<p>I'm considering applying to Northeastern this year as a premed/biochemistry major. I think it'd be great to take part in research at some level while in university. I know Northeastern has extensive coop programs, but I didn't see the emphasis on research that I saw at other schools I've visited. So for anyone more familiar with the school than I am, are there opportunities for undergrads to get involved somehow either on campus or at surrounding establishments?</p>
<p>While co-op has the greater emphasis, there is certainly research you can become involved in. However, you’re probably going to have to seek out opportunities on your own. Just be proactive - ask around. Express an interest in a professor’s work. Things along those lines.</p>
<p>There are definitely ample opportunities on campus to get involved in research, it just takes some initiative on your part. I know many, many of my classmates who are working with professors, and I’m only going to be a sophomore. I’m currently working for one of my professors, and it’s awesome, I just sent her an email towards the end of the semester. Even though I’m not doing any research yet, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so many techniques. All you have to do is ask, you might not get some responses, but eventually you’ll find someone who is willing to take you on!</p>
<p>Sounds good. I’m willing to take the initiative; I just want to make sure the opportunities are out there.</p>
<p>I think it’s probably true at most schools that you’re goin to have to take initiative to get involved in research. That said, there are thigs that make it easier. For example, in your first semester, there’s a 1 credit intro to your major class. For mine, it involved a number of professors coming in to talk about their research. If you’re in honors, the particular section of enhancing honors that I was in had a similar set-up. The professors you’re taking classes from are also a good place to start. And if none of the research topics from these profs interest you, just get up the guts to contact a professor and ask to find out more about what they’re working on. (They’ll be thrilled.) Reading up ahead of time on their work.
I spent a year volunteering in the Action Lab, and then I got a co-op there. I am also going to get publication credit for the research I’m doing, which I really awesome for an undergrad.</p>