opportunities for individual research Demonstrated competency in research has become all but a requirement for entry into most graduate and medical schools. Happily, Oberlin students have many opportunities to gain expertise in the lab. In addition to working as research assistants to faculty members, many Oberlin students pursue independent research. Individual research can be done during winter term, the summer, or as honors work. Two grant-funded programs at Oberlin—the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program and the Mellon Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program—allow students to pursue their own projects under the close guidance of a faculty mentor. These programs are overseen by the Office of Undergraduate Research.