If you are a high school student interested in a research opportunity at Lerner Research Institute, follow these steps to get started:
Your teacher may have contacts at Lerner Research Institute who they would suggest as a mentor. If not, you can find labs that interest you using the lab search tool or through our Science page.
After identifying labs of interest to you, send each Principal Investigator (Faculty member) a brief and customized email to introduce yourself, your interest in the work of that particular lab, relevant science courses that you have taken, and previous research experiences (if applicable).
Make sure to clearly define what you are looking to gain from the experience. Include when you would like to work in a lab (summer, during the school year, or both) and why you would like to have a research experience (school project, interest in research, etc.).
You may need to email multiple Principal Investigators to find a lab as not all labs are able to accommodate a high school student. If an Investigator has not answered your first email, you may reach out again in 7-10 days.
If you are an undergraduate interested in a research opportunity at Lerner Research Institute, review the following steps to get started:
Find labs that interest you using the lab search tool or through our Science page.
After identifying labs of interest to you, send each Principal Investigator (Faculty member) a brief and customized email to introduce yourself, your interest in the work of that particular lab and your availability.
Include an updated resume with a list of relevant science and math courses that you have taken, your GPA and a list of academic references with contact information (no relatives, please).
Be prepared to convey your enthusiasm for their research to all the investigators who respond to your email and to provide a letter of reference from a professor in your major if you are hired.
You may need to email multiple Principal Investigators to find a lab able to accommodate an undergraduate student. If an Investigator has not answered your first email, you may reach out again in 7-10 days.
The Lerner Research Institute is a participant in the undergraduate University Scholars Program at Cleveland State University. Undergraduate honors students at Cleveland State are given the opportunity to conduct research in the laboratories of the Lerner Research Institute. Interested students must apply directly to the Cleveland State University Honors Program and must be selected by Cleveland State University faculty to participate. For more information, please visit the University Scholars Program website.