BI 401 Research

Experiential Learning in Biology

What if your next class project turned into a real scientific discovery? Research gives you the opportunity to work alongside faculty mentors, tackle real-world questions, develop career-ready skills, and explore topics you're passionate about. Whether you're interested in ecology, wildlife, genetics, health sciences, or environmental sustainability, undergraduate research is your chance to turn curiosity into impact.

Enrolling in research BI 401 involves working with a faculty mentor on an academic project related to biology. Research experiences are flexible, and the hours, expectations, and responsibilities are developed collaboratively between you and your faculty mentor. Research can be completed for academic credit and, in some cases, may also be part of a paid research position.

Finding Research Projects

Research opportunities are all around you. The key is to get curious, make connections, and take the first step!

Here are some ways to get started:

  • Explore faculty research: Browse Biology faculty profiles and find out what they are doing! Look for topics that excite you and identify potential faculty mentors.
  • Visit office hours: Faculty love talking about their research. Stop by office hours to learn about ongoing projects, ask questions, and explore ways to get involved.
  • Search for research positions: Look for student employment opportunities as a research assistant. You can also volunteer to get hands-on experience in a research setting.
  • Reach out: Found a project that interests you? Send a professional email introducing yourself, sharing your interests, and asking whether opportunities are available to join the research team. Consider this first email as the first step to an interview; be sure the email reflects your best effort. Follow these email etiquette tips.
  • Schedule a time to meet: Coordinate a time to meet with the Faculty member/mentor. Check out these tips on interviewing to work in a research lab.  
  • Learn from your peers: Talk with students already involved in research and attend research presentations or the Cascades Research and Scholarship Symposium in Spring term.
  • Explore undergraduate research programs: Programs such as URSA Engage opportunities and the Cascades Research and Scholarship Fellowship can help you connect with mentors and launch your research journey. 

Here's what's next!

Once you've identified a project and faculty mentor, you're ready to begin the process of earning BI 401 research credit.

  1. Meet with your Faculty Mentor: Discuss the project goals, research activities, time commitment, and expectations. Together, you'll determine how the experience fits your academic and career interests.
  2. Make a plan for success: Research is an exciting opportunity, but it is also a significant commitment. Successful student researchers balance their coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities alongside their research work. Before committing, make sure you can dedicate the time needed to be an active and reliable member of the research team.
  3. Complete the BI 410 research approval form: With your faculty mentor, complete the BI 401 Research Approval Form outlining your research project, role and responsibilities, project timeline and dates, expected hours per week, and credits requested.

  4. Submit the form for approval: Email the form to Dr. Patrick Ball, Biology Program Coordinator, for review and approval. Research credit cannot be awarded retroactively.

  5. Register for BI 401: Once approved, you'll receive authorization to register for BI 401 Research credits. Credit is awarded based on the amount of research work completed, with one credit representing approximately 30 hours of academic research activity.

  6. Complete your research experience: Throughout your project, you'll develop new scientific skills, apply what you've learned in your courses, and gain a deeper understanding of the research process. At the end of the experience, you'll submit a written reflection and project deliverable, such as a research paper, lab notebook, poster, or project report.

A Final Note

Research is a privilege and a professional opportunity. Faculty mentors invest significant time and resources in training student researchers, so enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are essential. The rewards are well worth the effort: you'll gain valuable experience, build professional relationships, strengthen your resume, and contribute to meaningful scientific discovery.

Ready to get started? Find a faculty mentor, explore a question that inspires you, and begin your research journey.