How to Join a Laboratory

Undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering students at CSU have a wealth of opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in the field. Our research laboratories span four colleges: Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Applied Human Sciences.

To join a campus research lab, we suggest utilizing the following tips:

1. Learn more about the SBME Interdisciplinary Research Areas and choose an area of interest.
2. Go to the SBME Faculty Directory page and search the directory by research area.
3. Go through the list of faculty members in your interest area. Click on their homepage link and review their areas of expertise by reading a few of their papers (at least the abstract and conclusion).
4. Choose three faculty members who you find interesting.
5. Visit the Research Laboratories page to find the faculty members’ lab link.
6. Email the faculty members stating your interest in working in their laboratory. Address how you will bring value to their lab and area of research. Be sure to attach your resume.
7. If you do not hear back within 7 days, follow up with a phone call.

For additional assistance, visit the Engineering Success Center on the first floor of the Scott Building.

Initially, you can expect to volunteer in a laboratory. If there is a mutual fit and funding is available, the faculty member may bring you on for pay. If you have attained Work Study, be sure to mention it.