Undergraduate Research for Predental Students
Research is always a good thing to have on one’s record. Most dental schools are ambivalent about undergraduate research. Although it is a positive thing to have on one’s record, it is NOT a negative thing if NOT on one’s record. It would be unwise to sacrifice predental clinical experience time for research time. Check dental school websites to see how any one particular dental school feels about the importance of undergraduate research.
Undergraduate research comes in several forms:
- There are URES 197 projects. URES 197 is a course in which a student conducts individual or group research as a part of a faculty member’s project. This guided experience is open to all students. Additionally first- and second-year students who meet the qualifications are accepted by the faculty member in charge of the research project. Students serve as apprentices and conduct important tasks with the faculty member on their project. Students learn about the process and products of the research as a result.
- There are usually research opportunities in one’s major that can run over several semesters. Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.
- UMW and other Universities offer Summer research opportunities. One offered by UMW is the Irene Piscopo-Rodgers Summer Science Institute Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.
Honors Programs
Many majors offer Departmental Honors Programs. Honors program’s are always very good things to have on one’s record. The successful completion of an Honors program, is a very significant academic accomplishment. If a student is eligible, it should be pursued. Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.