Student Research

As a student in the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP), you are active in research and scholarship through coursework that is part of every academic program. You may also take part in independent/directed study courses as well as paid and volunteer experiences. Many research experiences are interprofessional in nature.

Undergraduate students can be involved in research and scholarship at many levels, from observing or participating in data collections to volunteering regularly, for academic credit or a Summer Research Fellowship.

Research resembles work done in an independent/directed study course in that it is worthy of academic credit, which is awarded for learning accomplished by the student. You may work for a stipend if funding is available, but generally cannot receive both full credit and a salary.

Three possible arrangements are outlined below. Actual terms are worked out between you and your faculty sponsor.

Volunteer Researcher

You may volunteer in a faculty member’s research group to gain hands-on experience and explore a research area of interest. Volunteer roles do not include pay or academic credit, but they offer valuable opportunities to learn from more experienced undergraduates, explore relevant resources, and become familiar with lab spaces, equipment, software, and research methods while reading about the topic being investigated.

Many students choose to volunteer in a lab before committing to a formal summer research experience, and some faculty require this step. Volunteer research can also be a good option if you do not need academic credit and are involved in a project that is not funded. The expectations and responsibilities of a volunteer role are similar to those of a research experience that carries credit or funding.

Research for Credit

You can earn academic credit for their research assistance — from one to six or more credits per semester — depending on the amount of work agreed upon by you and the professor. Some curricula limit the number of independent/directed study that will count toward a degree; you should check with your academic advisor to find out the requirements for your program. The independent/directed study form can be found on the Registrar’s website under Registration Forms. If you are interested in volunteering, please seek out faculty whose research interests align with yours.

WCHP Summer Research Fellowships

As a WCHP student, you may be eligible to apply for a summer research stipend to perform research full time (40 hours per week) with a faculty mentor. Applications are generally solicited annually, with funding subject to change. Summer research fellowships are competitive, and you work closely with faculty mentors to prepare their applications.