Both graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to
conduct research in most GHIDR Center labs. Intensive research experience
enables students to familiarize themselves with reading and interpreting
complex scientific writings and to improve their critical thinking and problem
solving skills, while simultaneously making them more competitive applicants
for graduate and professional schools. Research opportunities in GHIDR labs are
highly sought after so please review the following information carefully before
contacting our faculty members.
Students should be available to spend at least two
semesters. Many professors require a time commitment of 10-20 hours per week.
Most opportunities are unpaid, however, graduate students may be eligible for
Graduate Assistant (GA) positions when available. While there can be some
flexibility in hours, research often requires extended periods of uninterrupted
time so it is necessary to plan your schedule accordingly. Finally, be aware
that faculty hosting students do commit a lot of time and resources to training
and mentoring students. Therefore, students are expected to be responsible,
productive, and dependable. Be sure to carefully consider your availability and
level of commitment before starting in a lab.
Getting started:
Step 1 – Select a
professor
Students interested in joining a GHIDR lab should carefully
review the Faculty page and read about our faculty, their interests, and
current projects. After thorough research, students should select a professor
whose work most closely matches their goals and interests.
Students should then contact the professor via email. The
email should include:
- A
short introduction
- A
statement describing interest in the professor’s current project
- A
resume
- A request for an appointment to further discuss
research opportunities
Step 2 – Meet with
the professor
Students should treat an introductory meeting
like a job interview. Dress professionally, bring a resume if you did not
already provide one, and be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Why are you interested in this lab?
- What do you hope to get out of your research
experience?
- How does this experience fit into your career
goals?
- What do you know about this subject?
Students should also be prepared to ask their own questions
both to demonstrate interest to ensure a clear understanding of expectations.
It is important that students go into an introductory meeting with at least a
basic understanding of the professor’s current projects, so be sure to do your
research ahead of time.