NICER Research Authorization is required for all medical student research activities and must be approved before the project start date. The applicant must be a student currently enrolled in the Baylor College of Medicine School of Medicine. Students on leave of absence (LOA) or pursuing another degree are not eligible to participate in NICER.
What to do after finding a project?
- Reach out to the person listed as the project contact to discuss mutual expectations and interest in the project. Most projects have a stated level of commitment listed, and it should be discussed with the research mentor. Tips on how to request information or schedule an introductory meeting are available below.
- Complete an approved NICER Authorization for Research Activities Form. Required compliance training must be completed before starting a research project. This includes HIPAA (Privacy and Security), Social Media Policy, Code of Conduct, Security Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Confidentiality Orientation, Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training. Attestation of the required training must be verified on the Success Factors website and confirmed through the NICER form.
- The student should consult with their mentor if additional trainings are necessary based on the nature of the research to be conducted.
Guide for Research Interest
Send an email with your interest in the project.
- Clearly introduce yourself as a medical student.
- Express interest in the project and its alignment with your academic and professional goals.
- Address any specific requirements (e.g., research experience).
- Offer to discuss how you can contribute to the project.
- Explain any scheduling issues and limitations you might have.
- Provide your availability and suggest preferred communication method, such as in-person or virtual.
Affiliate Institutions Contacts
All affiliate institutions have badging requirements. Medical students are required to have an approved NICER authorization and any necessary affiliate badging completed before starting research. Contacts for each institution are listed below:
Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Contact: Shanté Romant-Rodney
srodney1@stlukeshealth.org
BCM medical students should review the BSLMC Medical Students Trainee Onboarding Checklist 2021 and the BSLMC How to Verify IT and EPIC Access 2021 guidance available on Blackboard.
Harris Health
Contact: Monique Okeke, Research Department
monique.okeke@harrishealth.org
Houston Methodist
Contact: Monica Rodriguez, Observers Coordinator
mrodriguez6@houstonmethodist.org or 346-238-5080
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Contact: Tameka Howard
tameka.howard@va.gov
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Ask the faculty mentor who to contact.
Texas Children's Hospital
Ask the faculty mentor who to contact in the department for assistance with completing the appropriate forms and/or security.