Welcome to Summer Undergraduate Research

Tom Gilmore

UROP Director

Professor, Biology Department

June 9, 2014

Undergraduate Research at BU Summer 2014

Approximately 300 students

1. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP): 222 students (BU; Companies; Alumni; Research Grants; HHMI)

2. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF): 11 (National Science Foundation)

3. Chem NSF-REU; CELEST; STaRS (NSF; BU Med): ~304. Beckman Foundation: 4 (Beckman Scientific)5. Other: ~30 (paid from grants; volunteering;

coursework; BU Medical School)

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Function: Oversees and supports most undergraduate research at Boston

University

Director: Dr. Tom Gilmore, Professor of Biology

Assistant Director: Melissa Christine; melissac@bu.edu

Program Administrator: Tina Fresta; frestach@bu.edu

Location: 143 Bay State Road

Phone: 617-353-2020

Email: urop@bu.edu

Website: www.bu.edu/urop

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Function: Oversees and supports most undergraduate research at Boston

University

Director: Dr. Paul Lipton, Director of Neuroscience

Assistant Director: Melissa Christine; melissac@bu.edu

Program Administrator: Tina Fresta; frestach@bu.edu

Location: 143 Bay State Road

Phone: 617-353-2020

Email: urop@bu.edu

Website: www.bu.edu/urop

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Function: To promote access to research-based education to

talented undergraduate students, especially among

underrepresented minorities or students from schools

without ready access to research experiences. Goal is

to ensure a diverse work-force in STEM fields.

Sponsors: National Science Foundation

Website: www.bu.edu/surf

Partner Programs: NSF-REU in Chemistry; CELEST; STaRS

Administration of SURF Program

Program Manager: Tina Fresta; frestach@bu.edu

Location: 143 Bay State Road

Phone: 617-353-2020 email: urop@bu.edu

Website: www.bu.edu/surf

Summer Workshops for UROP & Other Program Students

Mondays, 4-5 PM, SCI 109(Metcalf Science Center, 590 Commonwealth Avenue)

Topics: Resume and CV writing; GRE and MCAT Preparation; Abstract Writing and

Presentation Skills; Selected Topics in Current Research

Workshop schedule is posted at www.bu.edu/urop

October Symposium for Undergraduate Research Friday, October 17, 2014

Undergraduate Research Symposium Friday, October 18, 2013

George Sherman Union

11 AM - 2:30 PM

~240 Research Posters

UROP BBQ

Friday, July 11th

1 – 3 pm

GSU Fox Fountain

(behind George Sherman Union)

Mentors welcome to attend

BI 495: Summer Research Course

• 2-credit course offered to BU UROP students

• Students will be registered for the course during the Fall 2014 semester

• Requirements: 1. Attendance at all summer workshops; 2. Presentation at the Fall symposium; and 3. A research paper (10-20 pages) on your summer research (due approximately November 1, 2014)

• Dr. Gilmore is the instructor for this “course” and he will grade the papers and assign course grades

• SIGN UP AT END OF SUMMER

UROP Summer Payments

• You will receive two payments during the summer on:

• Friday, May 16• Friday, July 18

• Paychecks must be picked up at the Student Payroll Office at 881 Commonwealth Avenue

• UROP students do not need to submit a timesheet

• Questions to urop@bu.edu or 3-2020

Words of Wisdom

1. Take advantage of the opportunity. 2. What you get out of this will be largely

proportional to the effort you put in.3. Be a good team player.4. Keep careful and honest records.5. Be careful!6. Follow the rules of the lab/workplace

and the University.7. Learn from your mentor and especially

those around you.8. Try to have (at least some) fun.

Trolley Problem Philippa Ruth Foot, British philosopher (1920-2010)

Trolley Problem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem

Trolley Problem (extended)

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Introductory Principles from Open Seminar in Research Ethics

http://openseminar.org/ethics/

June 9, 2014Adapted from information provided by:Susan H. Frey, J.D.Assistant Provost for Research ComplianceBoston Universitiysfrey@bu.edu

Gary Comstock ASC Fellow, National Humanities Center, 2007-09 Professor

of Philosophy, NC State

http://www.webguru.neu.edu/

Research Interests

Each of us goes into research for

our own reasons

intrinsically rewarding career advance the state of scientific or

humanistic knowledge improve the well-being of others acquire flexibility in a work schedule

Opportunities Come with Risks

A major risk in research involves compromises of integrity and honesty through research misconduct

YOUR INTERESTS become entwined with INTERESTS OF OTHERS

The Research Community has Created Specific Rules to Guide You

As a junior researcher, you will be involved in conducting, discussing, and perhaps even publishing your research

Because many potential traps and ethical dilemmas can arise, you should know how the US National Science & Technology Council defines “scientific misconduct”

“Research misconduct” includes

Fabrication -- making up data or

results and then recording or

reporting them as truth

Falsification -- manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing, or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record

“Research misconduct” (continued)

Plagiarism -- appropriating and using another person's documented ideas, processes, results, or words without giving “appropriate” credit, whether from books, on-line materials, confidential documents, etc.

Research misconduct DOES NOT include errors of judgment, errors in recording, selection or analysis of data, or incorrect opinions.

“Research misconduct” (continued)

Many Gray Areas Exist Around these Definitions

For example, sometimes an image is easier to interpret if it is modified with image enhancing software. If we use, for example, Photoshop to "clean up" a digital image, are we guilty of a federal crime? (Not necessarily--just be sure to check first with your mentor and explain carefully what you are proposing to do.)

Advantages of Image Manipulation

Silver Dollar Galaxy

Amoeba Endothelial Cells

Art Text

Dangers of Image Manipulation

There Are Ethical Situations for Which There is No Rule

How do we make wise decisions under trying, new and challenging conditions?

rely on our peers, colleagues and mentors (discuss what you are doing with others)

more senior mentors can help you see dangers that you do not perceive, guide you around obstacles, and help you think through the ethical implications of our work.

At Boston University An anonymous whistleblower hot line

http://www.bu.edu/ethicsScroll down to REPORTING HOTLINE

A confidential institutional official to advise on whistle-blowing:

• You may confer with Assistant Provost Susan Frey or UROP Director Tom Gilmore on an anonymous basis.

A scientific misconduct procedure providing for an inquiry committee of scientists to review credible allegations of misconduct

Animals in Research

You may use animals in your research. Many animals are capable of pain and most

sentient species are protected by animal welfare laws.

In addition to the law, many ethical considerations require us to take into account the potential suffering of all sentient beings.

If you are using animals, you will need to take training in the proper use of animals

Basic Guidelines

An animal research protocol must have: A clear scientific purpose and objective

that will benefit the health of other animals and/or humans; and

be carried out using properly designed, humane procedures by personnel who are knowledgeable concerning the proper care and handling of the species being studied.

Human Subjects in Research

You may be using other people in your research. In many cases, the subjects of your research may

benefit from the experience. On the other hand, some could be harmed, even by

the best intentioned researcher. How do we minimize the risks to each individual,

ensure that moral rights are protected, and maximize overall well-being?

Six basic guidelines for including humans in research

Obtain their informed consent in writing prior to beginning the project

Minimize risks to the person on whom the research is being conducted

Ensure that the risks to the person are proportional to the potential benefits that the research may bring them

Provide everyone with sufficient information about the research that they can make an informed decision about whether to participate

Maintain their privacy Allow subjects to withdraw from the project at any time

Mentor’s Guidance

If you will be interviewing or polling or in any way using people in your research,

OR If you will be using animals in your research

Ask your mentor for guidance; it is your job to ensure that your activities are legal and ethical.