Getting Undergraduate Research 101
Written by Samuel H. Ho
Edited by Betty Wong
Reviewed by Lane Weaver*
*GSI and graduate student in the Keasling Lab
Updated October 5, 2010
Of course, there is no official way for undergraduates to get started on research, but hopefully this guide will help you get started. Research is not only a fundamental requirement for graduate school in the sciences but also a priceless experience. Participating in undergraduate research allows you to further explore the fields that you are interested in and to acquire a set of skills that extends beyond the classroom. The kind of discipline and analytical thinking that goes into being an undergraduate researcher is valuable for any career you choose even if you do not become a scientist.
Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later work belongs.
-- Albert Einstein
Enthusiasm, Motivation, and Dedication
First, ask yourself the single most important question: am I interested in conducting research? Research requires dedication, responsibility and commitment. Students may spend 12 or more hours per week, depending on your projects, to learn lab techniques, perform experiments and read research publications.
Research is a learning process. Do not be steered away from finding a research position because you do not think you have taken enough relevant courses - this applies especially to freshmen and sophomores. You should not be the judge of your qualifications; let the professor decide if you are suitable for their lab or not. Showing enthusiasm, motivation, and dedication is more important than having taken an additional science course.
Research Your Research
Secondly, ask yourself: what am I interested in? There are numerous areas of research at UC Berkeley, especially in the College of Chemistry. Under “Faculty by Interest” (http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/faculty/faculty_interest.php), browse through the different areas of study and the list of professors. Click on a professor’s name to read a summary of the research. Then, click on “Research Group” to go to their lab’s homepage. It is important to spend time scoping through different research groups. Make a list of all the professors you are interested in working with. You do not have to limit yourself to one.
Hey! You are in college now. Be sure to do your homework before contacting a professor!
Before contacting the professor, be sure to have a general knowledge about his or her research. A good practice would be to rewrite their research in basic terms that allows you to easily understand.
Contacting the Research Group
There are two main routes for inquiring about a research opportunity: top-down and bottom-up. The top-down approach is to contact the professor. The bottom-up approach is to contact the graduate students in the group. Which route should you choose? This is entirely up to you!
Tip #1: Usually, younger professors and professors with a smaller group are more involved in selecting their undergraduate students, so the top-down approach may be preferable. However, do not hesitate to also ask about any opportunities with your GSI.
Top-down: Contact the Professor
Email usually works. Also feel free to visit the professor during office hours. It shows sincerity and may be a way to get a quicker response. However, some professors prefer emails, allowing them an adequate amount of time to discuss the position with you. When sending an email, be clear and concise.
What to include in your email:
- Brief biography: full name, year, and major
- Statement of interest: why are you interested, what about their lab attracted you?
- Attach an updated resume or curriculum vitae
Tip #2: Professors have many emails to read every day. Send an email in the morning, or whichever time you think the professor first checks his/her email, so your email would be on the top of the list.
Relax and wait for a response. If you do not hear back in one or two weeks, you may try resending your email, visiting office hours, or the bottom-up approach.
Bottom-up: Contact the Graduate Students
Start with your GSIs. Go to office hours and ask your GSIs if they, someone in their group, or someone they know in another group are interested in taking an undergraduate apprentice. Discuss with your GSIs the field(s) of research that you are interested in. They can offer you deep insight.
Utilize the graduate student network!
Other than your GSI, contact a graduate student in the research group of your interest. Send an email or pay a visit to the lab. Introduce yourself, inform them of your interest and intent, and attach your resume/C.V. or bring a few copies with you.
The bottom-line is:
-- Lane Weaver, graduate student
Preparing for the Interview
You received a response from the professor(s) or graduate student in the research group. Set up a meeting time and prepare for an interview.
To prepare:
- Know the research
- Have a brief list of questions (You are not expected to know everything. Having some questions to ask during an upcoming interview would be beneficial. It shows that you have been doing some critical thinking.)
- Be able to identify your set of skills
- Be ready to confidently discuss any part of the work listed on your resume
At the Interview
Interviews are often informal. You do not have to dress in a suit but do not wear ragged jeans and a tank. Simple business casual attire is appropriate. Even though you emailed them your resume before, bring an extra copy of your resume.
Make an honest effort to learn about their research. Show confidence and enthusiasm.
After the Interview
Write a follow-up email to thank the professor or graduate student for his or her time. If you do not hear back in a week or two, kindly send another reminder email. If the professor says yes, congratulations! If the professor says no, do not give up. The professor simply may not have room for another student at the moment. Keep looking for research!
Last bit of advice: Attend the College of Chemistry seminar lecture series. Apply for summer research scholarships.
Good luck!