Your Research Roadmap
Getting Started with Undergraduate Research
The Beginning of Your Undergraduate Research Journey
Research is a process of first recognizing a problem—something we don’t understand entirely that has consequences if left unaddressed--then stating a question inspired by this “problem,” then devising a method to gather and analyze data to answer the question posed, thus, moving closer to ultimately solving, eliminating, or advancing our understanding of the problem and issue.
Whether this happens in the classroom, in the lab or in the field, in libraries or archives, or in the studio, on the stage, or in a film, research produces new knowledge and understandings that improve our world.
Initial Considerations
We define research as scholarly or creative activities that lead to the production of original work (Stocks, J. Ramey, J. & Lazarus, B. 2003), either including or independent of faculty guidance.
Research moves learning from the tidy space of the classroom to the messy reality of the world. Here, students discover their passions and purpose, develop vital relations with peers and mentors, acquire critical, transferrable skills, and learn that “failure” is not the opposite of success, but a step closer to it.
- Research creates important mentoring relations. It allows your professors to get to know you outside of the classroom, where they can better see your promise and potential. Mentors connect students to opportunities, challenge them to try new things, and advise them about their academic and professional future. Moreover, mentors can write more impactful recommendations when they know your personal attributes, your goals, your commitment, and your values, in addition to your academic potential.
- Research develops critical skills. It provides some of the most universally transferrable skills students can acquire in college. There is virtually no career that will not involve problem solving—often without a road map! Aside from building independence, confidence, and resourcefulness, research refines skills related to project design and management, critical thinking, data collection and analysis, logic, written and verbal communication, and resilience: skills and qualities that distinguish leaders in every field and vocation.
- Research helps you find your purpose. As you become immersed in the issue or problem you are studying, not only does your individual commitment grow, but so does your awareness of the dedication of others—and the different ways the problem is being addressed in other fields and by other individuals. Research, thus, often clarifies and intensifies your sense of purpose, while revealing alternate academic/career paths to fulfill your purpose. Research, thus, helps you find meaning and direction in your studies and in your future.
There are two primary ways undergraduates engage with research at Tulane
- By collaborating on a faculty research project
- By pursuing a faculty-mentored, independent research project. Many students begin their research journey as a faculty research or lab assistant and, as their interests and abilities mature, they go on to work with a faculty mentor to design and carry out their own independent research project.
Where do I start?
There are many research opportunities available through the Tulane University Research Network and the CAIDS Research Internships program across a wide variety of disciplines.
Talk to your favorite instructors (a great reason to visit office hours!), to your college advisor, or to a department's Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), who will generally be familiar with current faculty research and with courses in their department that teach research skills and methods (take these!) You can also talk to CAIDS faculty and staff and, of course, our staff. We are all here to help!
There is a research librarian for every field and interest, with advice and expertise on everything from brainstorming to finding sources. Research librarians are often familiar with on-going Tulane-based research projects and faculty who focus on research in their courses and are fluent in the skills and resources undergraduates need to participate in research. They are an excellent source of advice and direction.
If you find a faculty member with research interests you find compelling, introduce yourself. Don’t be shy; potential mentors love hearing from students curious and enthusiastic about their work. If your interest is a lab project involving a large team of researchers, you may want to send half a dozen emails to different faculty at the same time. In the liberal arts or other schools, where projects tend to involve fewer support researchers (if any), you may want to be more selective and specific with your inquiries. In both cases you should politely follow-up if you get no response after a week or so, then give it up and move on. But keep trying and don’t take it personally.
Consider these tips when reaching out to faculty members:
- State your year and major (or what you plan to major in).
- Explain your interest in research in general and why you want the experience (your future goal).
- Mention how you know about the research and researcher. Do your homework! Review faculty bios/websites/CVs, read recent publication(s) and/or book excerpts. You must be well informed on the nature of the research.
- Explain your interest in their work. (Reflect on why their work interests you before emailing them.)
- Mention relevant courses, skills and/or experiences. (Briefly!)
- Be formal, polite, and concise, but convey your excitement and curiosity. Check your grammar and spelling.
- Attach a resume and unofficial transcript
- Send from your @tulane email address (NOT from a web address).
Here is a sample email to help you get started. Be sure to customize it with your information!
