Interested students should identify an appropriate research mentor as early as possible in their training. This mentor should have experience leading hypothesis-driven robust research projects. Search faculty with independent research grants (Kerberos ID and password required) as a starting point; however, if a mentor you are interested in working with is not part of this list, reach out to Kelly V. Ruggles, PhD, at Kelly.Ruggles@NYULangone.org to make sure they qualify.

The following are required for application to the program:

• completion of preclinical training
• identification of an appropriate research mentor
• submission of a specific aims page summarizing the background and significance of your project, two to three research aims, approach, and anticipated outcomes

As an honors student, you also must complete the Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research course from the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) before or during your first research period.

Necessary Elements of an Honors Research Project

An honors research project must meet the following criteria:

• It is hypothesis-driven and approved by your mentor and the program director.
• It is completed at an NYU Langone laboratory.
• It includes a written thesis that you defend with a thesis committee. Students who submit a peer-reviewed manuscript can use this in place of a written thesis.

You may be able to apply to the Honors Program after you have completed your research or, with approval, if you participated in outside research programs. Schedule a meeting with our program director if you have questions about your research project’s eligibility for honors distinction.

Final Research Report

Students will prepare a thesis representing original and rigorous scientific work. This includes an introduction, methods and results, and a discussion of your findings (2,500–4,000 words).

Oral Defense

Within two to three weeks of submitting the written proposal, students are expected to present an oral defense of their project to their thesis committee. The thesis committee consists of your mentor, two other faculty members with expertise in your research area, and the Area of Concentration director. This exam will take about 1 hour and consist of a 20–25-minute presentation of the project by the student and a discussion-based session with questions from faculty relating to the written and oral proposals. Students are responsible for scheduling a defense at a convenient time for all committee members and working with our program coordinator to secure the meeting room.

Following the exam, you will step out of the room while the committee discusses your oral defense and proposal after which you will receive a “pass,” “contingent pass,” or “fail".

All materials related to the honors thesis should be submitted to the navigator tracking system by March 15 of their graduation year. After approval, your honors designation and thesis title are reflected on your diploma.

Contact Us

For questions relating to any aspect of the Areas of Concentration program please contact Dr. Ruggles (Kelly.Ruggles@NYULangone.org), Dr. Simon (Naomi.Simon@NYULangone.org), and Alexa Gatti (Alexa.Gatti@NYULangone.org).