How do I get experience in a research laboratory as an undergraduate?
Independent laboratory research provides a very different experience than that of the classroom and class-associated laboratories; however, finding a laboratory can be a difficult and frustrating endeavor. First you must overcome the daunting task of choosing between so many researchers and diverse research topics. On top of that, e-mails to researchers frequently go unanswered and/or researchers respond that the do not need you. But many undergraduates end up finding their way into a laboratory. How do they do it? Here is an easy four-step method that will have you working in a laboratory in no time:
1. Formulate a List of Laboratories
It is important to make a list of laboratories that you would like to work in. You may have a particular topic in mind such as MEMS or biomaterials engineering, or you may just search for general topics that interest you. Using Michigan Tech’s website, you can compile a list of faculty who are studying something relevant to your interests. Keep in mind, however, that there are many opportunities to get relevant research experience outside your home department—research is a diverse field of study where there is oftentimes overlap with other disciplines.
2. Rank Laboratories
After you have created your list, rank them starting with the laboratory that most interests you.
3. Write a Template Email
The next step is to write an e-mail that will serve as the template for every e-mail you send. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a personal connection to the laboratory’s research topic in order to be considered for a position. However, in the e-mail you should express your interest in the field and also in the particular laboratory, emphasizing why you want to work there. Also make sure to highlight your attributes (e.g. previous research experience and/or work-study). In the same vein, you should attach a resume because it serves as another opportunity for you to emphasize your positive qualities.
4. Send an E-Mail a Day
It is very common for undergraduates to send e-mails to researchers and not receive a response for a long time, or not at all. Do not take this personally. Researchers are very busy, have limited funding to support students, and/or are not always in need of any new students. Additionally, researchers may not have the time or resources necessary for training new students in their laboratories. Some laboratories might not even accept undergraduates at all. It can be frustrating to send out e-mails and not get any responses, so to combat the frustration of the process, send one e-mail a day starting with the laboratory you ranked at number one. Continue down your list one day at a time, making sure to edit your template e-mail each time. By sending out a single e-mail a day, you should reduce the frustration of slow or no responses.
5. Read these links for more information
http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm
http://www.mtu.edu/research/references/awards-management/internal-awards/surf/
http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/surf.html
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