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Planning Ahead...

Seek out the research project that’s the “right fit”

Some projects are faculty initiated, grant driven, etc. Other projects may be much less constrained in direction, even student-driven

Communicate with your mentor on expectations, responsibilities, intended outcomes

Shadow in the lab with a peer mentor before committing to a long-term experience for example

Talk to other students who have worked with your research mentor regarding their experiences

some faculty may be very “hands on”, others leave you to make your own progress and mistakes
some research groups may be large, with information passed down from more experienced to less experienced students. Others may be small, even 1:1 with your faculty mentor

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Talk to your Research Advisor about your commitment…

Understand your time commitment before beginning the project

Is this a full-time commitment? Are you allowed to work or take a class at the same time?
Is there a chance to take a few days off and make them with on evenings or weekends? etc.

Understand when/how you will be paid

Clarify any additional expectations during and beyond the award period

Are you expected attend seminars/workshops? Make a presentation at an off-campus meeting? Prepare a written report or thesis?

Consider using a written contract of expectations and commitments

I’ve got my assignment... Now what?

Learn and embrace the culture of your specific lab group

When are results and new ideas exchanged? In one-on-one meetings with your mentor(s)? weekly group meetings? daily informal conversations? Once you understand the group dynamics, don’t be shy about asking important questions or for assistance

Maintain a positive attitude - even when you make mistakes - results come slowly, hypotheses fail (that’s research! ☺)

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...’

- Isaac Asimov

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

– Thomas A. Edison

What comes next?

The work you do after collecting the data is the most important part of the process

What did you learn? How did this advance the original hypothesis, or has your project turned in a completely new direction?
Did you enjoy the project? If so, are there opportunities to continue to work that fit within your schedule?

What opportunities are available for your own continued professional development as a scientist?

opportunities on campus or elsewhere?