Support Biomedical Discovery | Gain Research Experience | Learn Research Ethics
The UMB BioBank is seeking motivated undergraduate students to participate in a biospecimen inventory project supporting the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Amish Research Program.
This volunteer opportunity offers students a chance to contribute to an ongoing biomedical research initiative, gain practical exposure to biobanking operations, and participate in a complimentary mini-course on research ethics and the responsible management of human biospecimens.
No previous laboratory or research experience is required.
About the Research Project
For more than 30 years, the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Amish Research Program has worked in partnership with the Amish community to advance understanding of human health, genetics, and disease.
The program has engaged more than 10,000 research participants and contributed to over 400 peer-reviewed publications.
The UMB BioBank is undertaking a biospecimen inventory initiative to support the organization, documentation, and long-term stewardship of research specimens associated with these studies.</ph4
Student volunteers will contribute to this important effort under the supervision of BioBank Director.
Learn more about the Amish Research Program
What Will You Do?
As a student volunteer, you may assist with:
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Inventorying and organizing stored research biospecimens.
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Verifying sample identifiers and storage locations.
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Supporting accurate inventory records and documentation.
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Learning about laboratory sample tracking and biobank operations.
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Understanding how biospecimen quality and organization support scientific research.
All activities will be conducted under appropriate supervision, with required training and access permissions.
What Will You Gain?
From HeLa Cells to Biobanks. Ethics, Regulations, and Stewardship of Human Biospecimens Mini-Course
Course Overview
This course combines short lectures, real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and practical examples from biobank operations to illustrate how ethical principles and regulatory requirements are applied throughout the research lifecycle.
Session 1 — Introduction to Ethics and Research Ethics
Explore the foundations of ethics and the principles that guide responsible research. Examine influential cases and historical events, including Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the Nuremberg Doctors' Trials, and other pivotal examples that shaped today's ethical standards. Learn how these events led to modern regulations, informed consent requirements, and protections for research participants.
Session 2 — The Belmont Report, Common Rule, and Human Research Protections
Discover how landmark ethical principles became the foundation of modern human-subjects research oversight. Through an examination of the Belmont Report and the Common Rule, learn how researchers, IRBs, and institutions work together to ensure informed consent, equitable participant selection, and appropriate protections for the individuals who make research possible.
Session 3 — Informed Consent and IRB
Build on the ethical and regulatory foundations introduced in earlier sessions by exploring how participant protections are applied in practice. Learn the essential elements of informed consent, the responsibilities of researchers, and the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in evaluating research protocols, minimizing risk, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of research participants.
Session 4 — The Life of a Biospecimen
Follow the journey of a human biospecimen from collection and consent through processing, storage, sharing, and future research use. Explore the ethical, regulatory, and operational considerations involved in biospecimen stewardship, including privacy, confidentiality, data sharing, return of results, and the importance of maintaining public trust in biobanking and biomedical research.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome undergraduate students interested in:
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Biology, genetics, and biomedical sciences
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Public health and healthcare
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Biotechnology and laboratory sciences
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Research ethics and regulatory affairs
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Clinical and translational research
Students from other academic disciplines with an interest in biomedical research are also encouraged to apply.
Prior research experience is not required. We value curiosity, attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to learn.
Interested in Joining Us?
Take the opportunity to contribute to biomedical research while exploring the scientific and ethical responsibilities behind the management of human biospecimens.
Apply to Become a UMB BioBank Student Volunteer
UMB BioBank – Undergraduate Research Volunteer Application
For questions, contact the UMB BioBank at MGutierrez@som.umaryland.edu.
Volunteer participation is subject to availability, required institutional approvals, applicable training, and project needs.