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1. Can the URO match me up with a research position or topic?
2. Do you have to be in honors to do research?
3. Is research only in a lab?
4. Is spring too early to start looking for a fall research position?
5. Can I do research if I’m a freshman?
6. Is it too late to do research if I’m a senior?
7. Are there prerequisites to doing research?
8. Can I get credit for doing research?
9. Can I do research outside of my major?
10. Do I have to set up a meeting with a potential faculty mentor or can I just email him/her?
11. What is an REU?
12. Are there any special requirements if I am involving human or animal subjects?
1. Can the URO match me up with a research position or topic?
The URO does not directly match students with positions or topics, or have a ready list of "openings". We are sometimes asked to advertise existing research opportunities to our students and will always guide you through the steps that you need to take in order to identify a research mentor and/or opportunity. We have designed our program to help you find the resources you need to identify a faculty mentor, advise you on how to approach the identified mentor and support you through the process. Sign up for our mailing list to receive notifications about programs and information that may help you get involved.
2. Do you have to be in honors to do research?
Honors status is not a requirement for research involvement or funding, except when relating to scholarships offered explicitly through the honors program or relating directly to an honors thesis. We encourage all students, honors or non-honors, to get involved in research as an undergraduate.
Research can take place in a variety of physical settings, such as in laboratories, libraries, on the computer, in the “field”, in a studio or theatre, etc. Where research occurs depends on the discipline, the research question and the methodology being used.
4. Is spring too early to start looking for a fall research position?
It is never too early! If you are interested in a position for the fall, spring is the perfect time to begin contacting professors about possible research positions. Many undergraduates are preparing to graduate, leaving behind open positions with advisers and in laboratories. Even if you are not available in the summer, it is best to secure a position before summer begins. Be prepared to talk about your availability in the fall and any research goals you have for the following academic year.
If you have not found a position, don't despair! Some professors will not know for sure if they have the time or resources for a student, but it is important to follow up with them later in the summer or at the very beginning of autumn quarter.
5. Can I do research if I’m a freshman?
Absolutely! However, the type of research or degree of independence will often depend on your experience/course work. Depending on your field of interest, some professors may require that you complete certain courses prior to beginning any research at all. Even so, most labs start students off with basic tasks and allow you to progress as you “prove yourself”.
6. Is it too late to do research if I’m a senior?
Absolutely not! Many students who complete an honors thesis do so in their senior year. However, it is very important that you plan carefully and contact your potential research mentor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more you will limit the scope of your research.
7. Are there prerequisites to doing research?
This depends on the advisor and/or the field of study. Sometimes you need relevant experience or course work. In many cases, you will develop skills as you get involved in the research. Some majors, psychology and biochemistry for example, offer specific courses designed to introduce the student to research and are helpful to beginning undergraduate research.
8. Can I get credit for doing research?
Yes. Credit is primarily available as independent study credit (693) or independent research credit (699) or as thesis credit (H783). In all cases, credit is pass/non-pass. Policies vary by department, and it is imperative to speak with your advisor!
9. Can I do research outside of my major?
Yes. While most students choose to do research in their major, some students choose to do research in the area of their minor, or a subject in which they are passionately interested. It is important to discuss your choice of doing research/thesis outside of your major with an advisor to determine whether there are any academic impacts from this decision.
10. Do I have to set up a meeting with a potential faculty mentor or can I just email him/her?
If possible, a student should try and talk directly with a faculty member with whom s/he is interested in working. Check out office hours whenever possible. Students should expect to prepare for the meeting by familiarizing themselves with the faculty member’s work and considering how the student’s background, experience and/or interests match.
In some cases, emails are the best form of communication with a faculty member. When emailing a professor, be very specific in the subject line (just think of how many emails you receive and how you screen through them). Again, show your familiarity with the professor’s work and exactly why you are contacting him or her. You might need to follow up with a second email. And, remember be as concise as possible.
REU stands for Research Experience for Undergraduates and most of them are sponsored by the NSF, the National Science Foundation. NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program across the nation. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers on topics in the sciences, engineering, ethics, education, and human resources. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. This is a great experience for students who want to spend a summer getting started in research. For more information, go to: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp
12. Are there any special requirements if I am involving human or animal subjects?
Yes, there are federal regulations governing the use of human and animal subjects in research. Go to www.orrp.osu.edu, the website for the Office of Responsible Research Practices to learn more.
The URO co-sponsors with the Office of Responsible Research Practices, quarterly programs to introduce students to the IRB (Institutional Review Board) process.
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