University of Michigan - Flint

Simply put, research is the investigative process you take to learn things. But for more of an in-depth look into the research process, we recommend you visit this excellent site. *Note: though this site specifically addresses bioscience research, most of the principles on the site apply to any type of research.*

There is no one single reason to do research. However, generally speaking: participation in research teaches you about the field(s) in which you are interested while also helping you define your own skills and style.

Not necessarily. While funding opportunities for undergraduate students and graduate students have eligibility requirements based on the number of credits completed, we still encourage any student to get involved with research. If you have interest in a particular area, you should express it as soon as possible. Some research projects may require students to complete certain classes, but you can always ask a faculty sponsor if they are willing to working with less-experienced students.

First and second year students are encouraged to explore their options early, so they can develop the necessary skill sets for more involved research later.

Absolutely! One of the biggest myths surrounding research is that it is limited to hard sciences (biology, chemistry, engineering, etc.) Research can be as diverse as the student who is engaged in it. Students participate in research in humanities and social sciences as much as they do in the natural sciences.

University of Michigan-Flint faculty are involved in an assortment of research projects. In many cases, they are willing to work with students from all different types of backgrounds, research interests, and skills.

Students interested in getting research experience should start by visiting the "Getting Started" section.

Here are proposed timelines for students involved in research:

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Undergraduate students:

Freshman Year	Sophomore Year	Junior Year	Senior Year
Use your class experience to gain basic knowledge that could be applied to a research project. Most research projects will require knowledge and skills you gain from a variety of courses, not just those related to your major. Take the time to look into some of the research being conducted by your professors. Determine which research projects interest you. Express your interest to faculty.	Start looking at research opportunities in your field of interest. Take more courses being offered by the professor whose research interests you the most. Familiarize yourself with their work. Talk with faculty members about the possibility of doing a research project. Consider doing research projects during the Spring and/or Summer semesters. These assistantships may carry over into the Fall and Winter semesters.	Participate in UROP for pay, credit, volunteer points, or just for experience. Work multiple semesters if possible. Start applying for Office of Research funding for undergraduate students. Present your work at Meeting of Minds and/or the Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum. Consider taking additional courses that will assist in your area of research.	Continue on the same or a new project; possibly through UROP. Present your work at Meeting of Minds and/or the Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum. Use your research project as experience when you apply for employment or graduate school.

 

Graduate students:

First Year	Second Year	Third Year and Beyond
Use your class experience to gain basic knowledge that could be applied to a research project. Most research projects will require knowledge and skills you gain from a variety of courses, not just those related to your major. Take the time to look into some of the research being conducted by your professors. Determine which research projects interest you. Express your interest to faculty.	Start to identify a faculty sponsor. Familiarize yourself with their work. Talk with faculty members about the possibility of doing a research project. Apply for a Graduate Student Research Assistantship or any other research opportunities in your field of interest. Start applying for Office of Research funding for graduate students.	Present your work at professional conferences. Consider submitting your research to various publications; possibly co-authoring with other graduate students, faculty, and other researchers.

The simple answer would be to do homework. But more specifically, students can find out about research opportunites by doing  some of the following (note, most of this is covered in more detail in the "Getting Started" section):

1. Networking. Talk to faculty. They can be professors in your classes, faculty in your department, or faculty with whom you are comfortable. Many researchers will attest that finding research opportunities is about individual persistance AND by asking around.
2. Visiting departmental websites. Often times, departments will list some of the research activity conducted by their faculty. This can help students search for potential research opportunities.
3. Interacting with other students. Perhaps one of the most valuable resources available to you are other students who have the experiences of conducting research. They often know the ends and outs of finding research opportunities and knowing which professors to contact.