Temple University Russell Conwell Learning Center Office of Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies GETTING INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? The type of research you get involved in is almost completely dependent on your major It is possible to get involved in research with almost any major, but science based research at Temple University is the most prevalent Science based research at Temple University includes but is not limited to Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics Psychology, and Neuroscience

WHY GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH Gain valuable experience and knowledge of the mechanics of research Find yourself: getting involved in research will allow you to explore the many fields your major has to offer Develop skills needed for after graduation such as critical thinking and inferential abilities, both crucial for higher education

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? What are you planning to do after graduation? Many graduate schools look for research experience and some even require it Even if you aren’t going for a higher degree, research involvement is a great resume builder Having worked on research makes your application much stronger

DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Explore Temple University Research Experiences Temple offers a number of structured research experiences to assist students based on their major or interest. Check out some of the research opportunities at: opportunities/researchopportunitiesinternaltotemple.htm

DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Diamond Research Scholars Program Application deadline: February 16, 2015 Provides Temple undergraduates the opportunity to engage in a focused, mentored research or creative arts project during the summer and fall. The program requires that students participate in the two-day Undergraduate Research Institute, devote ten weeks during the summer to develop a research project in their area of interest under the direction of their faculty mentor, and complete the project during the fall semester while registered for an independent study/research course. Eligibility Current full-time undergraduates from all Temple schools and colleges Minimum 3.25 cumulative gpa Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Full-time enrollment at least during the Fall, if not Fall and Spring, of the academic year following the summer research experience Attendance at the required two-day Undergraduate Research Institute in mid-May Have identified a full-time Temple faculty member who has agreed to serve as their faculty mentor for the entire length of the program Ability to devote full-time work on the research/creative project during the 10 week summer program (no additional job, internship or summer coursework is permitted)

DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED CREATIVE ARTS, RESEARCH, AND SCHOLARSHIP (CARAS) PROGRAM The Temple University Research Administration in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and the Deans of Temple University’s Schools and Colleges is pleased to provide a funding opportunity to encourage and support undergraduate and professional students engaged in scholarly, creative, and research projects that contribute to advancing their field of study. The Creative Arts, Research And Scholarship (CARAS) Program makes two types of grants: Research/Creative Project Grants and Travel Grants. Research/Creative Project Grants provide undergraduate and professional students grants of up to $4,000 in support of scholarly, research or creative arts projects undertaken with the supervision of a Temple faculty mentor. Travel Grants provide funding support for undergraduate travel to conferences to present original research or creative work. The maximum Project Grant award is $4,000; maximum Travel Grant award is $1,000. Requests may be modified based on an assessment of the budget proposal and/or the availability of resources.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED The majority of research experiences will be as a volunteer, although some are paid After working under a faculty member for a certain amount of time, you may be able to conduct your own research You could earn credits throughout the semester for a completion of an Independent Study, with permission of your lab advisor

WHERE TO BEGIN It all starts with networking : Get to know the faculty of the field you’re interested in, find out what type of research various faculty are doing Knowing your professors on a personal level can have benefits outside of research as well, especially when it comes to letters of recommendation Check out the faculty listing websites (generally located on your majors personal website; they usually have a listing of who is doing what research, if not, visit the head of the department to get a possible list)

OTHER WAYS TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES Check your Temple Your college likely sends out daily s, many of which will advertise both paid and unpaid opportunities Some are actually right on campus or a short ride/walk/drive away! Attend networking events There are plenty of networking events Temple University puts on for students to talk with potential employers and alumni. If you can make a great impression on someone, chances are they will allow you to at least interview for a research assistant position

OTHER WAYS TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES Ask your friends or peers Many Temple students have had research opportunities, especially in science fields. Ask them: how they initially got the position who they did research with what kind of research it was what they liked and disliked Asking these questions gives you a student’s perspective, which might give you some important details to think about on the type of research you are looking in to and the approach you are using to find these opportunities.

OTHER WAYS TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES Attend research lectures Temple has professors and professionals in their areas of study lecture here almost weekly, if not more. Attend, listen, and ask questions! This will allow you to both gain an understanding of whether you really are interested in their research, as well as present yourself to the lecturer and express your interest in their material and what they are studying. Be innovative! Think outside the box, and don’t just try to find opportunities that are posted and widely available to any students – talk to people who are doing really interesting research and see if they have any opportunities for you or if they can recommend you to somewhere similar.

HOW TO A TEMPLE PROFESSOR ABOUT JOINING THEIR LAB Include a Subject line, indicating your interest in their research Introduce yourself by name, year, and major Tell them what you really like about their current or recently completed research – meaning do your research on what they are interested in to show you did your homework! Ask if they have any open spots as a Research Assistant in their lab, or any other kinds of opportunities in which you might be able to volunteer your time to. Thank them, and sign your name (Make sure to have your contact information somewhere in the )