Bioengineering, Research

Objective
The research rotation objective is to facilitate the student's familiarity with different areas of research, learn new experimental techniques and obtain experience in specific research laboratories. The research rotation project should involve independent research and should ideally be a piece of work that could lead to a presentation at a scientific meeting or become part of a peer-reviewed publication. While some rotations may lead to the student pursuing their thesis research in that laboratory, there is no implied commitment that this will be the case from either the student or faculty mentor.

Rotation Selection
Group faculty members will submit paragraphs concerning rotation project opportunities in their laboratories. These will be posted on the Bioengineering web site. Students may use these as a guide or seek other opportunities. Prior to starting a research rotation, the student and proposed faculty sponsor must complete a "Research Rotation Authorization" form indicating the research rotation project title and confirmation of the rotation commitments of time, support and resources. The student must also obtain approval from their primary academic advisor.

Reporting Requirements
The student and faculty sponsor must complete a Research Rotation Evaluation form outlining the actual work performed and provide an assessment of the experience at the end of the rotation. This will assist the academic advisors in evaluating student progress and is not formally graded. Starting with the incoming class of 2000, second year students will be required to either present a poster at the retreat or make a 15-minute presentation as part of a Bioengineering journal club concerning one of their rotation projects. This will aid students in gaining experience in making such presentations prior to their oral examinations.

Length and Timing of Rotations
Rotations may either be performed during the academic year or during the summer. The semester rotation, the student is expected to devote 8-10 hours per week towards their project for a period of 16 weeks. In the summer, the student is expected to either devote 16-20 hours per week (half time rotation) or 32-40 hours per week (full time rotation) during a period of 8 weeks. Students must either complete two semester rotations, one semester and one half time summer rotation, two half time summer rotations or one full time summer rotation in each of their first and second years. Students are encouraged to seek rotations with several different research groups. Students may complete multiple rotations in a particular laboratory if it fits their research interests. The research being performed during a rotation may correspond to the initial stages of a thesis project or may be on a totally different topic.

Faculty Support
The faculty sponsor will provide financial support or supplementation of the student's stipend to the minimum level recommended by the Group. Students receive an appointment through the faculty sponsor's department as a Graduate Student Researcher, title code 3238 usually at Step VIII. Students with fellowship awards may only require the faculty sponsor to supplement their fellowship to bring the stipend level up to the Group minimum. It is recognized that there are often restrictions on faculty funding sources and student stipends that need to be considered in arranging such support. Research Rotations are required for purely academic reasons and are not a means for obtaining additional salary support.

Research Rotation Guidelines