There are a number of steps in applying for the Carolina
Medical Student Research Program (CMSRP).
If you have any questions along the
way, please contact the Office of Medical Student Research.
Step 1 - Identify a mentor
The first step is to identify a research mentor. You can review the “find
a mentor” page to see who is working in your area of interest.
Step 2 - Develop a research topic
Do this in conjunction with your mentor. If you are hoping to do a short-term
research project, remember to limit the research design: 8-12 weeks
is a short period of time.
Step 3 - Complete the application.
There are 5 items that comprise the full application. The forms are attached
below. (Click here to print a copy of these instructions.)
The application and student biosketch forms have been formatted so that you can save them to your hard drive and type in your information. If you have problems using them please contact Kelley Cardone.
- Application: (Word document) Please fill out both pages completely. Make sure you read and check the "I Agree" box at the bottom of the first page.
- Your biosketch: (Word document) Please complete this form. (Click here for an example)
- A letter of support from your mentor. The letter should be reasonably detailed as to the project, expected support to be given to the student in the way of mentoring, technical help, and expected outcomes. Your letter must include your mentor's signature. Please scan the letter and attach it with the application package.
- Your mentor’s biosketch. Request a copy of your mentor’s NIH-style biosketch. Please include it with the application package.
- A written proposal: State the problem or area to be studied. Describe plans for solving the problem including, when appropriate, hypotheses, methodology, expected results, experimental subjects, controls and the rationale of your approach. Restrict your remarks 2-3 typed pages, single sided. Include your proposal with your application. References, as appropriate, should be included on a separate page, which does not count toward your page total. Click here for sample proposals. Also, please keep in mind that you must have IRB and/or IACUC approval or exemption before you start working on your research project. (Your mentor can help you with this.)
Step 4 - Apply
Applications must be electronically submitted to Kelley Cardone. Please attach all 5 items to the same email message so that items do not get lost.
The application for yearlong and summer funding (May-August, 2008) is due to the Office of Medical Student Research Tuesday, February 12, 2008 by 5:00 PM. Our address is: 4162-K Bioinformatics Building, CB 7555. Attn: Kelley Cardone. Our email address is: strt@med.unc.edu. Applications that arrive in our office after that time may not be funded.
Selection Process:
Proposal submitted for funding during the school year (September-April)
will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Proposals submitted for funding
during the summer (May-August) are due on February 12, 2008. The proposal
will be evaluated by a study committee comprised of young faculty members.
The committee will evaluate the proposals based on the preparation,design
and feasibility of the proposal. Each proposal will be given a number
and rank ordered. We will fund as many applications as there are funds
available. Students will
be informed of the committees decision on or about March 17, 2008.
Orientation:
A short orientation will be held in May 2008 for all students participating in the CMSRP
in Summer 2008. Once you are selected for
funding you will be asked to agree to the rules
and regulations stipulated by your funding source.
Office
of Medical Student Research
4162-K, Bioinformatics Bldg., CB# 7555
School of Medicine
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7555
strt@med.unc.edu / phone: 919-966-3997
/ fax: 919-966-7592