<p>Just as a followup to my statement that you don’t need to be in Gemstone to do research, here is a link that shows the specific, current research projects available that might be of interest to you as a premed student:
[Research</a> Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Projects Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland](<a href=“http://www.bioe.umd.edu/reu/projects.html]Research”>http://www.bioe.umd.edu/reu/projects.html)
The overview of the program states:
The Molecular & Cellular Bioengineering REU program focuses on fundamental bioengineering questions using techniques that elucidate the roles of elemental participants. The Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland has joined with the Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories in Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide undergraduate student researchers an exciting opportunity to be involved in the development of biomedical devices at the research, development, and evaluation stages. Major research initiatives are underway in topics including biomicroelectromechanical systems, biomechanics, biomolecular engineering, cardiovascular mechanics, cellular and metabolic engineering, drug delivery, biomedical imaging, nanobiotechnology, neuroengineering, systems biology, and tissue engineering.</p>
<p>Our REU program will focus on the engagement of undergraduate researchers in bioengineering research activities both at UMD and FDA. While UMD will lead this REU Site, participating undergraduates will be involved in research as well as technical seminars at both UMD and FDA laboratories. The major objectives of this interaction are to focus on recruitment of undergraduates from institutions with modest levels of bioengineering research, introduce molecular and cellular bioengineering concepts, promote collaborative research, and introduce emerging technologies and trends. The successful completion of these objectives will create an exciting and engaging atmosphere surrounding bioengineering research for the undergraduate REU students, so as to increase student participation in advanced research activities.</p>