Doing the Work

This very much depends on the type of research you’re doing. For me, this was all computational astrophysics, which meant that all I needed was a computer and internet connection. The pandemic couldn’t stop me. However, if you work in a lab with lasers, this might pose a different issue.

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1. My experience with all of the research projects I’ve worked on so far was that is was very much learning on the job. The fact that both were pretty similar in terms of what actually needed to get done was very convenient, as I was able to do much more on the second project, and even more now in graduate school. I think I got lucky with both the projects I worked on during my undergraduate and the professors I worked with. If you don't think you get along with the group/professor, you are perfectly within your rights to switch groups. 

2. You’ll have meetings with your research advisor (or group) probably once a week, to discuss progress, and ask any questions you have either about current work, or upcoming things that need to get done. You should also feel free to email them if you have any questions while you’re working.​

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Some Quick Recommendations...​

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1. How to use LaTeX (Overleaf). Overleaf is a great online (free) formatting resource that is widely used both in research and occasionally homework assignments. Either way, no one wants to use Microsoft Word anymore...

2. Odds are you’ll take a few intro coding classes, but this may not be what you’ll end up using for research. I use mainly Python/C++/C for computational work.

3. As previously stated, your research advisor will most likely have you take a “reading class”, which is basically an informal way for you to learn about the project before you dive in. You’ll be recommended a textbook or two, and a few papers to get you started.

4. You should also learn how to take research notes. A bit different than class notes here... If you do anything computational, save your "terminal" history so you can see where certain directories are, specific commands you used, etc. This is very helpful when you need to reference something you worked on a few weeks prior. Along these lines is to always keep tabs on the papers you read as you go along (Zotero, a computer application and online site is great for this). This will make referencing while writing much easier! Also remember that you should reference along the way as you're either taking those research notes or starting to write your first draft. This way, you won't have to go back in and remember where you got each piece of information from.​​