Develop a mentor relationship

Develop a mentoring relationship: Prepare for the meeting, meet up, act on suggestions, and synthesize what you learn

A good relationship with a faculty mentor is the cornerstone of all successful undergraduate research and independent projects.

Finding a Research Mentor

Identify faculty whose disciplinary interests align with yours.
Prepare to meet with faculty by reading their website profiles, reading their recent publications, attending their talks, and developing a list of questions about their work.
Set up a meeting with the faculty, either by emailing them or attending their office hours.

Working with Faculty on Long Term Projects

Set up a regular schedule of meetings with your project mentor. Always come prepared to meetings with questions and updates. In your meetings, ask for feedback and direction for next steps--then follow through with your mentor's suggestions before your next meeting.

As your project progresses, you might need to ask for a letter of recommendation from your mentor. Note that all student grant applications require at least one faculty mentor letter of support.