Finding the Right Professor

All interested CALS students can search out research opportunities and identify research efforts that they find intriguing, studies they would love to participate in, and professors whose work they admire. But, it does take some serious detective work! Here are some suggestions:

• By reading the course descriptions provided by each CALS department and the departments outside the College, you will be able to get a feel for subject matter that catches your interest. Note who teaches the course(s) that you find most appealing.
• Check the web page for the department of your major and for others that interest you. While they vary in format, most will provide very helpful information about faculty research. Many include a statement of faculty research interests, current research projects, and a list of recent publications.
• Read articles written by the professors whose research appeals to you. This can both help you to determine which professors you want to meet with and prepare you to make a good impression on the professors.
• Talk to your advisor. He or she will be an especially good source of information regarding the research being conducted in your department and, perhaps, in other departments and units as well. Your advisor can often steer you toward the people whose research work matches your interests or make you aware of possibilities you have never considered.
• Attend symposia and seminars that focus on research projects that really interest you. Notices of such events are commonly posted on bulletin boards in the various departments.
• Take full advantage of the Explorations Program, which is offered as part of the lecture course in two large introductory biology courses: BIO G 101-102 and BIO G 105-106. Students select an "exploration" from a wide range of options, each offered by faculty in Biological Sciences and related departments. The explorations provide hands-on experience in laboratory and field research sites and are designed to give students a glimpse of what excites the faculty member.

If you're especially interested in biological research, visit the Biology Center in 216 Stimson Hall. Ask to see the notebooks containing faculty research statements and the different possibilities for student involvement. Also included is information on the best way to set up an appointment, kinds of research activities available, and possibilities for summer research. Among other helpful resources at the center is the notebook of comments from undergraduates who have done or are doing research.

Conferring with Faculty

After you have completed some of the exploration activities described above, you should be ready to schedule a meeting with one or more faculty members. The main purpose of this meeting could vary according to your situation. If you are certain, based on information you have gathered, that you really want to be involved in a particular professor's research, the main purpose of your meeting will be to make a great impression-to convince the professor to make you part of his or her team. If, however, you are still in the process of exploring the possibilities, the main purpose of your meeting will be to gather information. In the latter case, the information you seek may relate to the research the person is conducting, the possibilities for undergraduate involvement, the likelihood of an opening occurring in the near future, the requirements for the position, etc.

Whatever your situation, make the purpose of your meeting clear at the time you arrange an appointment and do so according to the professor's preference. Some people may want you to contact a support staff person to set a day and time, others may prefer you use e-mail, and still others may suggest you stop by during their office hours. However, don't be reluctant to approach faculty; most enjoy having undergraduates involved in their research work! Courtesy and polite persistence are key to success. Here are some additional suggestions to help you have a productive meeting:

• Bring a good resume with you when you meet with the professor. The CALS Career Development Office, 177 Roberts Hall, can help you with this. A well-written resume will help you to convey your strengths and help you to make a good impression.
• Be realistic in your expectations of the role you might play or when you might play it. It may be that you have to start by performing data entry before working your way into a more challenging role. It may also be that you need to complete certain course work or gain specific background knowledge before you can be considered for the team.
• Remember that it's OK to "shop around." If that's what you're doing, tell the professor so. Don't give the impression that you would take a position if one were offered unless you really would. If you're offered a position but aren't ready to decide, ask when you need to reply. A direct, courteous approach will be appreciated.
• Expect some dead ends and disappointments. It is unlikely that you will be able to get involved in whatever research you want, whenever you want. But if you keep asking for referrals and doing your detective work, the odds are good that you'll make a nice connection.
• Don't necessarily expect to work directly with the faculty member. You may instead work with others in the research setting, especially graduate and postdoctoral students. The main goal should be to get involved with research that excites you and with people you enjoy.
• Ask to meet with the person who will supervise your research work. It's important that you can relate comfortably to this person and that you know the criteria upon which you will be evaluated.
• If the research is laboratory based, check out the lab ahead of time. Talk to student workers there. Try to determine if you would enjoy doing this kind of research in this setting with these people. You might also ask about the professor's style in overseeing the work of those on his or her team.
• Remember that not all research takes place in laboratories. You may also want to consider field-based or social science research.