Research
The information presented on this page is largely based on interviews conducted by undergraduate students with current graduate students and Victor Chisholm (Undergraduate Research Officer with the Office for Undergraduate Research)
For more information, consult the website of the Office for Undergraduate Research in Science.
“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
Albert Einstein
Why Do Research?
- Enhancing your understanding of research methods and published works
- Developing problem-solving skills and tolerance for obstacles
- Learning transferable lab techniques and data analysis skills
- Balancing individual and collaborative work
- Improving your resume for graduate school, medical school and/or job applications
- Exploring career directions and fields of interest
- Contributing knowledge that will impact the global community
How to Become Involved in Research
1. Volunteer/Paid Lab Positions
- Approach professors during office hours (preferred) or via e-mail
2. For Credit Research Courses
The Department of Physiology offers research courses to students interested in pursuing undergraduate research. These courses are designed to instruct students on research techniques, scientific practices, and how research is conducted in academia.
- PHGY 396
- 3-credit, one semester course
- Open to all students in the Faculty of Science
- Students take on a project approved by a supervisor in the Department of Physiology and produce a report at the end of the semester
- Students should secure their supervisors before the start of the semester, and contact the Department for approval
- For more information, consult 396 Undergraduate Research Project Courses
- PHGY 461
- 9-credit, year-long course
- Restricted to Honours students as well as students in the joint major programs
- Prepares students for graduate studies in life sciences
3. Attend McGill Conferences and Networking Events
- Undergraduate Research Conference hosted by the McGill Faculty of Science each fall
- For more information, consult Undergraduate Research Conference
- Soup and Science held for one week at the start of each fall and winter semester
- For more information, consult Soup and Science
- By mingling with professors at these events, students can learn about their research and how they can become involved
4. Pursue Local Research Opportunities Outside McGill
- IRCM (Montreal Clinical Research Institute)
- For more information, consult IRCM
- Research at Montreal hospitals
- Research at other Montreal universities
5. Summer Research Awards
- Deadlines are typically in January and February
- NSERC USRA (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award)
- Awarded annually to Canadian students wishing to pursue a summer research project
- Restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Students must secure a NSERC grant-holding professor as a supervisor
- For more information, consult NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award
- Other Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) are available to international students
- Awards are granted during the summer and typically last up to 4 months
6. International Research
- Students line up projects independently and apply for funding
- If the host requires McGill's signature, this should be brought to the university's attention ASAP
- McGill cannot always sign
- Depending on the country where the research is being conducted and the student's country of citizenship, the student may need to apply for a permit or VISA
- This process can take weeks or even months
- Be mindful that the academic year is different in other countries
Strategies for E-mailing Professors
1. Make a specific, detailed 'sales pitch'
- Demonstrate familiarity with and express interest in the professor’s field of research
- Conduct research beforehand (e.g. read their abstracts online)
- If you plan on doing research in this area in graduate school, mention that. Many professors take on undergraduate students to ‘try out’ future graduate students
- Don’t oversell it at the risk of appearing insincere
- Show interest in a specific lab technique you would like to develop
- This will make your application stand out
- The professor might even redirect you to another lab position better-suited to developing that technique
- Convince the professor you are the best candidate for the position
- Include past experience
- Mention relevant courses you have taken and your major/year of studies
- Polish your resume
- Use resources such as CAPS to improve your resume and interview skills
- Be prepared to provide CV and transcript if not already attached
- Highlight your passion for the project, relevant skills (lab techniques) and desirable qualities (organization, timeliness, commitment, etc.)
2. Avoid generic e-mails
- Low impact
3. Most importantly... see them during their office hours!
- Face-to-face interactions are much more impactful
General Advice
- Do not allow GPA to stop you from applying to labs
- Space is the largest limiting factor, not GPA
- Be persistent: you will likely have to contact numerous professors
- There is limited space
- Professors are very busy, and many will not respond at all
- Be open to the idea of doing research outside of your major
- Especially true for students with minors and/or joint programs
- For students with demonstrated financial need, work study can be used to fund research
- It is ideal to get research experience before your senior year
- Start looking for summer research positions in early winter
- Know your limits as an undergraduate student and always ask for help when you need it
- You get as much out of your lab position as you put in
Testimonials from Graduate Students
How did you get involved in research?
- I e-mailed a lot of professors and met with them to discuss available projects, time commitments and how an undergraduate student could help in their lab. The work was very interesting, and I pursued a graduate degree to continue learning about that field
- I attended a conference and stayed at the end to ask questions. I was invited to join that lab and worked there for 3 years studying the cardiovascular system
How did your research experience differ from your expectations?
- Research requires effort and patience
- Working in a lab requires a lot of effort early on but gets easier over time
- The time commitment to get real experience is much longer than I anticipated
- Things move slowly in academia
How many trials did it take to finally secure a research position?
- I e-mailed 10 professors, and only a few of them responded!
What are professors looking for in undergraduate researchers?
- Motivation, organization, strong work-ethic, timeliness, consistency
- Showing interest and engagement
- Learning techniques
- Asking graduate students for help when needed
How much responsibility are undergraduate students given?
- Undergraduate students are given very little responsibility
- Focus on learning from lab technicians and graduate students
- Demonstrating commitment (consistently showing up, putting in the time) to develop trust will open the door to being promoted to a higher position at the lab
What opportunities did your first research position create for you?
- I learned techniques in electrophysiology
- I got a publication, which lead to further opportunities
What is your opinion on research for-credit vs. paid/volunteering?
- Volunteer/paid positions are ideal if you want to learn a specific lab technique
- For-credit research courses are ideal if you want to pursue a field you are passionate about
- More interest-based
Thank-you to Erphon Ghatreh and Naim Chabaytah of the PULS Academic Committee for their hard work and dedication in conducting interviews and assembling this research platform and Victor Chisholm for making himself available and supporting this initiative!