FINDING SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAMS
There are many wonderful programs out there but it takes time and energy to apply for them. Start early, stay organized, ask for recommendations from faculty early (and go chat with them), and write several drafts of any statements so that they are practically perfect. Do remember that you might not be able to find a research position in the exact field you are interested in and that is just fine. The skills you learn when doing research are general skills and your experience may make you more likely to be a fit for future programs. (Thanks to Jean Porterfield for much of this list!)
Piper Center main page for research opportunities (including summer) – it lists search engines for NSF, NIH, AAMC, NOAA and EPA under “Off-Campus Options:”
http://wp.stolaf.edu/pipercenter/undergraduate-research/
Piper Center list of programs that past St. Olaf students have done:
http://wp.stolaf.edu/pipercenter/opportunities-by-academic-discipline/
St. Olaf CURI (Collaborative Undergraduate Research) site:
If you want to see even longer lists of summer options, Dr. Tom Frederick at Rochester Institute of Technology maintains a web site with links to programs by category. Since so many options are listed it can be a little overwhelming but you might find some great options! http://people.rit.edu/gtfsbi/Symp/summer.htm
The Pathways to Science website also has many listed programs that are a great fit for S-STEM Scholars! https://www.pathwaystoscience.org
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION
St. Olaf Piper Center page on application tips:
http://wp.stolaf.edu/pipercenter/undergraduate-research/#Applying
Piper Center “how to” guides (resumes, cover letters, personal statements):
https://wp.stolaf.edu/pipercenter/how-to-guides/
Piper Center page about how to meet with a peer advisor and/or make an appointment with a coach: