Clinical Research Opportunities on Long Island
Research experience is not required for medical school — but it is a significant differentiator. Long Island has world-class research institutions. Here is how to get into one of them.
Why Research Matters for Medical School
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity beyond coursework
Provides a strong faculty letter of recommendation
Gives you something substantive to discuss in interviews
May lead to a publication or poster presentation — a significant differentiator
Shows you can handle the rigor of medical school and residency
Research Institutions on Long Island
Stony Brook University — Research Programs
Public Research University
Stony Brook is a Carnegie R1 research university with extensive biomedical research programs. The Department of Medicine, Cancer Center, and Renaissance School of Medicine all offer research opportunities for undergraduates.
Programs available:
- URECA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities) — formal program connecting undergrads with faculty mentors
- Summer Research Program through the School of Medicine
- Individual lab placements through department websites
Northwell Health Research Institute
Health System Research
Northwell conducts clinical and translational research across its hospital network. The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset is one of the largest medical research institutions in New York.
Programs available:
- Summer Research Internship Program at the Feinstein Institutes
- Clinical research coordinator positions (paid)
- Individual PI-sponsored research positions
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Independent Research Institution
One of the most prestigious research institutions in the world, located in Cold Spring Harbor, Suffolk County. CSHL has produced eight Nobel laureates and conducts cutting-edge research in cancer, neuroscience, and genomics.
Programs available:
- Undergraduate Research Program (URP) — competitive summer program
- Partners for the Future — high school and early college program
- Individual lab placements for exceptional students
NYU Winthrop Hospital Research
Academic Medical Center
NYU Winthrop conducts clinical research across multiple specialties. Research coordinator and assistant positions are available for pre-med students.
Programs available:
- Clinical research coordinator positions (paid)
- Faculty-sponsored research projects
- Volunteer research assistant roles
Hofstra University Research Programs
Private University
Hofstra offers undergraduate research opportunities through its science departments and through the Northwell Health partnership.
Programs available:
- Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
- Faculty-mentored independent research
- Northwell-affiliated research through the medical school partnership
How to Actually Get a Research Position
Identify 5–10 faculty members whose research genuinely interests you. Read their recent publications.
Email them with a specific, personalized message — reference their work, explain your background, and ask if they have openings.
Attach a one-page resume and your unofficial transcript.
Follow up once after two weeks if you do not hear back.
Start sophomore year at the latest. Junior year is late; senior year is too late for most programs.
Commit to at least one full academic year. Researchers do not invest in students who leave after a semester.
Need Help Positioning Your Research Experience?
Research is only valuable if you can articulate what you learned. Dr. Tomei helps students translate lab and clinical research into compelling application narratives.
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