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Undergraduate Research
There are many ways to get involved early in research at the University of Michigan. The most common way is applying through a group, such as:
These groups provide you with the chance to gain interviews with research faculty on pre-decided projects. They also offer more hands-on guidance through the research process with mandatory lectures and symposiums. While these are the most commonly chosen routes to obtain a position, many undergraduates also have been able to obtain research opportunities through personal interaction with a lab professor.
Being scared or intimidated by the idea of talking to a professor is normal!
The fact that you are considering doing research and might go on to follow in their footsteps is really exciting to them. It is also true that professors find it to be a great feeling when a student approaches them because they want to be in their lab! With few exceptions, most professors will be happy to talk with undergraduates about doing research and will do their best to find some way for you to contribute in their lab or even a colleague's lab. If it's possible that you will be a productive and useful person in their group while learning lots of things, most will be more than happy to offer you a position.
Some tips…
You need to keep in mind that professors tend to be some of the busiest people on the planet. Be respectful of their time as well as their knowledge and you will get a much better response. Before contacting a professor, take the time to see if their homepage can answer any of your questions. Before you go in, also make sure to read about the projects in which you are interested. If you approach a professor respectfully and then follow through with what you agreed to take on, almost all professors at the University of Michigan will be delighted to have you participate in their research group.
Lab professors tend to look for these main qualities when choosing undergraduates:
Interest- They want you to be interested in the work they are doing! If you are interested then they know you will put in the focus, time, and effort to be successful with your project. So if you are not interested in a professor's research, be patient until you find a project you really would enjoy working on.
Personality- This is a large category that is often overlooked. If you are personable and interested in their research, there is almost no way they will not spend the time to give you proper training and guidance. Professors want their labs to be fun and productive.
Time Commitment- Professors want to make sure that their projects are running smoothly and also on time. If you can only commit to a few hours a week in lab, let the professor know that ahead of time and do not apply for positions that you know your schedule will not allow you to fulfill. It is always better to do a great job on a small project than to do a bad job on a large one.
Research is a lot to take on as an undergraduate student, but is extremely fulfilling especially if your project leads you on to bigger things such as publications and novel findings!
For more information feel free to visit Bev in Chem 1500, or visit any of these departmental websites for specific information on faculty:
Chemistry Faculty
Biochemistry Faculty
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology Faculty
Check out other U of M departments as well! You can do research with faculty from any department upon approval from a concentration advisor.
If you have any personal questions about how to talk to a professor, or just want to know more about undergraduate research here at the University of Michigan, feel free to email me at blchamb@umich.edu. Good luck!
-Brianna Chamberlin
-Faculty Relations
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