This is a hard question to answer because it can seem overwhelming at first to decide which team one could see oneself on. It might be a good idea to sit down and think about what might be more interesting: Ketogenic therapy, HIV pediatrics or surgical experiments and mechanisms. The options which one could possibly become involved in are very diverse, but related to one another. Typically a prospective member will have leaned to one or two of the teams during their interview process. Although, one should not worry about having the exact team and subgroups narrowed down.

Each team is composed of a wide background of cultures and personalities. Often members will develop friendships with fellow InvestiGators and each team tries to meet outside of lab to have team "get-togethers". The InvestiGator Research Honor Society is a diverse group of indivudals that come together to accomplish an overall goal of taking science hands on.

We accept undergraduates from all backgrounds, majors and classifications (freshman, sophomore, etc.), but we encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply in order to receive the full benefit of being in the InvestiGators. Most of the work we do depends on the members' motivation, maturity, willingness to learn, and interest in research.

NO. We encourage all students, no matter their majors, to apply. If you have a desire to get involved with our research group, PLEASE APPLY! Our members’ majors range from Microbiology and Cell Science, Biochemistry, Engineering, Nutrition to Philosophy, Computer Science, Finance and Marketing.

We strongly encourage all applicants who were not selected to reapply again when they feel they are ready. Numerous factors are involved with the selection process and if you were not selected the previous semester, this should not deter you from reapplying again the following semester. There are current InvestiGators who have reapplied and are now successful members of their team. If you feel you are at the right point in your career and are prepared then, please apply.

There is a minimum requirement of 15-20 hours per week. All members must be able to remain with the InvestiGators until time of graduation.

A portion of the time spent in lab is devoted to meetings for each team, subgroups and other activities a member may be involved with. Each team has certain tasks for members that they have to accomplish each week. A member's time can involve working on clinic preparation, inputting, organizing and analyzing data, performing assays, general lab housekeeping tasks and working on individual projects or theses.

First of all, sit down with a pencil, paper and a schedule of everything else you are already involved in. Try to establish what days you can come into lab and what days you cannot. Often it is hard for applicants and members starting their first week to manage the concept of coming into lab for 15 hours, but it is much easier if you work out before hand what days and times you will come into lab. This will be beneficial and will help you to realize how much time you have available to devote to lab.

Typically, there are two main conferences that members attend per year: Clinical Nutrition Week (held in the early part of Spring Semester) and the Experimental Biology Conference (held at the end of Spring Semester).

It depends on the team or subgroups you belong to. The Gator, KetoGator and some Carnitine members spend about 10% or less of their total lab time with patients. The majority of work includes preparing for clinic, organizing/analyzing data, working on databases or personal projects and in meetings.

The piglet is admitted on Day one at which time three catheters are implanted during a survival surgery. On Day nine the piglet undergoes non-survival surgery where various blood and organs are collected, processed and stored. In between these surgeries (from 5:00 AM till 11:00 PM every day) the team is charged with the piglet's care. Carnitine members will be in lab more than forty hours during that week. There are also many preparatory tasks to be completed before the piglet arrives, as well as after the experiment ends. Please see the Carnitine part of the InvestiGators website for more information.

The piglet is similar to a neonate. This allows the piglet to be used as a model in both care and experimentation. The piglet can be cared for in an PNICU while administering constant care. The piglet can also be given a specific nutrient formula, while its vitals, blood and urine are analyzed and its growth recorded. The compartmentalization of various organs is also more similar between a piglet and neonate then any other animal currently in use.

No. Each group works together as a unit in the InvestiGators. However, there are subgroups within each group which are comprised of members from each team. There is constant interaction between all teams to maximize research potential.

It is a weekly part of team meetings and subgroups meetings. Each member will sign up to present one article per semester. The entire group reads the article selected by that member for the week. When the group meets, the member gives a presentation about that article and then the entire group discusses things they thought were interesting, what they didn't understand, what could have been improved in the article/experiment and how it applies to what the InvestiGators are doing. This is a beneficial experience because it enables each member to gain worldly knowledge in all aspects of scientific research in the community.

Dr. Borum is a Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Florida and is the main force behind the InvestiGators Research Honor Society. She is the principal investigator of the group and one of a very small group of researchers who allow undergraduates to truly be involved with research. Please see http://borum.ifas.ufl.edu/index.htm for more information.

The InvestiGators interviews prospective members at least once per semester, usually towards the first few weeks of classes. Continue to periodically check the website.

After completing an application, the interview officers will look over the application and decide if the applicant will be given an interview. The primary interview will focus on the general applicant and will also serve as a means for applicants to ask any questions they may have. If the applicant is found to be a "match" for a particular team, the respective team representatives will invite the applicant back for a secondary interview with that team. The secondary interview is more specific and focuses an indiviudal's problem areas, as well as potential assests they could bring to the team. The applicant will be able to ask a question about the team but the emphasis is on finding out more about the interviewee. If the team agrees that the individual will be a good candidate for their team, they will notify Dr. Borum. Dr. Borum will then conduct the final, one-on-one interview with the applicant and decide if he/she will become a member of the InvestiGators Research Honor Society.

Interviews vary between people and over time, but we usually ask applicants about their experiences and motivation during the first round. The second round is more focused and personal, concentrating on dependability and follow-up questions about strengths and weaknesses identified during the first interview. Finally, the interview with Dr. Borum will cover an applicant's potential within our organization. Please come dressed appropriately and prepared to answer personal questions.

Each interview lasts approximately 15 minutes. Each candidate is given the same amount of time to adequately and fairly represent themselves. This also enables the interviwers enough time to interview, evaluate the interviewee and make a respective decision.

While going through the interview process, the primary means of communication will be via email and phone. Please make sure to check your email account and provide a phone number that we will be able to contact you by.

A team representativee will notify you of your status and upon first meeting the team you will be given a mentor to train/guide you through your first semester on the team. However, all InvestiGators will be there to help you out and answer any questions you may have. The initial weeks as a member involve training, certification and reading background information.