How do I get involved in undergraduate research in the CHS?

• Search the CHS UGR website Current Opportunities to identify a research experience that interests you; our hope is that the opportunity you select will contribute to your future education as well as your professional future
• Once you have found an experience of interest, you should contact the director of undergraduate research Dr. Gilson Capilouto via email (gilson.capilouto@uky.edu)
• In the body of your email, make sure you let Dr. Capilouto know the following:
  • The title of the research experience for which you would like to be considered
  • If you are interested in receiving course credit for the experience and if so, how many credit hours you are seeking considering the following information regarding expectations associated with each credit hour

    Fall or Spring Semester	Eight-Week Summer Session
    For a one credit hour experience: 3-4 hours per week, for 9-13 weeks, in research.	For a one credit hour experience: 4-6 hours per week, for 8 weeks, in research.
    For a 2 credit hour experience: 4-6 hours per week, for 9-13 weeks, in research.	For a 2 credit hour experience: 4-8 hours per week, for 8 weeks, in research.
    For a 3 credit hour experience: 8+ hours per week, for 9-13 weeks, in research.	For a 3 credit hour experience: 6-12 hours per week, for 8 weeks, in research.

     

  • What semester are you planning to participate?
• After receiving your email, Dr. Capilouto with confirm with the principal investigator (PI or mentor) if space is available in the lab during the time you want to be involved (i.e. the semester)
• If there is space for an additional student, Dr. Capilouto will contact you with a copy to the PI, asking you to contact the PI regarding a time to meet.
• After your interview has been completed, the PI will let Dr. Capilouto know if they believe you are a good fit for the project; LIKEWISE, after you meet with the faculty, if the work is not appealing to you, contact Dr. Capilouto and let her know that. She will then inform the PI and work with you to find another option.

What happens once I am accepted into a research lab?

• After you are accepted into a lab, you should let Dr. Capilouto know, and if taking for credit, how many hours and what mechanism. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REGISTERING. She can get you registered in an HHS course if the registration window is closed; however, she has no ability to register for non CHS credit (i.e. BIO 395)
• Prior to beginning in the research lab, you must complete the trainings as directed by the PI
• ALL undergraduates participating in CHS research labs MUST complete the following:
  • BEFORE you can begin work in the lab you must:
    • Register with the UK Office of Undergraduate Research * If not a UK student, enter “none” for “UKID” when registering
    • Successfully complete research ethics education (human subjects, animal care and use, or lab safety - as directed by the by the mentor). www.citiprogram.org
    • Complete the following Web Based Trainings (WBT), as recommended by faculty mentor:
      • Bio-Safety
      • Bloodborne Pathogen
      • Chemical Hygiene
      • Hazardous Waste
• Send documentation of completion to you mentor
• Meet with you mentor to develop a contract of work
• Mentor and student sign the contract, then SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY to Dr. Capilouto
• Dr. Capilouto executes and then sends copy to student and mentor
• Student can begin work as instructed
• Student is expected to complete the online evaluation of the research experience at the end of each semester