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. This year, all items will need to be submitted electronically in PDF form as one file.. Read the instructions carefully and if you have any questions, please contact our Office.

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 Tiffany Durham.

• 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: • A written proposal: Use headings as shown in “Guidelines for Research Proposal” (word doc). Include your proposal with your application. Click here for sample proposals. 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 Tiffany Durham . Again, they must be submitted altogether as one PDF file. .

The application for summer funding (May-August, 2010) is due to the Office of Medical Student Research Monday, February 8, 2010 by 5:00 PM. Our address is: 4162-K Bioinformatics Building, CB 7080. Attn: Tiffany Durham. Our email address is: strt@med.unc.edu. Applications that arrive in our office after that time may not be funded.

Selection Process:
Proposals submitted for funding during the summer (May-August) are due on February 8, 2010. Proposals will be evaluated by a study committee comprised of UNC faculty members. The committee will evaluate the proposals based on their preparation, design and feasibility. 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 committee’s decision on or about April 14, 2010..

Orientation:
A short orientation will be held in May 2010 for all students participating in our summer CMSRP. 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# 7080
School of Medicine
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7555
strt@med.unc.edu / phone: 919-966-3997 / fax: 919-843-2508