How to join a research lab

a group of five people with their arms around each other wearing masks in the middle of a scientific poster session

Thank you for your interest in research lab opportunities with investigators in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). Our investigators receive hundreds of requests each year from young researchers who want to learn and explore in our labs. In order for your request to reach the most appropriate lab, we ask that you carefully read this webpage prior to crafting and sending your request.

Before you apply to a lab, determine what areas of Alzheimer's disease research interest you most. You can learn more about our investigators and active studies two ways:

  • Visit our Investigators page to learn about our researchers and the work they do. You can explore our investigators' profile pages to learn about their research interests, and in some cases links to their lab websites are also available. Our investigators' email addresses are listed on their profile pages.
  • Visit our Open Studies page to learn about active research studies at the Wisconsin ADRC. A principal investigator is listed for each study.

Here are some suggestions that will help ensure your request reaches the appropriate person with the necessary information:

  • Email a specific lab, principal investigator or lab leader. The Wisconsin ADRC will not respond to generic email requests to join a lab.
  • In your email request, include:
    • Your resume and/or work experience
    • Your area(s) of study
    • An explanation detailing why are you interested in joining the lab

If you have questions about this process, email the Wisconsin ADRC Research Education Component (REC) at REC@medicine.wisc.edu.

three women talking at a scientific conference

Additional Resources

  • UW Research Opportunities: Not sure what you are interested in? This page has an email template and a Discovery Portal that can help you develop a list of researchers you might be interested in working with.
  • Neuroscience Training Program: This site lists the main research areas of the UW Neuroscience Training Program. It is meant to serve as a guide for prospective students. Each category lists the faculty members who work within that science and describes their research focus.
  • Waisman Center: The Waisman Center is dedicated to advancing knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases through research, training, service and outreach.
  • Undergraduate Research Resource: Undergraduate students at UW–Madison are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading researchers. Students can experience all aspects of the research process, from assisting others in the lab, to designing, directing, and presenting their own research. It’s also possible to obtain funding or credit for undergraduate research work.
  • National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s and Aging Resources for Students: This page is designed for high school, undergraduate and graduate students to access easy-to-read materials, articles and fact sheets on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, caregiving, aging and issues related to older adults. You can also learn about high school, undergraduate and graduate internships at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).