MIMG Undergraduate Research
Overview of MIMG Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Within the MIMG major, all undergraduate students are involved in authentic research experiences either through Path 1 or Path 2.
All students who enter the major are automatically enrolled in Path 1: MIMG Research Immersion Laboratories. We offer two focuses: virology and microbiology. You can learn more about MIMG lab courses/research experiences within our major here.
Students may also choose to get involved in independent research through UCLA faculty member's labs. There are different options for receiving academic credit for MIMG research conducted in a UCLA faculty member's lab (including MIMG 99s and 199s, MIMG’s Path 2, and/or MIMG Departmental Honors). Please email the MIMG Advisors to inquire about options for your lab once you are connected to research (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu).
Please see below for information and resources on how to get connected to a lab and find research opportunities.
Steps to Get Started in Research
Step 1: Prepare for Research
Evaluate your interests, organize your time, and prepare a CV/resume.
We recommend students connect with a lab when they are interested and have capacity. For many students, this could be during their second or third year, but experiences may vary.
Step 2: Find a Lab
Find MIMG labs of interest (start with the MIMG Faculty website).
Exploring posted opportunities in the Undergraduate Research Portal (a resource by the Undergraduate Research Center).
Attend networking events to meet and connect with faculty (i.e. PULSAR events, MIMG Research Symposium, Life Science events, etc.).
Follow the MIMG Listserv (email undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu to be added) as we share known research opportunities with students.
If you are pre-med, explore Med Mentors' Research Experiences website.
Step 3: Contact Faculty & Apply to Research Opportunities
Finding a Faculty Mentor for MIMG Research:
Find MIMG faculty and their contact info. by searching through the MIMG Faculty website.
Google “UCLA + research + area of interest”.
Search for faculty by name through UCLA’s Directory or find within “People” or “Faculty” sections of departments' websites*.
Ask fellow students and MIMG/UCLA community members for recommendations.
*It is possible to conduct MIMG research in UCLA faculty members outside of the MIMG Department. If you are specifically interested in MIMG 199s, MIMG’s Path 2, and/or MIMG’s Departmental Honors, please email the MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) to inquire.
“Cold Emailing” Tips from MIMG Faculty:
Include a clear, updated CV/resume.
Be thoughtful/personal and specific, demonstrating your passion for their field research or specific projects. Be concise.
Reach out to several mentors (ie. 10+).
Do follow up with faculty after giving some response time (i.e. the following quarter), but do not reach out to the same person more than 3 times.
Confirm the Faculty's preferred email/contact method with the Department Advisors (i.e. MIMG Advisors) as needed.
After Being Accepted to a Lab:
Email MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) with your UID and/or schedule an MIMG Advising Appointment to discuss your options for getting academic credit for MIMG research (including MIMG 99s and 199s, MIMG’s Path 2, and/or MIMG Departmental Honors).
Complete the Free Lab Safety Training before you begin your lab work.