Overview

An empowering guide for students in STEMM that demystifies the process of securing undergraduate research experiences.   Conducting research is an important foundation for many undergraduates on STEMM career paths. But landing an extremely competitive research spot that is also an enriching experience involves knowing how to present yourself effectively and an awareness of your goals and expectations. In this book, an expert lab manager and a longtime principal investigator share their secrets for obtaining these coveted positions.   Offering advice to students in a wide variety of STEMM fields at both research-intensive universities and primarily undergraduate institutions, Getting In helps students navigate the hidden curriculum of academia, unofficial rules that disproportionately affect first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds and communities historically underrepresented in science. The authors provide not only an overview of STEMM research and lab opportunities but also specific strategies for the entire application process—including how to write emails that get noticed by busy professors, how to ask for a research position during office hours, and interview questions to prepare for—so students can claim their place in research settings.   With its emphasis on the many interpersonal and professional benefits of research experiences, Getting In equips all STEMM undergrads with the tools they need both to secure these valued positions and to develop habits that will build productive relationships with their future research mentors.

Full Product Details

Author:   Paris H. Grey ,  David G. Oppenheimer
Publisher:   The University of Chicago Press
Imprint:   University of Chicago Press
Edition:   Second Edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.340kg
ISBN:  

9780226825410

ISBN 10:   0226825418
Pages:   240
Publication Date:   26 May 2023
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock  
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Table of Contents

Preface Part One 1: Why Choose Research? What’s in It for You? Professional Development Opportunities Interpersonal Development Opportunities Academic Advantages Connections—Professional, Personal, and More Potential Financial Rewards Recommendation and Reference Letters 2: An Introduction to STEMM Research, Research Groups, and Lab Cultures What Is Scientific Research? Nine Parts to a Research Project, Simplified The Research Team and Work Environment Your Mentors Lab Culture 3: Will I Like Conducting Research? Understanding and Managing Your Expectations—Your Strategy for Happiness and Success Qualifications for Participation in Undergrad Research The Ideal Time to Start Undergrad Research The Time Commitment The Experience Paradox Using Lab Classes to Prepare for Undergrad Research Wet Lab Positions for Undergrads Projects for Undergrad Researchers Deciding Whether to Register for Course Credit for Research Summer Undergrad Research Programs (SURPs) Why Research Positions Are Competitive (and What You Can or Can’t Do about It) Part Two 4: Your Search Strategy Ten Search Mistakes to Avoid Getting Started Is the Hardest Part Step 1: Schedule and Prioritize Your Time Step 2: Identify Potential Meaningful Research Experiences More Methods to Identify Undergrad Research Opportunities Tips on Selecting and Reading a Scientific Paper before Applying for a Research Position Maintaining Your Academic and Life Balance in Future Semesters 5: Your Application Strategy Ten Application Mistakes to Avoid Application Procedure Step 1: Craft Your CV and Obtain Your Transcript Step 2: Make First Contact Step 3: Complete Online Applications for SURPs and Other Opportunities (When Applicable) 6: Your Interview Strategy Ten Interview Mistakes to Avoid Tips Specific to Virtual Interviews To Seize Your Undergrad Research Interview, Ask the Questions That Matter Mentors’ Interviewing Styles Preparing for the Interview At the Interview After the Interview Congratulations, You’re Now an Undergrad in the Lab! Ten Tips to Prepare for Your First Day of Your Undergrad Research Experience Acknowledgments Index

Reviews

"“Focused, functional, and accessible, Getting In will help students who are new to the process to look for, evaluate, apply to, interview for, and select research experiences. Importantly, it removes a lot of the barriers to success faced by students with fewer resources, experience, and supports, and in doing so increases access and opportunity for all students in STEMM.” -- Laura Rico-Beck, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago “A terrific guidebook for students early on in their science research career. Getting In provides an organized plan, including strategies, timelines, and examples, to help students move from questioning to well educated, from uncertain to confident in their qualifications and goals. It is a treasure trove of broadly applicable resources for advisors, mentors, and students in classrooms and research labs.” -- Susan Bush Tripp, Natural Sciences Department, Metropolitan State University ""Eminently useful. . . . This is an excellent book of value for any faculty member involved in undergraduate research, for undergraduate advisers working with various students, and for virtually any undergraduate."" * Council on Undergraduate Research, on the First Edition * ""Many undergraduate students want to do research for one reason or another, but may not know much about it or how to get a position. The language is straightforward . . . and the tone is aimed directly at undergraduate students; it's clear from the beginning that the authors are highly attuned to the college student's mindset and lifestyle. . . . I would definitely recommend this book for early undergraduate students who are considering a career in the sciences."" * Student Doctor Network, on the First Edition *"

Focused, functional, and accessible, Getting In will help students who are new to the process to look for, evaluate, apply to, interview for, and select research experiences. Importantly, it removes a lot of the barriers to success faced by students with fewer resources, experience, and supports, and in doing so increases access and opportunity for all students in STEMM. -- Laura Rico-Beck, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago A terrific guidebook for students early on in their science research career. Getting In provides an organized plan, including strategies, timelines, and examples, to help students move from questioning to well educated, from uncertain to confident in their qualifications and goals. It is a treasure trove of broadly applicable resources for advisors, mentors, and students in classrooms and research labs. -- Susan Bush Tripp, Natural Sciences Department, Metropolitan State University Eminently useful. . . . This is an excellent book of value for any faculty member involved in undergraduate research, for undergraduate advisers working with various students, and for virtually any undergraduate. * Council on Undergraduate Research, on the First Edition * Many undergraduate students want to do research for one reason or another, but may not know much about it or how to get a position. The language is straightforward . . . and the tone is aimed directly at undergraduate students; it's clear from the beginning that the authors are highly attuned to the college student's mindset and lifestyle. . . . I would definitely recommend this book for early undergraduate students who are considering a career in the sciences. * Student Doctor Network, on the First Edition *

Eminently useful. . . . This is an excellent book of value for any faculty member involved in undergraduate research, for undergraduate advisers working with various students, and for virtually any undergraduate. * Council on Undergraduate Research, on the First Edition *

Author Information

Paris H. Grey is a writer, molecular biologist, and lab mentor. She has written articles on strategies for early-career researchers for Nature, the Lab Manager, Science, and elsewhere. David G. Oppenheimer is associate professor in biology at the University of Florida. His research program focuses on the proteins that control cytoskeleton dynamics and how this influences plant cell shape. Grey and Oppenheimer are coauthors of Life and Research: A Survival Guide for Early-Career Biomedical Scientists, also published by the University of Chicago Press. Connect with them at UndergradInTheLab.com, on Twitter @YouInTheLab, or Instagram @UndergradInTheLab.

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