How to Start
Source: https://ugresearch.osu.edu/new-researchers/3-steps-getting-started Parent: https://ugresearch.osu.edu/
Overview
At Ohio State, undergraduate students typically seek out faculty mentors, not the other way around. In order to get started, please read through the steps below!
Identify a Research Area or Topic of Interest
Consider getting involved in research in your field of study.
Think about classes that may have sparked your interest. Although most students conduct research related to their major, some students branch outside of their major. It is important to find a research topic that is interesting to you.
Talk to faculty and visit college or department research pages and directories.
Explore the many research centers and institutes that bring together researchers across campus.
Attend research forums that are held across campus.
A list of forums held by Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry can be found under our Upcoming Events page. Other places around campus also host forums, including the College of Education and Human Ecology and the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environment Sciences!
Browse past undergraduate student theses.
Visit the Knowledge Bank and Denman Undergraduate Research Forum Knowledge Bank to learn about your peer's undergraduate research experiences.
Find a Faculty Mentor
- The most recommended option is to visit college and department directories to identify faculty.
- Meet with your advisor and faculty members to discuss your interests.
- Visit the Research Positions page to find potential opportunities that are updated on an as-needed basis. This is not a comprehensive list of the research opportunities that exist.
- Discover formal Summer Research Programs.
- Look at past events, the Knowledge Bank, and our Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awardees to identify potential faculty.
Contact Faculty Mentors
Reach out via email
Remember first impressions are key, express a genuine interest and proofread, proofread, proofread. Customize each email for the faculty member you’re sending a message to and be sure to include the following:
- Address the faculty member and introduce yourself.
- Explain your interest in their research and why you want to work with them.
- Organize a time to meet.
- Add a respectful closing.
Personalize your message
Every message to each professor should be personalized to their research area, your interests, and your experience.
Schedule a meeting
Meet the faculty mentor via Zoom or in-person. Prepare yourself for this meeting by doing the following:
- Read the faculty member’s publications.
- Be prepared to discuss experiences and skills.
- Treat the meeting like an interview.
Do not get discouraged
Send a follow-up or ask if faculty have any other recommendations in terms of who to contact next.
More Tools for Use
Ohio State is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), an international organization that supports and promotes high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry. CUR provides many excellent resources in their Student Resource Center, including how to find a research mentor or summer research opportunity.
Additionally, a contract between undergraduate researchers and their faculty research mentor can help both parties outline, develop, and meet expectations. Although a contract isn't required, outlining and meeting expectations of all parties will help create a satisfying working relationship from day one. Use this contract template to assist you in discussing expectations and building a productive and satisfying working relationship from day one.
View the Research Contract Template
Research Students at Regional Campuses
Students attending a regional campus are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research, and the process of getting involved is very similar for any student in any major on any Ohio State campus. Regional campus students are welcome to take advantage of any of the resources, funding, and presentation opportunities offered by UR&CI, including individual consultations. There is also additional information on undergraduate research for the Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark campuses.