Graduate and Medical Student Research Opportunities
PCOM creates research experiences for medical and graduate students that stimulate the imagination, promote critical thinking and instill commitment to evidence based practices.
PCOM investigators are committed to training students in research methodologies and honing their communication skills. In turn, students contribute to formulation of hypotheses, data collection and sharing of information in a collegial atmosphere within the laboratory, patient care centers and community.
How can I get involved with research at PCOM?
There are numerous opportunities for medical and graduate students at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia to get involved with PCOM research projects.
- Read about our research focus areas that may be of interest to you.
- Within the focus area pages are links to individual faculty members' research pages.
- Additional information about faculty research can be obtained by reading their publications listed in Digital Commons. Direct links to Digital Commons are provided on the faculty research pages.
- Review the listings for on- and off-campus research projects located in the Student Research Opportunities page accessed through the Student Research section in myPCOM.
- Attend the Faculty Research Forum event to receive the most current information on thesis and part time research opportunities.
- Contact faculty, residents, residency directors and attendings to discuss research opportunities.
Where can I find additional resources for student research?
All students are required to take the Responsible Conduct of Research course accessed through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program website. Your faculty mentor/principal investigator will guide you to other courses that are pertinent to your project.
Review the guidelines for student conduct in the laboratory located within the Research Resources page in myPCOM.
Publication fees for open access journals
The PCOM Library covers author publishing fees for a multitude of open access journals. Publishers include BioMed Central, BMJ Case Reports, PLOS, and SpringerOpen.
Find out more about our open access subscriptions and policies.
Research poster printing
The Office of Printing Solutions can assist students with research poster printing.
Can I earn Federal Work-Study funds while participating in research?
Some research lab positions may allow students to earn funds through Federal Work-Study (FWS) while participating in faculty research projects.
- Contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if you qualify for FWS.
- Learn more about FWS and how to apply.
- Login to myPCOM to view a listing of open FWS positions.
Information for Principal Investigators
If you are a principal investigator offering a student research opportunity, please contact Jacquelyn White, PCOM Division of Research office manager, at jacquelynwh@pcom.edu.
What Our Students Say
"As a medical student, I have found it fascinating to be involved in laboratory and clinical research to witness, analyze and interpret first-hand scientific results. Research has made me appreciate the advancement of medicine and innovation that improves our ability to manage patients and outcomes."
Nathan Morrison, DO '22
"As a thesis student in graduate school, my advisor … stimulated my interest in research. He allowed autonomy for my curiosity to grow and freedom for me to mold my project."
Annie Phung, DO '21
"Although I am primarily focused on practicing psychology, research has been a very important part of my professional training. Since completing my master’s degree, I have wanted to have as many opportunities to be involved in research as I could."
Nicholas Hope, PsyD '22
“Participating in research equips oneself with the necessary skills to evaluate and critique research in a meaningful way which in turns, helps you be a better physician for your patients.”
Pathya Kunthy (DO '26)
Student Research Spotlight
PCOM Study Questions Routine Blood Draws in Children With ASD
April 22, 2026
PCOM study finds routine blood draws rarely impact care for children with ASD, raising ethical concerns and the need for patient-centered practices.
PCOM Study Explores How Cannabis-based Therapy Reduces Chronic Neuropathic Pain
April 15, 2026
Medical students published an early look at how cannabis-based therapies may improve analgesia, sleep and daily functioning for patients.
Student Research Team Explores Medication Barriers for Special Needs Children
April 1, 2026
PCOM Georgia PharmD researchers are developing new strategies to support medication adherence in special needs children.
Kunthy Named PCOM South Georgia Student Researcher of the Year
March 16, 2026
PCOM South Georgia fourth-year medical student Pathya Kunthy, named Student Researcher of the Year, discusses research, mentorship and medical training.
Rushetsky Leads With Purpose in Global Health and Research
February 25, 2026
Recognized at PCOM Georgia, Zoë Rushetsky (DO '27) leads international research tackling anxiety, depression and stigma in Honduras.
Medical Student Research Advances Eating Disorder Awareness
February 17, 2026
Samantha Temucin (DO '26) co-authored a study examining gaps in eating disorder education in U.S. medical schools and the impact on patient care.
PCOM DO Student Reconnects With Mentor, Publishes Research Study
October 28, 2025
A chance lunch with a Stanford physician years ago led PCOM student Romeo Mays (DO '27) to a mentorship that inspired collaboration on a published study.