“I have already started to plan additional projects that will provide benefit to my own research and have incorporated these into grant proposals indicating where the FRI students will contribute. These students are very, very good.  I think once faculty realize this asset is out there, they will also start looking for trained students to take into their laboratories.
Karen Browning, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry BioBrick Stream

The FRI experience prepares you for any number of opportunities.  We are dedicated to helping our program alumni explore and realize these options:

• Look at the ideas presented on the FRIEND (Freshman Research Initiative Educational Next Destination) site, which is designed specifically to place FRI alumni in new positions.
• Continue working with the FRI, either as an Undergraduate TA (UGTA) for the Research Methods course, or as a Peer Mentor in one of the FRI streams.
• Do Research on Campus: If you would like to get into a lab for now through the rest of your undergraduate career, Eureka is a great web reference for finding professors who are seeking researchers (also, if you pick a short list of 10 possible professors, Dr. Simmons can help you narrow it down).
• Publish or present your work on campus in the Spring in the Undergradute Research Journal or at the Undergraduate Research Forum. 
• Present at national conferences.
• Do an industry partnership during the summer and/or the long semesters. Companies with which we've placed students include JPL, Sandia, Ambion, Asuragen, Texas Department of Health, etc. We've screened many of the internship we havelisted to make sure you will be doing meaningful research instead of just janitorial duties.
• Find a Summer Research Program here and around the US. There are ~1000 of these awarded across the country and with your research background you have a good chance to get one.  (Register to attend a fall workshop.)
• Study, Research or Intern Abroad. Think about a country of interest and the type of research. Meet with Dr. Simmons about options.

Most importantly, talk with Sarah Simmons about your options. Set up appointment with her, either through her directly or (better yet) through Debi Goodwin. Think about your degree and what you would like out of your college experience. Think about what you want to do after you graduate. The FRI office can get you in touch with other advisors in career services and elsewhere who have many more opportunities for you.