Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research: A Guide for Pre-Health Students

Written by: Sritha Neelam, Pre-Health Peer Advisor

As pre-health students, we often hear about the importance of getting involved in research. Whether you're preparing for medical, dental, PA, or another health professional school, research can be a great way to explore your interests, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships with faculty. However, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, especially if you have no prior research experience.

The good news is that you don't need to have worked in a lab before, know exactly what you want to study, or even be a science major to get involved. Here are a few tips to help you find research opportunities and make the most of your experience at MSU!

1. Research Isn't Just About Working in a Lab

When most students think about research, they picture someone wearing a lab coat, pipetting samples, or looking through a microscope. While laboratory research is one option, research can look very different depending on your interests.

For example, students interested in public health might study healthcare disparities or access to preventive services. Those interested in psychology could explore mental health outcomes, while students passionate about biology might investigate cellular processes or disease mechanisms. Research can involve collecting data, conducting interviews, reviewing scientific literature, or analyzing existing datasets.

If you're unsure what interests you, think about a topic from one of your classes that made you curious enough to want to learn more. That's a great place to start!

2. Finding Research Opportunities at MSU

One of the biggest misconceptions about undergraduate research is that you have to wait for a position to be advertised. While some opportunities are formally posted, many students find research positions simply by reaching out to professors whose work interests them.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Explore MSU faculty research: Browse department websites and the MSU Scholars database to find professors working on topics that interest you.
• Talk to your professors: If you've enjoyed a class, consider attending office hours and asking your professor about their research or whether they know of any available opportunities.
• Use MSU's research resources: The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity office offers resources, workshops, and peer advising to help students navigate the process.
• Check Handshake: Some research positions, including paid opportunities, are posted through MSU Handshake.
• Look beyond MSU: Universities, hospitals, and research institutions also offer summer research opportunities. You don't necessarily have to limit yourself to projects at your home institution.

Don't be discouraged if the first few professors you contact don't have openings. Finding a position often takes patience, and reaching out to multiple researchers is a normal part of the process.

3. How to Reach Out to Professors

Once you've identified a professor whose work interests you, the next step is sending an email. This can feel intimidating, but remember that professors are accustomed to hearing from students interested in research!

Before reaching out, spend some time reading about their work. You don't have to understand every detail of their publications, but you should have a general idea of what they're studying and why it interests you.

A good introductory email should include who you are, why you're interested in their research, any relevant coursework or experiences, and whether they might have opportunities for undergraduate students. Try to make your email personal rather than sending the same generic message to multiple professors. Even mentioning one specific project or research question can show that you've taken the time to learn about their work.

It's also completely okay if you don't have prior research experience. Professors understand that undergraduate students are still learning, and showing genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn can go a long way.

4. Making the Most of Your Research Experience

Getting involved in research is only the beginning. Once you join a research team, focus on understanding the bigger picture of the project rather than simply completing assigned tasks.

Ask questions about why certain methods are being used, what the researchers hope to discover, and how the findings might contribute to the field. Take opportunities to attend lab meetings, read relevant articles, and discuss your interests with your mentor.

As you gain experience, you may also be able to take on additional responsibilities, develop your own research questions, or contribute to a presentation or publication.

MSU's University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) is one opportunity for students to present their work and practice communicating their findings to others.

Remember, research is a learning process! You're not expected to know everything when you begin, and making mistakes or encountering unexpected results is part of developing as a researcher.

5. Quality Matters More Than Quantity

It's easy to get caught up in wondering how many research experiences, presentations, or publications you need for a competitive professional school application. However, research shouldn't become another activity you're doing simply to check a box.

Instead of focusing on how many projects you can join, think about what you're gaining from the experience. Are you developing critical thinking skills? Learning to interpret scientific literature? Building a relationship with a mentor? Exploring questions that genuinely interest you?

A meaningful, long-term research experience where you can discuss your contributions and what you've learned can be more valuable than several short experiences with limited involvement.

Research also isn't a requirement for every health professional program, so it's important to consider your own goals and the expectations of the schools you're interested in.

Final Thoughts 

One of the most rewarding parts of undergraduate research is realizing that you don't have to wait until graduate or professional school to contribute to questions that matter to you. Whether you're interested in understanding disease mechanisms, improving patient outcomes, or addressing healthcare disparities, there are opportunities to explore those interests as an undergraduate.

My biggest piece of advice is to start somewhere, even if that means sending one email to a professor or attending a research workshop. You don't need a perfect résumé or a fully developed research idea to begin. Sometimes, one conversation can lead to an opportunity you never expected!

If you're interested in getting involved in research but aren't sure how to get started, consider scheduling an appointment with an MSU Pre-Health Peer Advisor to discuss how research might fit into your pre-health journey.