How To Get Research Opportunities In Undergrad

As an undergrad, one of our major fears involve reaching out to a professor to help conduct research. Have no fear! Here are tips We've learned that we hope will help you get that research opportunity and send that intimidating email to the professor with your research interest.

1. In order to find which professor's research you would like to help with, you need to check your respective college department's website and faculty page. By navigating your department website and researching information on the faculty ,you will find what research your professors are exploring and projects they're currently working on on campus or even REUS that involve working off campus over the summer with a different university.

For example, if I was a part of the biology department at UNF I would go to the website in question and click on the research tab shown below.

Then scroll down to the biology department research and click on areas of expertise.

Click on the section of biology you find most riveting

A list of professor names will pop up that do research in that area. Click on the name to find more information on the professor's specific work!

2. A major tip before contacting any professor is to read about their research in depth. If they link their work, try reading some of their research papers! When you meet them you want them to see the genuine interest you have for their work and it will also help inform you of what type of scientific problems you may explore if you work with them.

3. If you picked a professor whose research intrigues you and have read through some of their work already, then send them a professional email inquiring about your interest in working with them . Most often they are happy to help! Professors may seem extremely daunting to approach but they are usually some of the kindest mentors you'll meet.

What should this email look like you ask?

Here are some tips!

• A tip is not write too informally and maintain a professional tone so avoid slang like wassup or something similar. I doubt anyone would but you never know.

• Introduce yourself. Who are you? What's your major? What year are you in? like a junior, senior etc.

• Ask if there is any chance that you could join their research lab and indicate why you're interested like what your career aspiration is and what you found to be super interesting in their research. Being specific always helps.

Some professors have websites and specify undergraduate student involvement, others may not and you might have to ask. Perhaps a professor accepts juniors and seniors only but that doesn't mean it can hurt to express interest early on. You may even work with the professor when you become an upperclassman. You got this!

If you need more information don't be afraid to ask . if you liked this post and want more content like this, make sure to like and comment on this post your suggestions!