<p>Hi,</p>
<p>So I've read that there are co-ops in which you can do research full time, but I was wondering if there were also more traditional research opportunities available (with a professor, few hours a week, while taking classes). Are there none/few/many of these opportunities? Can even underclassmen - specifically freshmen - get involved? Is there an office that helps coordinate this or do you just let a professor know you're interested and ask if they need someone in there lab? Are they only available in certain fields - specifically physics and chemical engineering? If anyone has personal experience, that'd be great.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>There are definitely research opportunities while you aren’t on co-op. I did research as a work-study for about year and a half at the beginning of college (which I was able to put on my resume for my first co-op, and that made a big difference), and later did it for class credit for a semester. </p>
<p>Even if you don’t have work study, a lot of labs will take you on just as a volunteer. Labs usually need research assistants, and will pair you up with a PhD student who can mentor you. Once you learn the basics and get some classwork done, you’ll be able to take on more responsibility, maybe start your own project, etc. And, once co-op time comes, you have experience that will help you land a job.</p>
<p>I know Zero about engineering or physics labs, but I would suggest going to the department websites and checking out different professors and what their lab works on. If one interests you, email the prof and introduce yourself, tell them you are interested in their work, ask if they have any opportunities for a freshman. It may seem awkward, but it’s totally normal, Profs KNOW undergrads are looking for research, and they always like to hear “I’m really interested in your research” (even if you’re only marginally interested in their research…). But, be prepared for a lot of Nos… labs tend to be small and sometimes there really just isn’t space, or sometimes they don’t take on freshman with no class experience. Don’t take it personally, it’s normal! Also ask any course professors about research opportunities-- they might have a lab they can bring you onto, or might be able to point you in the right direction. </p>
<p>It’s probably too early for all of that just yet, if you’ll be a freshman in september, but definitely in the weeks before school starts, you can start emailing around to see what people suggest.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for answering, I have asked this question before but barely got any proper answers. I am really looking forward to applying next year.</p>
<p>I agree with what Emily said. There are definitely opportunities to do research on campus without being on co-op, you just have to be proactive about doing so. Email around, and learn a bit about the professors that you’ll be emailing and their work. If you’re a work study, try to get a work study in a lab and then work your way up from there, thats what I did! I’m a sophomore, and I already have almost a year of research experience, so it’s definitely possible and not too difficult to do. Don’t get discouraged if you get a few “no’s”, I had professors not even email me back. Good luck!</p>
<p>There are lots of different ways to do it - work study, directed study, volunteering. There’s also funding available from the provost’s office and the honors program if you want to work on your own project with a professor</p>