Research Guidelines
Upon completion of the CNAS Freshman Scholars 1-year program and curriculum, scholars are encouraged to apply for a paid, summer research position with a faculty member in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. This is an ten-week program of research scheduled to begin the third week in June and run through the end of August. Up to 10 full-time positions will be available specifically to CNAS Freshman Scholars with the possibility of a research stipend of $2000.
Interested students should contact a CNAS faculty member, who must agree to serve as their mentor for the term of the summer program. A set of guidelines are described below. Students applying should complete the posted application, including submitting a research proposal along with a letter of support from the faculty member with whom they would be working.
THE DEADLINE FOR FILING AN APPLICATION IS MAY 27, 2011. Deliver all materials to the CNAS Freshman Scholars Office, Pierce 1114A.
Guidelines
Finding a research position is not very difficult, though it may require some time on the student’s part. Remember that the most important thing is that you find a position in an area that interests you. If you choose a research field that you “think” will look good on, for example a med. school application, but does not appeal to you, your research mentor (professor) will notice immediately. Also, if it does not interest you, it will show in your work. So – choose something that will interest YOU!
Below are listed a series of steps that will help you identify a faculty member whose research appeals to you and whom you may want to work with during the summer. As stated above, it requires some time. Please do not feel intimidated. The steps will walk you through doing background research. This will help you identify what the faculty member’s research is and that s/he sees that you are truly interested in doing research: (Don't forget to click on the Yellow + sign to expand)
Step 1
Finding what you like!
Identify a field of science that interests you. It does not have to be in your major. Also, to help you if you are not sure, you may want to think of an area of study in one of your classes that you particularly liked. For example: in Bio 5 you may have enjoyed the unit on Cancer.
Step 2
Find 2 or 3 faculty members who have a research program in your field of interest!
You can find faculty members by visiting various departmental websites. The following link has a list of all the academic departments (Departments).
Click on a department and navigate to the list of faculty members. Every department's website is arranged a bit differently, so be patient.
Once you have found the list of faculty members, either click on their name to obtain more information or read the short description next to their name.
Read the faculty member’s research description on their website. Do not worry if you don’t understand most of what is written. As long as you can pick out and understand some things, that’s great! (Remember, you haven’t worked in that research area for years and years…so don’t expect to know everything).
All (most all) faculty members have some “Recent Publications” listed on their websites. Write down the citation of one or two articles and go to the Science Library reference desk and ask for assistance in finding the article. Read the abstract (the short, indented paragraph at the very beginning of the article), the first paragraph (introduction) and the last paragraph. This should give you a general idea what the article is about. Again – remember: Do not worry if you don’t understand most of what is written.
Step 3
Your Mission: Contact the Faculty
Once steps 1 and 2 have been completed, contact the faculty member. The best way is to stop by their office – yes, in person – and ask to set up an appointment with them to discuss the possibility of you working with them during the summer. (See step 5 if you are too intimidated to approach them. It is strongly recommended that you talk to them in person first – it makes for a better first impression).
Include the Following in your Discussion: 1) You will be participating in the CNAS Scholars Program Summer Internship; 2) All the faculty member needs to do is be willing to work with you and supply lab space; 3) The faculty member will receive a stipend for supplies. You may show them the details at the beginning of this application; 4) Explain why you would like to work with this particular member (not just "because" or " I think it's cool" - Use your brain, make a good case!
Step 4
If you Succeed!
If they agree to work with you during the summer, ask them to help you write a Research Proposal. The research proposal should be 1-page in length and be a description of what you will be working on during the summer. The proposal should be written by you (the student), but the faculty member may guide you through the writing process, since this will most likely be your first time writing such a document.
You may also want to think of some questions to ask when you meet with the faculty member. See below for some possible questions to ask, like: Is this a group or individual Project? Who will be your direct supervisor? What will be your specific responsibilities? (this should be included in your research proposal) Are there additional references or suggested readings?
Step 5
If the Pressure is too Much!
If you are too intimidated to approach them in person, you may use the following “general” email to contact them (expand below). Personalize it to best represent yourself. Please remember: do not include anything that is not true – i.e. if you did not read a certain article, do not mention that you read it (believe me, they will be able to tell if you did or did not read it, after all, they are the ones that wrote it).
Dear Professor X:
My name is Scotty Highlander, and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area. I am a first year participant in the CNAS Scholars Program and am interested in working with you this summer as part of the CNAS Scholars Summer Research Internship. I currently have a GPA of x. I have taken the following related courses…and have had the following related experiences…My goal is to… I have reviewed your faculty research profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article, “Article Title.” (Provide reaction to article/area of research with specific references). I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for my long-term goals.
Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss Topic and my possible involvement in research under your guidance? Here is my availability for the next two weeks…I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Scotty Highlander, Student ID, Phone Number.
Step 7
DON'T FORGET: Read the Expectations document, to make sure you are ready for this great experience.