How Do I Get Started Undergraduate Research? - Fall 2013

Revised Fall 2013

How Do I Get Started Undergraduate Research?

Great question! We currently have about 25% of our undergraduates involved in research within the School during any given semester, and we'd love to see that number increase! Here are some tips on getting started.

1. Figure out with whom you'd like to work
Check out the faculty biographies on the School homepage. Don't worry if you don't understand everything in the bio--it's very specific to the area of research. Just use it to get a general idea of what the professor does and whether you'd be interested.

2. Draft an email to the professor to request a brief appointment to discuss their work and the possibility of working with them. The email should be succinct but also convey the following information:

• your class (FR, SO, etc.)
• what CHEM courses you've taken, especially lab classes
• if you took any AP science courses, those can also be listed
• why you are interested in research, in general (I want to make my resume look better is not a good reason--even if it's true :D )
• why you are interested in this research in particular

Some professors like for you to include a resume as an attachment. This is probably more pertinent for students farther along in their academic careers.

Tips for making a good first impression

• Be professional--do NOT start the email with, "Hey" or use first names
• Err on the side of being too formal
• Proofread--and have someone else proofread for you (Dr. Shepler is always happy to do this)

You may have to email several professors to find someone that has space and resources for you and you are interested in working with. Be patient and persistent!

4. After you get a position
Congratulations! Now we need to make sure there is a record of your work. You can sign up for academic credits or do this on an audit basis. The latter just means that you are not paying for the credit hours and you are not receiving credit for them. It's just a record keeping method and it's nice for you for the work to show on your transcript.

Fill out the form at this link.
2698 = FR/SO standing, audit based
2699 = FR/SO standing, credit based (pass/fail)
4698 = JR/SR standing, audit based
4699 = JR/SR standing, credit based (letter grade)

The "adviser" is your research adviser, not your academic one.

Return the form to Ms. Edwards in Molecular Science and Engineering 2222K. She will set up the course in Oscar and email you with the CRN. Be sure to read the information at the bottom of the form detailing what is expected of you at the end of the semester (copy of lab notebook for 2698/9 and report for 4698/9).