Shadow Pass
Finding the right research mentor is a key to success in undergraduate research. Spending some time in several labs may be an important step in finding the best fit. A Research Shadow Pass will offer the opportunity to spend time in research laboratories prior to commitment to a project on the part of the student or mentor. The following expectations apply:
- No shadowing student will be allowed alone in any laboratory.
- While the approval of a department chair opens the opportunity for a student to shadow in the labs in that department, it does not guarantee that any faculty member in that department will permit the student in his/her laboratory. Final permission to shadow in a lab must be given by the faculty member in charge of that lab. Furthermore, subsequent work on a project in that laboratory is subject to the approval of the faculty member.
- A shadowing student must undergo appropriate safety training prior to being allowed in a laboratory.
- The Research Shadow Pass is valid for a single semester, and re-application is required for subsequent semesters.
How to apply:
- Download the Research Shadow Pass application.
- Complete the form, including the release, which must be notarized. (Don’t sign it unless you are with the notary!) If you are under 19 years old, parental consent is required.
- Obtain signatures of department chairs in up to five departments that have labs that interest you.
- Bring the form to the Office of Undergraduate Research (Seamen's Bethel Theatre - Loretta Wilson).
Then what?
- Contact faculty whose work interests you and ask permission to shadow in their laboratory. Perhaps request that they put you in touch with their research students.
- Find out if there is online safety training that is needed prior to having laboratory access. If so, complete it and bring documentation to the faculty member.
- Schedule a time to shadow in the laboratory.
- Read as much as you can on the research before visiting the lab so that you can make the most of your time there.