If you are not studying abroad this summer, many opportunities are awaiting you!
You can:
1. Apply for an internship. Gaining experience will help you land that future job and summer is the ideal time to do that. Visit our very own Career Services to get information and help for securing an internship at:
http://www.up.edu/career/default.aspx?cid=5969&pid=134
Do some research and look around campus for other internships being advertised such as those at OHSU
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/onprc/public-education/undergraduate.cfm and http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/vision/center-for-diversity-inclusion/academic-resources/internships/summer-equity-internship.cfm
2. Take summer classes. Whether you are getting ahead, catching up, or making a more manageable fall semester, this is a great chance to enjoy the benefits of a smaller class size. Some courses offered from the Biology Department include: BIO 191 Intro to Marine Biology, BIO 205 Foundations of Biology, BIO 206/276 Organismal and Population Biology and Lab, BIO 207 Intro Cell Biology and Genetics,
BIO 291 Intro to Marine Biology, BIO 307/377 Human Anatomy and Lab, BIO 308/378 Human Physiology and Lab, BIO 359/379 Microbiology and Lab, BIO 391/392 Ornithology and Lab.
3. Explore the world of undergraduate research!
Some of the students last fall participated in the Murdock Conference to present research projects. Many students right now are actively partnering with faculty to work on different areas of research. Dr. Sullivan is working with students on the impact of maternal obesity and high fat diet consumption on the developing offspring. Although they have been working with animals, they will be partnering with OHSU to start working on the translation to the human side.
This is just one of the many fascinating research projects that are happening right here at UP!
As Dr. Sullivan explains, the benefits and importance of undergraduate research for students is huge. Students acquire a hands-on opportunity, utilize tools they learned from their biology classes and reinforce material they learned. Also, students gain the valuable experience of working with different data sets, being critical of literature and having the opportunity to present their findings. Many times, students develop a sense of ownership that will drive them to learn more and expand their work in that area of research.
Sound like something you would like to pursue? Consider applying for research opportunities on or off campus.
Keep in mind that many opportunities are both research projects and internships! Make sure you carefully consider the deadlines and requirements and then plan accordingly. Lastly, try to find an opportunity that will be something you are interested in. Make the most of your summer!