Guide on Navigating Your Department
Getting involved in lab-based research in chemical and biological engineering (CBE) departments can be an exciting and rewarding experience for undergraduates. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to immerse yourself in the departmental community to open up opportunities and gain valuable skills.
Attend departmental seminars and research presentations
Departments often host seminars where faculty and graduate students present their latest research. Attending these will expose you to current projects and help identify labs that match your interests. It's also a good opportunity to ask questions and network with presenters [1].
Meet with department representatives and faculty
Reach out to professors and department staff to express your interest in research opportunities. Department representatives can provide guidance on how to join labs, application procedures, or requirements for undergraduate or graduate involvement [1].
Speak with undergraduates and graduate students
Students already involved in research can share personal experiences, lab culture, and tips on how to get started in specific labs. Graduate student research presentations are particularly valuable to see ongoing projects and expected contributions from lab members [1][4].
Participate in research skill-building activities or bootcamps
Some programs offer training sessions or research bootcamps (e.g., synthetic biology training programs) where undergraduates gain hands-on experience and interact with researchers from faculty and graduate/postdoc levels, which can lead to direct involvement in research [2].
Explore official undergraduate research programs or clubs
Some universities have formal undergraduate research projects or clubs that partner with faculty labs to engage students in meaningful research experiences [3].
Know your department
To take full advantage of these opportunities, it is important to know your department well. Familiarise yourself with the department's website, which provides information about events, connections with department representatives and coordinators [1].
Engage and Explore
Introduce yourself to the department representative and undergraduate administrator as soon as possible. Engaging with the department can guide you to different opportunities and answer questions. Speaking with other undergraduates about their experiences in the department can help you understand different opportunities better [1].
Navigating the Academic Experience
Attending graduate student research presentations can also be beneficial for navigating the rest of your academic experience. Ph.D. students must defend their theses in these presentations, and undergraduates will have to do a similar defense for their senior theses [1].
Variety of Opportunities
The CBE department offers a wide range of opportunities, such as seminars, special lectures, internships, grants, study abroad programs, and more [1]. At a recent symposium, various graduate students, working under the same professor, were met, showcasing how research topics can be distinct, even for students under the same professor [1].
In summary, your pathway involves immersing yourself in the departmental community through seminars, meetings, student interactions, and formal presentations, contacting faculty or representatives for opportunities, and participating in research training programs when available. This multi-faceted approach helps build the necessary connections and skills to join lab-based projects in chemical and biological engineering [1][2][3][4].
