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Important Factors to Consider Before Starting Off-Campus Research

(We have provided the items below for your review to help you make well-informed decisions about researching off-campus.)

1. Location: Where are you interested in working (e.g. Medical Center, Houston Zoo, City of Houston, University of Houston, etc.)?  Will you need transportation? 
   
   
2. Time commitment: How many hours per week will you  be able to dedicate to research per week (not including travel time)?  How many hours will you be expected to commit to research as required for course credit or by  the off-campus principal investigator (PI)?
   
   
3. Research supervisor: will you be working with the PI or with a graduate student?  Who would you like to work with?
   
   
4. Duties: What is the focus of the lab/project? What project/duties have been proposed for you?  Will your work on the project provide an important contribution to the research?
   
   
5. Advisor accessibility:  How often will you meet with your research mentor? Will you be able to meet regularly with your mentor (i.e., once a week)?  
   
   
6. Contact:  Who will oversee your day-to-day responsibilities? How will you receive instruction (i.e., during weekly meetings)?
   
   
7. Other: If any, have you completed the requisite paper work? (i.e. immunization records, educational agreement forms, safety training, name badge, background checks, other prerequisites for working with the institution, etc.)
   
   
8. International Student Status: Are you an international student?  If yes and you plan to receive funding or you plan to research off campus, please visit OISS for information for International students seeking employment.

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