Lab Research – M.S. in Pharmacology

• Overview
• Examples of M.S. Student Research

Overview

Approximately half of the students in the M.S. Program in Pharmacology choose to conduct laboratory research as part of their degree. The Laboratory Research Track involves for-credit research, conducted in both the fall and spring semesters. 

The purpose of the laboratory experience is to give the student exposure to “real science.” Many M.S. students already have some laboratory experience and this is a chance to increase that portion of your CV. For those with limited or no research background, it provides an excellent opportunity for an introduction to “wet lab” research.

Students engage in a research project that is either ongoing or new. They discuss the project at the beginning of the fall, receive papers to learn more about the research area and specific project, and then hold daily or weekly meetings to track progress and troubleshoot problems. MS students usually work with someone advanced in laboratory skills, such as a Ph.D. student, a post-doc, or a Research Professor. We strongly encourage students planning to pursue a Ph.D. program or a laboratory-based position in biotech or big pharma to choose the Laboratory Research Track.

Students admitted to the program will receive information in the early summer about connecting with research mentors for the fall.  Our faculty directory serves as a starting point for identifying M.S. research mentors, however their inclusion on the list does not guarantee their availability to serve as a mentor. Availability each year depends on lab capacity and mentor obligations; students admitted to the program will receive information in the early summer about connecting with available research mentors for the fall. Students wishing to work in a lab outside our department must obtain permission from the program director in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests to work in labs outside of Georgetown.

Students in the Laboratory Research Track must take mandatory Lab Safety & Radiation Safety sessions in late August.Those working on a project involving animals must also attend a training session given by the Department of Comparative Medicine. Details will be provided in the early summer to admitted students.

Near the end of the academic year, usually in April, students participating in research prepare and present a poster to the department. This is an excellent way to learn about scientific presentations and gives the opportunity to ‘bring it all together’ at the end.

Examples of M.S. Student Research