How to Kick Off Your Undergraduate Research Career

One of the greatest strengths that the University of Michigan offers undergraduates is the opportunity to conduct research. Freshman or senior, the earlier you begin your research career, the better. A research position gives you excellent experience and a great recommendation for graduate school admission or for future employment. Your time commitment can vary from professor to professor depending on your appointment. Research appointments can be for credit (Physics 415) or for pay, either from the professor's budget or sponsored by the department. During the summer, you can apply for an REU-funded position.

Here are three simple recommended steps to land a research position:

1. Obtain a copy of the Physics Graduate Study Bulletin which describes research conducted by the UM physics faculty. You can find a copy in the SPS office in 365 West Hall, or you can ask in the Physics Department Student Services office in 2061 Randall Lab.
2. Make a note of professors whose work interests you.
3. Knock on the professor's office door and say you're interested in their work and would like to work with them.

Sometimes the professor you choose will be unable financially to support you. In that case you can offer to work for credit (this can lead to future pay when the professor has support!).  In some cases, the professor may already have enough researchers in his or her group but hey, don't fear, this is the magic of UM--there is always another professor's door you can knock on near by.