How do students get involved in research?
What percentage of students participate in research?
According to their admissions brochure:
“40% of Williams students conduct research with their professors.”
“60 paid humanities and social science research positions for students are offered on campus every summer.”
“200 paid science research positions for students are offered on campus every summer.”
“55 summer travel fellowships are awarded to do research outside the U.S. every summer.”
“Over the past 20 years, no other college’s alumni have won more Apker Awards from the American Physical Society, the highest honor for undergraduate physics research in the U.S.”
“230 students conducted independent research projects at Williams last year.”
“40 students co-authored research papers with faculty last year.”
TheGreyKing’s source estimates 40%, but anecdotally I would hazard that the value is higher. Williams offers more research opportunities that the College knows what to do with, and students frequently write / publish papers, co-author papers with professors, write theses, and work directly on research projects. Further, the presence of winter study allows students to engage with more research during the year than students would be able to do otherwise.
My daughter is a recent grad - Bio/Neuro. She asked her advisor about getting into research. He allowed her to work in his lab for two years and summers in between. Her final two years she worked in labs that were specifically Neuro. Just ask = professors are always willing to help. She had an Honors thesis (Lab) Neuro also. She has easily found employment after graduating with the 4 years of lab work under her belt. This is looked at as 2 years of experience. Opportunity is waiting for you.
In addition to the research opportunities, the one on one teaching and collaboration between faculty and students in the sciences in particular yields great results. If you go to the departmental websites, they list their majors over the past several years and the record of accomplishments in academia, consulting, finance and start ups is impressive.
When would you or your daughter say is the best time to ask professor for research opportunity? I really want to do something in neurology or psychology but i feel that maybe asking within the first week is too eager/early? Or would you disagree?
@“2017Lia’sMom” When would you or your daughter say is the best time to ask professor for research opportunity? I really want to do something in neurology or psychology but i feel that maybe asking within the first week is too eager/early? Or would you disagree?
My son is a freshman and is already involved in a research project with a professor.
I know several freshman who either started working in research freshman year, or the summer after freshman year, when they were clearer on what specialty they wanted to pursue. It’s an undergraduate institution – profs need you for their research, but may have different criteria based on how they work. Every department and professor is different. Get to know them and ask. Go get 'em and good luck.