How to Get Involved with Research

How to Get Involved with Research

How to Get Involved with Research

There are many ways to find a research opportunity that fits your interests. An easy place to start is to talk to your professors and ask them for advice. You can also ask professors who you haven't had in class! If you want to do research at Rowan, below are a few places to start.
Bunce Hall

Faculty Websites

Explore the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty pages to learn about their research. Contact those whose work interests you to ask about opportunities in their lab.

Rosinson Hall

CSM Research Directory

Explore the individuals who offer undergraduate research opportunities through courses, labs, or fieldwork, and note their availability to accept students.

SURP poster session

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

SURP gives undergraduate students an opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors and peers on valuable research while developing a variety of priceless skills.

Why do research as an undergraduate?

  • Get exposed to other research areas that Rowan faculty don’t offer
    • There are many different research styles and ways to run a lab group.
  • Figure out what interests you and what does not interest you
  • Help find your post-graduate path

When to look for opportunities

  • Now! (before the fall semester is over)
  • At Rowan:
    • Most faculty recruit students at least 1 semester ahead
    • And most want research students for at least 2 semesters
  • Off-Campus (summer research):
    • Government-funded programs (e.g. NSF-REU, NIH, etc.) have applications that start as early as December. Usually, positions are filled by March
  • Now is the time to get your resumé/CV polished and now is the time to look for (and apply to) opportunities that interest you!

Putting your best foot forward

  • Get input on your resume or CV from the Writing Center, professors, or both
    • Adjust the resumé/CV for every new position
    • Highlight the aspects most relevant each time
  • Get as much experience as you can. 
  • Be willing to try something you might not have been aiming for. It just might interest you. And if not, that’s valuable knowledge too.
  • Ask for help. Talk to your professors, or anyone else who has relevant experience that matches your interests
  • Don’t wait to get involved in research! Senior year is too late for most opportunities
  • Do your best. Do more, and do it better, than you’re asked to do. People will notice.
  • Make sure your professors know you well, including outside of class. This will help when you need letters of recommendation or advice.
  • Do something that makes you stand out, but make sure it’s something you’re genuinely interested in.

Promoting yourself

  • Resume or CV (curriculum vitae)
    • Resume: short and sweet
      • Specific to the job/internship you are applying for
    • CV: lists everything (relevant) you’ve ever done.
      • Roughly the same for all academic/research jobs or internships
    • Get help, show it to others:
      • The Writing Center (online & Campbell Library 131)
      • Your professors who teach relevant classes
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Social networks
    • Carefully curate what you put out there!! Even if it’s meant “just for friends”, you never know!