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Getting involved in faculty-mentored research

Last Updated: March 30, 2012 (updating the page this weekend.)

I am

Get the answer from a speech by Miami's President Hodge.
Research is hands on learning.
It's fun!
It's job training. It's career development. Your mentor can point you to career opportunities, write letters of references, pass on the wisdom of his/her experience.
It's a great way to get to know a professor, other students.

It is important to actively involve undergraduates in discovery-based activities as part of the learning process. It helps develop students into independent, confident, responsible thinkers.
My laboratory is a community where students learn from each other. You will be encouraged to initiate and develop projects, and as much as possible, given the freedom to do so.
I want my student's to succeed. Take a look at lab members' (scroll down for recent graduates) accomplishments, where they go, and what they do after Miami.

You don't need to have taken biology nor chemistry. You do need to be curious, motivated, reliable, and responsible.
The earlier you get involved and STAY involved, the more substantial and meaningful the research experience will be. As an undergrad, I started in a lab as a sophomore. Freshmen and sophomores, it's not too early to join a lab. On average, a person is in my lab for about 3 semesters.
I have no minimum per-semester commitment requirements, BUT be aware you need to commit at least 6 hrs/wk (2 credit hrs) to research to make progress on an independent research project. If you want to "try out" doing research with me in the lab, that's fine. Let's talk. You don't need to make a commitment until you are ready. All I ask is that you keep me informed of your plans.
Your first priority at Miami should be your course work. I understand some semesters are tougher than others, and that exams seem to all come at the same time. All I ask is that you keep me informed if classes get hectic. I recommend maintaining a 3.0 GPA before getting heavily involved in a lab. Research is great extracurricular experience, but it won't make up for poor academic performance.

Independent study (PHYX77) and research projects (PHY440) are offered for credit during the school year. Recommended preparation is PHY181, 182 and calculus II.
Paid and credit-based opportunities are usually available during the summer.
I am also happy to work with students outside of physics, as my research is highly interdisciplinary.
If you are interested in completing your Miami Plan capstone (PHY488) with me, contact me at least semester in advance.

I hold training sessions for potential new lab members every semester. Commitment during training is 2 hrs/week for about a month. There is no obligation to stay with the laboratory afterwards, so this is a great way to try out the laboratory environment, learn about biophysics, and meet classmates. Contact me for more information. There is no prerequisite, just a love of learning, curiosity, and motivation. Freshmen and non-physics majors welcome.