1. Finding meaningful undergraduate research
Immunology Student’s Association (IMMSA)
Research Seminar
Finding meaningful undergraduate research

2. Why get involved? Builds your Credentials and CV
Essential for graduate and medical school applications
Obtain real life laboratory/clinical experience
Learn about science first-hand, beyond the textbooks
Practice the latest techniques
Be involved in important discoveries
Meet role models with similar interest
Get important mentorship, as you are usually working on a project alongside a grad student or postdoctoral fellow
Networking is important for future research opportunities, as well as getting reference letters for graduate and medical school

3. Step 1: How to Find a Lab/Supervisor
Look for a lab whose research you are interested in!
Key Places to look:
Department websites – faculty lists and research topics
Lab websites: most labs have a website that outlines research projects, lab members, and publications
Independent Research Courses
Work Study Positions
University Health Network (UHN), list of PIs at

4. Step 2: Emailing Potential Supervisors
Tailor your s to each supervisor you contact
Do not just copy and paste
Do some research on them first – do not be generic
Address their specific research
Attach your CV and transcript
Include a cover letter elaborating on:
Interests
Relevant experiences
Enthusiasm about their research
Work ethic and devotion

5. Example of a Good Email:
Dear Professor/Dr. _____, My name is _____, (Degree and Year) at the University of Toronto. I have read about your work on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, and possible medical applications from your research. (What you know about their research) This is very interesting for me, as I am intending to conduct cancer research after my undergraduate years. (Why are you interested) I am, in fact, currently doing volunteer work at St. Michael's Hospital. What experiences have made you want I am hoping to obtain some laboratory experience this summer, and would be truly grateful if you would give me an opportunity to work in your lab. I have attached to this my CV, previous university grades, and a cover letter elaborating my interests (Describe what you’ve attached). Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Sincerely, ________

6. Step 3: Prepare for the interview
Be presentable, dress professionally
Bring copies of your CV, transcripts, application
Read up on their research beforehand, including recently published papers
Ask meaningful questions regarding their research focus and lab
Be able to answer questions, including:
What are your plans after graduation, e.g. med school, graduate school?
What is something specific that interests you about my research?
Why do you want to work in my lab?

7. BCH Summer Student Program (PAID or BCH372 – FOR CREDIT)
students/
12 weeks (May-June), with a stipend
Must have a cGPA average of at least 3.3 (B+)
Students must have completed or be currently completing BCH210 or BCH242Y, and/or a Biochemistry laboratory course.
Weekly seminars and a presentation at the end
Application Deadline: Wednesday February 7th, 2018
Note: Usually, students /apply to the PI’s personally, and fill out the application form after the PI accepts them.

8. Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
12 weeks, minimum $4,000 stipend
Must have at least a B+ (GPA of 3.3) average
Submit an application, but also must find your own supervisor
Poster presentation at the end
student-researchprogram

9. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
12 weeks (May-August), stipend
Competitive candidates should have an average of B+ or better
Poster Presentation at the end
Find your own supervisor first, then submit an application together
Application deadline: Late March
program/

10. Department of Physiology
12 weeks, stipend of $4800
Minimum B+ average in the most recent two terms of undergrad studies (to
receive the funding)
Must find your own supervisor then apply for funding
research-awards

11. Many other departments offer summer programs
Typically you do not need to be from that department to apply
May need to contact and confirm a supervisor before applying to the program
Almost all research opportunities available are listed here:
researchopportunities-at-the-st.-george-campus

12. The SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program (PAID)
$6000 for 15-week period
No minimum GPA is required, but positions are highly competitive
Need to submit a reference letter with application
Poster presentation at the end
Training-Programs/Summer-Research-Program/index.html
Application Deadline: January 31, 2017.

13. ROP299/399 (FOR CREDIT)
Application Deadline: The projects are not updated. However, for reference, the summer ROP applications are usually due around reading week/March, while the fall/winter ROP applications are due around April.
Other departmental courses
E.g. IMM450Y1, BCH473Y, MGY480Y, HMB395Y…etc. check course calendars!
Independent Study Courses with Colleges
§ E.g. NEW390Y/490Y
§ Deadlines for these courses are usually at least 1 semester before you aim to start

14. Women's College Research Institute Summer Student Program (PAID)
At the time of application, students must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or medical program.
Students are paid between $12 and $15 per hour based on hours per week with 4% vacation pay
summer-program/wcri-student-faq
Application Deadline: January 15, 2017.

15. Undergraduate Research Fund (for summer and during the year)
Applicant must seek their own supervisor
This is not a request for stipend, but rather a funding proposal to conduct your own original research project
No minimum GPA is required
Two deadlines a year: November 24 and March 3
research-fund

16. RTC Summer Research Program for Undergraduates Mt
RTC Summer Research Program for Undergraduates Mt. Sinai The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum (PAID)
$5000 for a 12-week period
Need to have (or will have) completed 2nd year of undergrad
Need to pick 3 potential supervisors and include a cover letter with application
The 2018 Application Form will be available on December 18, The deadline for completion of the 2018 on-line application is February 28, 2018.

17. What is Meaningful Research?
Research is hard work, but the right position will be worth it!
Try different techniques if given the opportunity
Most likely you will have to try several things out (different projects, PIs, labs) to find a research focus you are truly passionate about
Talk to your friends, TAs, and professors involved in research – are they doing something you think you would like?
Talk with your PI or supervisor – they have experience and want to help you

18. Final Notes:
Start contacting professors EARLY, ideally before exam season or in December, early January at the latest
The more people you contact, the higher your chances of getting a position.
Remember to personalize each
Try talking to your own professors and TAs for opportunities in their lab
Volunteering or shadowing in a lab is a way to get initial experience
Don’t be discouraged by rejection, keep trying - there are many opportunities available!