How To Get Started In STEM Research

STEM research is behind the recent discovery of a neighboring planet, the innovation of the 3D printer, and the latest iOS update for your phone. STEM research develops new medical treatments, predicts effects from climate change, and tackles questions about why we discriminate.

The goals of STEM research are to (1) pursue investigation with benefits for broader society, (2) make advancements and discoveries, (3) communicate findings to scientific and public audiences, (4) connect with the public to promote a more informed society that fosters science, and (5) provide innovative solutions for issues facing society. To achieve these goals, STEM needs dedicated researchers that are creative, ambitious, and diverse.

Although STEM related careers and degrees have been on the rise, gender and racial gaps still persist. This is despite that students report more interest in STEM topics. This current state urgently calls for the need for diversity, and creating more pathways for women and minorities to get started and succeed in STEM.

Here are some tips for making the jump from reading about STEM research in class to doing it:

1. Find Your Own Interests

Research is the process of asking questions and finding answers. Before anything, reflect on what questions and topics interest you. Think back to the courses youve taken and books youve read - what did you find interesting? For example, in psychology, are you interested in the social aspects of behavior, or is it understanding the brain that fascinates you? Discovering your interests can be a process itself that is likely to evolve. Through their career, scientists explore and discover new interests. Dont be discouraged if you dont feel as though you know your interests right away (most dont!). Finding a research topic that you care about and are interested in is part of the process of finding your identity in STEM and becoming a dedicated researcher.

2. Start Early & Plan

Its never too early to think of getting involved in research. Whether youre in high school or college, try out STEM research early. By doing so, youll have sufficient time to explore, and at the same time, youll gain valuable skills in critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Consider and organize your time commitments from class and other work. There are many opportunities to get involved in STEM research for all ages. Planning wont only be advantageous by making the most of your time at the lab, but it gives you time to explore and find what you care to research.

3. Finding Where to Start

A good place to start looking for hands-on research opportunities can be at your school or university campus. Many labs have undergraduates and high school students assisting on projects, and will welcome interested students. By checking out departments websites youll be able to find information about a research professors lab and what they investigate. Read through their publications and on-going projects to get an understanding of the theme of their research. Finding a match between your and a labs research interests is key.

4. Dont Limit Yourself to Your Home Campus

Look for research opportunities both on and off campus at other universities, hospitals or research institutions. This might be an especially good option once youve already had some research experience in your field and hope to explore and gain more. Its also a great way to network and meet innovative researchers.

5. Reach Out to Faculty and Labs

Finding your interests and selecting labs to apply to go hand in hand. Seek out labs that share your interests and be sure to express this when reaching out. Always be professional and courteous. Discuss shared interests, what you find interesting about their work, and what your career goals are. Articulate your interest and commitment in getting involved in research, and ask about opportunities and the chance to have a meeting to discuss more about your interests.

6. Find a Mentor

Advice from someone from in the field who has gone through the career path youre considering can be the most valuable guidance you can receive. A mentor can be a professor, lab director, or a graduate student. Discuss your interests and ask questions. Tell them about your interests and career plans. Ask for suggestions or any opportunities they know of. Their experience can be a great source of advice and support. Finding a mentor you can be candid with about your questions can be a valuable source of insight into the career of a researcher.

7. Consider Short-Term Research Initiatives

Many short-term summer research opportunities/internships (e.g. NSF-REU ) involve developing and working on your own project under advisement of a research mentor. After just a few months, you would have gone through the scientific method ending with presenting your research. Many universities offer programs like these, so be sure to take advantage!

8. Know What to Expect

Just like at any other job or internship, starting in a lab you might involve simpler tasks. Demonstrating mastery will show your competence to take on greater responsibilities. Starting from the bottom will give a well-rounded view and appreciation of all that goes into a research project- because there are a lot phases, effort and involvement dedicated towards a project. You learn a lot in the first few months as a researcher, so make the most of it!

9. Diversify Your Skills and Experiences

Students sometimes unfairly can judge research to be monotonous and boring because they dont seek out diverse experiences. You should take the initiative to ask about all available opportunities. Working on different aspects of research (running experiments, developing questions, conducting literature reviews, data processing and analysis, presenting findings) will help you understand what conducting research fully entails. There may even be opportunities to conduct your own independent study. There is no harm in asking for new opportunities!

10. Be Resilient

STEM is competitive and challenging. Finding your interests or a getting accepted to lab can be a tough process. There is a lot to learn and it might be difficult to keep up at times. The traditional student body of your STEM field or even of your lab, may not be like you. Your challenges may be different. However, be resilient and continue to be ambitious. Research in STEM is very rewarding because you will be part of a community with the goals of learning and discovery. Seek out support from peers and mentors, and continue to learn. Remind yourself why youre passionate about your research. Remember your past successes and have that as motivation for future endeavors. Reflect on the benefits of your research, and especially on your growing role in the STEM community towards advancement.

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