SOAR Office
The Office of Student Opportunities for Advancement in Research (SOAR) educates and supports BCM medical students in pursuing research opportunities. The SOAR database helps faculty and students find matching research projects and provides guidance on the necessary steps before starting research activities, including the NICER Authorization for Research Activities Form. We offer a comprehensive catalog for medical students interested in participating in Scientific Conferences and Publications, as well as learning from the Student Research Educational Resources. Additionally, SOAR Travel Awards are available to support student research presentations at scientific and medical conferences. Medical students can schedule one-on-one research advising sessions with the SOAR Director by emailing the SOAR office.
SOAR Database
The searchable SOAR database enables medical students to identify projects in their area of interest and to connect with faculty willing to serve as research mentors. Projects include basic, translational, clinical, health services, medical education, quality improvement/patient safety, and community medicine research.
Students: Learn how to search the database for specific terms or filter it by department, type of research, or keywords. You can also generate alerts for future projects that match your interests. Once you identify a project, reach out the person listed as the project contact to discuss expectations and interest in the project. After you and the faculty member agree to work together, the medical student must complete the NICER Authorization for Research Activities Form. If you cannot find a project that meets your needs or interests, you may search the VIICTR profiles website, or email the SOAR Director, Mabel Perez-Oquendo, Ph.D. (SOARoffice@bcm.edu).
BCM Faculty: Learn how to list projects in SOAR or start here. It takes five minutes to submit project information. A staff member in your group can submit projects on your behalf using the SOAR Project Submission Form. The projects will be reviewed by the SOAR office before they are made public. After identifying a student, please guide them to specific training resources associated with your research (safety training, IRB, etc.). Email the SOAR Director, Mabel Perez-Oquendo, Ph.D. (SOARoffice@bcm.edu) for assistance.
Travel Awards and Presentation Opportunities
Presenting your research progress to others is an integral part of the scientific process. Learn how to find opportunities to present and publish your work and obtain funding for your travel.
Student Research Educational Resources
The SOAR office provides a variety of in-person and online resources aimed at helping medical students develop their research skills. Visit the Student Research Educational Resources page to access an on-demand library featuring BCM experts on topics such as:
- Strategic Planning for Research and Professional Opportunities: Building Confidence in Identifying Self-assessment Resources, Recognizing Current and Needed Strengths, and Effectively Applying SOAR Resources.
- Research Knowledge and Skills: Strong Research Question, Rationale of the Study, Research Literature, Hypothesis, and Statistical Approaches.
- Scholarly Writing and Research Dissemination: Writing Abstracts, Research Poster, Presenting through Digital Platforms, Peer Reviewed Publications, and Research Papers.
- IRB and Case Reports: Informed Consent, Survey Design, and Case Report
- Tools for Research Development: JoVE, All of Us Research Program, and Quality Improvement Project Registry
Research Advising Session
Research advising sessions offer personalized guidance for BCM medical students in identifying research activities. These 30-minute, one-on-one sessions with the SOAR Director cover topics like include using SOAR resources, finding a research mentor, discovering new research opportunities, and evaluating short- or long-term research commitments. To schedule a session, email the SOAR Director, Mabel Perez-Oquendo, Ph.D., at SOARoffice@bcm.edu.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or wish to discuss research-related opportunities, please contact the SOAR Director, Mabel Perez-Oquendo, Ph.D. (SOARoffice@bcm.edu). Follow the BCM SOAR Program on Facebook, and @BCM_SOAR on Instagram and X for updates.
