), and why you are interested in his or her lab. Be prepared to send a short resume, transcript, or recommendation from an instructor or TA.  If the faculty member is interested, make an appointment to discuss potential research projects.

Students may arrange a research apprenticeship with any of the faculty at Homewood, the School of Medicine or Public Health that are doing work related to biophysics.  If the research advisor is not a member of the Jenkins Biophysics faculty, a faculty sponsor in Biophysics must also approve the project. Find a faculty member here.

3.  Register for research.  Students may register for up to 3 credit hours of independent research per semester or during the summer. To register, a yellow form for independent study should be signed by the Jenkins faculty sponsor and the Academic Advising office, and returned to the Registrar along with any drop/add slips.  Biophysics majors must complete at least one semester (3 credits) each of Laboratory in Biophysics (250.531) and Research Problems in Biophysics (250.521).

4.  Receive credit.  At the end of the semester, the student must write a 2 page summary of the project and give it to the research supervisor and faculty sponsor.  The student and research supervisor also complete a 1 page form, which must be signed by the faculty sponsor and returned to the Registrar with the grade report at the end of the semester.  Click here to download form.

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