Welcome to Summer Undergraduate Research
Tom Gilmore
UROP Director
Professor, Biology Department
June 9, 2014
Undergraduate Research at BU Summer 2014
Approximately 300 students
1. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP): 222 students (BU; Companies; Alumni; Research Grants; HHMI)
2. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF): 11 (National Science Foundation)
3. Chem NSF-REU; CELEST; STaRS (NSF; BU Med): ~304. Beckman Foundation: 4 (Beckman Scientific)5. Other: ~30 (paid from grants; volunteering;
coursework; BU Medical School)
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Function: Oversees and supports most undergraduate research at Boston
University
Director: Dr. Tom Gilmore, Professor of Biology
Assistant Director: Melissa Christine; [email protected]
Program Administrator: Tina Fresta; [email protected]
Location: 143 Bay State Road
Phone: 617-353-2020
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bu.edu/urop
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Function: Oversees and supports most undergraduate research at Boston
University
Director: Dr. Paul Lipton, Director of Neuroscience
Assistant Director: Melissa Christine; [email protected]
Program Administrator: Tina Fresta; [email protected]
Location: 143 Bay State Road
Phone: 617-353-2020
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bu.edu/urop
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Function: To promote access to research-based education to
talented undergraduate students, especially among
underrepresented minorities or students from schools
without ready access to research experiences. Goal is
to ensure a diverse work-force in STEM fields.
Sponsors: National Science Foundation
Website: www.bu.edu/surf
Partner Programs: NSF-REU in Chemistry; CELEST; STaRS
Administration of SURF Program
Program Manager: Tina Fresta; [email protected]
Location: 143 Bay State Road
Phone: 617-353-2020 email: [email protected]
Website: www.bu.edu/surf
Summer Workshops for UROP & Other Program Students
Mondays, 4-5 PM, SCI 109(Metcalf Science Center, 590 Commonwealth Avenue)
Topics: Resume and CV writing; GRE and MCAT Preparation; Abstract Writing and
Presentation Skills; Selected Topics in Current Research
Workshop schedule is posted at www.bu.edu/urop
October Symposium for Undergraduate Research Friday, October 17, 2014
Undergraduate Research Symposium Friday, October 18, 2013
George Sherman Union
11 AM - 2:30 PM
~240 Research Posters
UROP BBQ
Friday, July 11th
1 – 3 pm
GSU Fox Fountain
(behind George Sherman Union)
Mentors welcome to attend
BI 495: Summer Research Course
• 2-credit course offered to BU UROP students
• Students will be registered for the course during the Fall 2014 semester
• Requirements: 1. Attendance at all summer workshops; 2. Presentation at the Fall symposium; and 3. A research paper (10-20 pages) on your summer research (due approximately November 1, 2014)
• Dr. Gilmore is the instructor for this “course” and he will grade the papers and assign course grades
• SIGN UP AT END OF SUMMER
UROP Summer Payments
• You will receive two payments during the summer on:
• Friday, May 16• Friday, July 18
• Paychecks must be picked up at the Student Payroll Office at 881 Commonwealth Avenue
• UROP students do not need to submit a timesheet
• Questions to [email protected] or 3-2020
Words of Wisdom
1. Take advantage of the opportunity. 2. What you get out of this will be largely
proportional to the effort you put in.3. Be a good team player.4. Keep careful and honest records.5. Be careful!6. Follow the rules of the lab/workplace
and the University.7. Learn from your mentor and especially
those around you.8. Try to have (at least some) fun.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Introductory Principles from Open Seminar in Research Ethics
http://openseminar.org/ethics/
June 9, 2014Adapted from information provided by:Susan H. Frey, J.D.Assistant Provost for Research ComplianceBoston [email protected]
Gary Comstock ASC Fellow, National Humanities Center, 2007-09 Professor
of Philosophy, NC State
http://www.webguru.neu.edu/
Research Interests
Each of us goes into research for
our own reasons
intrinsically rewarding career advance the state of scientific or
humanistic knowledge improve the well-being of others acquire flexibility in a work schedule
Opportunities Come with Risks
A major risk in research involves compromises of integrity and honesty through research misconduct
YOUR INTERESTS become entwined with INTERESTS OF OTHERS
The Research Community has Created Specific Rules to Guide You
As a junior researcher, you will be involved in conducting, discussing, and perhaps even publishing your research
Because many potential traps and ethical dilemmas can arise, you should know how the US National Science & Technology Council defines “scientific misconduct”
“Research misconduct” includes
Fabrication -- making up data or
results and then recording or
reporting them as truth
Falsification -- manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing, or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record
“Research misconduct” (continued)
Plagiarism -- appropriating and using another person's documented ideas, processes, results, or words without giving “appropriate” credit, whether from books, on-line materials, confidential documents, etc.
Research misconduct DOES NOT include errors of judgment, errors in recording, selection or analysis of data, or incorrect opinions.
Many Gray Areas Exist Around these Definitions
For example, sometimes an image is easier to interpret if it is modified with image enhancing software. If we use, for example, Photoshop to "clean up" a digital image, are we guilty of a federal crime? (Not necessarily--just be sure to check first with your mentor and explain carefully what you are proposing to do.)
There Are Ethical Situations for Which There is No Rule
How do we make wise decisions under trying, new and challenging conditions?
rely on our peers, colleagues and mentors (discuss what you are doing with others)
more senior mentors can help you see dangers that you do not perceive, guide you around obstacles, and help you think through the ethical implications of our work.
At Boston University An anonymous whistleblower hot line
http://www.bu.edu/ethicsScroll down to REPORTING HOTLINE
A confidential institutional official to advise on whistle-blowing:
• You may confer with Assistant Provost Susan Frey or UROP Director Tom Gilmore on an anonymous basis.
A scientific misconduct procedure providing for an inquiry committee of scientists to review credible allegations of misconduct
Animals in Research
You may use animals in your research. Many animals are capable of pain and most
sentient species are protected by animal welfare laws.
In addition to the law, many ethical considerations require us to take into account the potential suffering of all sentient beings.
If you are using animals, you will need to take training in the proper use of animals
Basic Guidelines
An animal research protocol must have: A clear scientific purpose and objective
that will benefit the health of other animals and/or humans; and
be carried out using properly designed, humane procedures by personnel who are knowledgeable concerning the proper care and handling of the species being studied.
Human Subjects in Research
You may be using other people in your research. In many cases, the subjects of your research may
benefit from the experience. On the other hand, some could be harmed, even by
the best intentioned researcher. How do we minimize the risks to each individual,
ensure that moral rights are protected, and maximize overall well-being?
Six basic guidelines for including humans in research
Obtain their informed consent in writing prior to beginning the project
Minimize risks to the person on whom the research is being conducted
Ensure that the risks to the person are proportional to the potential benefits that the research may bring them
Provide everyone with sufficient information about the research that they can make an informed decision about whether to participate
Maintain their privacy Allow subjects to withdraw from the project at any time
Mentor’s Guidance
If you will be interviewing or polling or in any way using people in your research,
OR If you will be using animals in your research
Ask your mentor for guidance; it is your job to ensure that your activities are legal and ethical.