ABSTRACT: With its classification as an R1 university, UMD is home to many research projects conducted in a wide variety of fields, ranging from astronomy to psychology. As students at UMD, we are presented a unique opportunity to dive head-first into the world of research. However, the process for doing so is surrounded in red tape and maybe bureaucratic steps that any potential researcher must take. These extra steps, combined with the complex task of finding a faculty mentor and a lab work space, often deter potential undergraduate researchers from performing their experiments. In this guide, I will provide students with resources and guidance in how to make their research project idea a reality. First, I will provide an FAQ on undergraduate research with tips on how to start the process. Then, I will go into detail on what the IRB and IACUC committees on campus are and how to get their approval for a project (if needed). Finally, I will offer guidance on how to find a lab work space and faculty mentor to aid the student in their research. WC: 178
READER'S PROFILE: I imagine a student skeptical of how they could find a faculty mentor, especially as a student that does not have prior research campus both on and off campus.
READER'S RESPONSE: Even though I do not have research experience, I do have passion, and I believe that I will be able to showcase this to any professor or faculty member that might act as a mentor to me. I'm more than willing to learn and can stand out by showing that I've done my research about my proposed research project and how I intend to conduct it. My hope is that my preparation will be enough to convince them to take me on.
ABSTRACT: With its classification as an R1 university, UMD is home to many research projects conducted in a wide variety of fields, ranging from astronomy to psychology. As students at UMD, we are presented a unique opportunity to dive head-first into the world of research. However, the process for doing so is surrounded in red tape and maybe bureaucratic steps that any potential researcher must take. These extra steps, combined with the complex task of finding a faculty mentor and a lab work space, often deter potential undergraduate researchers from performing their experiments. In this guide, I will provide students with resources and guidance in how to make their research project idea a reality. First, I will provide an FAQ on undergraduate research with tips on how to start the process. Then, I will go into detail on what the IRB and IACUC committees on campus are and how to get their approval for a project (if needed). Finally, I will offer guidance on how to find a lab work space and faculty mentor to aid the student in their research.
WC: 178
READER'S PROFILE: I imagine a student skeptical of how they could find a faculty mentor, especially as a student that does not have prior research campus both on and off campus.
READER'S RESPONSE: Even though I do not have research experience, I do have passion, and I believe that I will be able to showcase this to any professor or faculty member that might act as a mentor to me. I'm more than willing to learn and can stand out by showing that I've done my research about my proposed research project and how I intend to conduct it. My hope is that my preparation will be enough to convince them to take me on.