Prospective Graduate Students

The Reed Lab is not able to accept more graduate students at this time.

Prospective Undergraduate Students

Letter to Undergraduate Applicants

Dear Potential Undergraduate Researcher,

Thank you for your interest in becoming involved in the research in the Reed Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama. I believe strongly that experience doing research is a critical component of young scientist’s development. As undergraduate students work in my lab, they are expected to contribute significantly to the intellectual content of their research projects and to ultimately earn authorship on peer-reviewed publications. This requires a significant commitment of time and enthusiasm to the lab group, the research, and to one’s own intellectual development. I am looking for intellectual enthusiasm and the potential to learn quickly rather than a specific skill set or knowledge base. Preference will be given to students early in their college careers.

In each application round (see dates below), I will interview some applicants and then select a small number to join my lab group. I will conduct a similar application and interview process each semester for students starting in the lab the following semester, so students should wait to apply until they are ready to make the commitments listed below and can reapply in subsequent semesters if not selected in the first round. 

Thank you again for your interest and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,
Laura Reed

Laboratory Expectations

The expectations for students joining my lab group are:

  1. Regular attendance and participation at weekly lab meetings
  2. A minimum 2-year commitment to the lab
  3. A average minimum of 6 hours per week of research during the academic year​
  4. Yearly presentations of work at research symposia or scientific meetings
  5. Final written reports on all research findings including complete lab notebooks, data files, and analyses
  6. Contribute equally to shared laboratory chores and responsibilities
  7. Registration in 1 hour of research credit (BSC 398) per semester when possible
  8. Being willing to apply for external funding resources when recommended
  9. Absolute scientific integrity
Students presenting research at UA’s Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference

Application Requirements

Research is not easy. It can be tedious and frustrating, but also extremely rewarding. If you feel you are prepared to make the commitments outlined above, please email Dr. Reed a two (2) page letter/essay on why you want to be involved in the research, and in my lab group specifically, and your career goals

Application Deadlines

October 31st by 5pm for consideration for beginning in the Spring

March 31st by 5pm for consideration for beginning in the Summer or Fall 

*If you are an incoming freshman/transfer student, submit your application by August 16th for consideration for starting research in the Fall.