<p>I am really interested in biology (specifically, it's Ecology or Evolutionary biology, not like Molecular Biology). I'd really like to get a research position. Should I just directly contact a professor? I've already looked up the website of the Department of Biology, but it does not provide any contact information of the professors or graduate students. What should I do? Should I just directly visit the department instead? </p>
<p>USC</a> College Department of Biological Sciences</p>
<p>PS: I'm not majoring in biology, so would it be harder for me to get a research position as a non-biology major? I'm majoring Chemical Engineering, though I will definitely switch it to another science major.</p>
<p>If you are planning to switch majors out of Chem E, why not set up a meeting with the advisor in the Bio dept to discuss switching majors. At that time, explain you want to get into Bio research ASAP and see if they can help you find a compatible spot.</p>
<p>Also look for postings of current reserch project meetings (there are LOTS) and start knocking on doors asking if they could use your help. Ask professors, students, receptionists, and people in hallways if they know anyone who needs help.Then be very helpful: show up when you say you will, be on time, DO the work you say you will do, ask questions…</p>
<p>When I advised my daughter to do this, she considered it to be some of my lamest advice (and I am known for lame advice) to date, until…</p>
<p>First semester freshman year, she walked into two meetings and asked if they needed help. She was welcomed and put to work (in a department different than her major). Within six weeks she was out in the field operating cutting edge mutli-million dollar equipment and contributing to papers presented the following year at conferences. (And she is listed as a contributor and has a great resume item!) Second semester she wrote her own research proposal (again, not in her major), and by summer was on a plane heading out on a USC-funded two-month research project abroad.</p>
<p>So your ideas of contacting people, setting up meetings and just walking into the department are great. The research opportunities go to those who #1 go out and find them and #2 go out and DO them.</p>
<p>How is freshman year going, shinywing? Very well, I hope. Good luck with the research!</p>