selecting a Faculty Advisor

Think about what research areas you are interested in.

Learn about faculty research projects.

1. • Look at SEMTE faculty backgrounds/research areas: https://graduateapps.asu.edu/graduate-faculty

   • Ask fellow students conducting research who they are working with and what they are doing.

   • Talk to your current faculty instructors and those you have taken courses from about their research and the research of their colleagues.

Identify four or five faculty members whose research interests you.

1. • Gather information about their research, such as research aims, methods and findings.

   • Collect journal articles, books, presentations, etc., published by the professors. If possible, attend one of their lectures or seminars

Decide on the time commitment you could make- hours per week, weeks per semester/year. Think about your class schedule, work commitments, family/social commitments.

Contact the faculty members.

1. • Write an email and/or visit them to tell them you're interested in their work and would like to get involved.

   • Be sure to identify the project and some of the information you have learned about while reviewing their research.

   • List your year in the program and relevant courses you have taken or training you have acquired, if any.

   • Bring/Email a copy of your resume/CV and unofficial transcripts to provide if they would like to know more about you.

   • Ask to meet to talk more about it.

Follow up! The key is passion, dependability and being personable. Answer questions honestly, have questions for them and thank them for their time.

Understand their expectations. If you are successful in acquiring a research opportunity, discuss project details and related expectations. Ask questions such as:

1. • How many hours per week will you be working?

   • Who will you be reporting to?

   • What will your specific duties be?

   • Is this a group project or individual project?

   • What do they consider excellent performance?

   • What additional books or articles do they recommend that you read?

Present your work! Find out how to present your work at a conference or publish in a journal.

Encourage others! After your experience, be a role model and help others do what you've done.