I am always happy to host interested undergraduates for research experiences, when opportunities are available.
Interested in getting involved in research? Read below to learn more about how to approach finding an undergraduate research position. If you are specifically interested in working in our lab, I highly encourage you to follow the steps laid out below.
Read this first! Getting Started in Undergraduate Research
Quick tips for getting involved in undergraduate research
1. Finding a topic of interest
– Think about which courses you’ve enjoyed and excelled in.
– Visit faculty web pages & read about their current research
– Talk to your TA’s, they can provide advice or might need help with their own projects
– Meet with your undergraduate advisor to get some ideas and discuss your interests
2. Refining your interests
– Make a list of the the skills that you already have & those that you’d like to learn
– Think of a few research questions based on what you’ve learned about the faculty’s research
– Demonstrate serious interest in a topic by reading an article that they’ve published (you don’t need to understand every word, just get the gist of what they like to think about!)
– Prepare a resume highlighting your relevant skills
3. Making Contact
– If you’re currently enrolled in a course with the professor you want to work with, visit their office hours to talk about potential opportunities
– Send the professor an email stating your interests and asking if there are any opportunities available and to schedule a meeting
Remember to…
– Treat these interactions professionally, as if you are applying for a job or internship
– If you need financial support to undertake an internship experience – do not be afraid to ask. Most of the time, there are ways to find money to support you. Sometimes there isn’t but you won’t know unless you ask!
– Sometimes there simply aren’t positions available in individual labs, so it is best to cast a wide net when looking for opportunities
– If you don’t like a particular project, be honest & professional about it. It is quite alright to change you mind, just handle it maturely & appropriately.