Picking a Subject: A Guide for Selection
For undergraduate students looking to delve into research, the journey begins with discovering the right field that aligns with their interests and offers a wealth of learning opportunities. Rebecca Cho, Natural Sciences Correspondent, shares some valuable tips in her article "Five Steps to Prepare for Summer Research" in "Senior Thesis".
Explore Various Sources and Topics
The first step is to cast a wide net, exploring a multitude of subjects and topics that pique your curiosity. These could stem from courses you've taken, assigned readings, or trending fields like AI, renewable energy, health, or technology. Utilize resources such as research topic lists, academic webinars, or workshops to expose yourself to current issues and major questions in diverse fields.
Identify a Critical Research Question
Once you've identified a general area that sparks your interest, it's essential to refine it into a specific yet broad research question. This question should be specific enough to research thoroughly, yet broad enough to find credible sources. Preliminary research can help ensure there is sufficient information available and assist in shaping a focused question that contributes meaningfully to your area. Employ keywords related to your topic during research to help filter relevant literature and refine the question.
Reach out to Professors and Academic Mentors
Discuss your interests with your professors, teaching assistants, or academic counselors. They can provide insights on current research trends, what’s doable for undergraduates, and potential faculty mentors. Attend workshops on “Getting into Research” that many universities offer to learn how to approach faculty and understand the research environment. When contacting professors, express your interests clearly, mention any relevant coursework or skills, and ask about openings for undergraduate research involvement or lab positions.
Additional Tips
Consider institutional requirements for your major or minor, as some programs may require work with specific departments. Look for interdisciplinary opportunities to broaden your exposure. Stay open-minded and proactive: talking to multiple faculty members and attending research talks or seminars can expose you to diverse topics and approaches.
By combining these steps—starting broad, refining with focused questions, leveraging university resources, and building connections with faculty—you can identify a research field that is both exciting and feasible as an undergraduate student.
Rebecca Cho also provides tips for a regret-free thesis summer in her article "Five Tips for a Regret-Free Thesis Summer" in "Senior Thesis". It is possible for students to email a professor directly to express interest in their work, discussing their curiosity about a specific ongoing project or the general field of study. Students should inform professors of their passion and interest in their work, making it easier for them to find suitable research opportunities.
Rebecca Cho also discusses her summer internship experiences in her article "Reflections on my Summer Internship and Tips for Starting the Research Process" in "Junior Paper (JP)". At Princeton, the junior and senior years are research-focused, allowing students to explore different topics before committing to a project or field. Research fields can range from investigations on exoplanets and dark matter to the genetic evolution of microorganisms. Many professors at Princeton University are open to involving undergraduate students in their research, and opportunities are available in fields beyond STEM, such as history, economics, and music.
Engage in comprehensive exploration of various topics related to education-and-self-development, including personal-growth and learning, by delving into sources such as research topic lists, academic webinars, or workshops to refine your interests.
During your undergraduate studies, especially in your senior thesis and junior paper stages, reach out to professors and academic mentors to discuss potential research opportunities, leveraging their expertise and insights to secure meaningful research experiences.
