ELECTRONIC STUDENT RESEARCH APPLICATION

Welcome to the Electronic Student Research Application site for on campus summer research opportunities at Macalester College. Summer research positions for students in Math and Sciences will be handled by this process for the summer of 2012. The steps involved in the electronic application include:

• Review faculty descriptions
• Talk with faculty about their research
• Submit an application, and continue talking with faculty

Importance of Student Research

Research collaborations are pivotal for science majors because they provide an opportunity for students to learn to "do" science, augmenting their classroom knowledge with practical skills and problem-solving proficiencies. This type of research experience is a critically important experience for undergraduates majoring in science, including those going on to graduate school, medical school, other health professional training, and for those students planning careers in teaching and industry. There are a number of ways that a Macalester student can gain experience working in a research lab during the summer, including collaborative research opportunities located on the Macalester campus as well as many diverse opportunities off-campus.

The ESRA Process

For science majors the electronic student research application (ESRA) process is being used for student applications for on campus research opportunities in science regardless of whether the funding comes from Beltmann, SFSR or individual faculty grants.

The electronic application process:
• Streamlines the application process for students and faculty
• Provides a systematic way for students to know if faculty members are doing research and the requirements/skill sets needed to work in faculty members’ labs
• Raises student awareness of research opportunities earlier in their college careers
• Provides students with one site where they can explore opportunities and submit applications

Before Applying For A Summer Research Position at Macalester

There are three steps to complete BEFORE you apply for summer research opportunities at Macalester for summer 2012. Do not submit your application until you have completed the following steps:

1) Read about faculty research to learn more about all the research done on campus. You will be able to link to the research descriptions in late November. Select up to four faculty members with whom you would like to work. It is always a good idea to talk more with the faculty members to learn more about their research and whether it would be a good fit for you based on your coursework to date, experience and goals.
2) Understand how research on campus is funded. Depending on the lab and a faculty member's funding, you may need to complete additional steps or applications.
3) Complete your application. The actual application consists of your resume, your college transcript, and a cover letter that is individualized to the faculty member with whom you hope to work. The following are resources that can help you with:

• Developing a professional resume

• Writing an effective cover letter

• Tips on how to download your transcript

Important Dates
Keep the following dates in mind as you make decisions about summer research.
• Nov 29: Begin to review faculty descriptions
• Dec-Feb: Talk with faculty about their research
• Jan 9: First day to submit applications, continue talking with faculty
• Feb 6: Last day to submit applications for some faculty

Some faculty will have an application deadline later than Feb 6th.

Helpful Reminders
The following may help you succeed in obtaining a summer research position.
• Decide what you would like to accomplish during the summer
• Review the descriptions of faculty research and take note of eligibility requirements
• Talk with the faculty member about his/her research and demonstrate your interest
• Talk with your academic adviser about opportunities you are exploring
• Remember to also explore and apply to opportunities off campus.

Most importantly, apply to multiple programs. Although there are many positions available for student research, they are competitive. It is best to complete applications for several opportunities both on and off-campus.

Ready To Apply
Once you have read about faculty research projects, understand how research is funded at Macalester and what additional steps may be required of you, and how to apply using this system, you are ready to submit your application! You may submit your application beginning on January 9th, 2012. To upload your complete application (cover letter, transcript and resume) go to

http://moodlegroups.macalester.edu/course/view.php?id=103

You will be able to link to the moodle site on Jan 9th.

Final note: It is important to understand that this process is designed to streamline applications and allow faculty members to be aware of who is interested in doing research with them. Submitting the electronic application does not guarantee with whom you will work or even that there will be a position or funding for you next summer. Completing and submitting the application is the first step but you should also talk with faculty members, your advisor and apply to many opportunities both on and off campus.

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Comments and questions to toohey@macalester.edu