Participating students were asked:
"What would you tell other students about your experience with your project or the short-term research program?"
Here are all of their responses. Please note that some comments are specific to the project the student was participating in.
January 2021
This was a fun and rewarding experience! You get to meet so many members of the EPS community, and it's a great way to get into research and/or EPS without a major commitment. Even if you don't plan to study EPS, you can still get a lot out of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in this short-term EPS fellowship. I had the chance to explore a specific area within in EPS, namely structural geology and seismology, and experience the research process of collecting and analyzing data collaboratively, while modeling our data with the previously unfamiliar software QGIS and GOCAD. It was amazing to be able to ask tons of questions about interpreting our results and about the research process to our PhD research leader and advisor - she made this fellowship all the more enjoyable! If you are interested in EPS and/or want a taste of research life, I would highly recommend this program!!
If you're not sure whether you're a "good fit" for research... you are! My EPS short-term project was a fantastic introduction to scientific study. The professors and coordinators were extremely helpful and friendly, and the program pays particular attention to formulating methodical skills. I came in with no research experience, and have left with valuable scientific insights, a new outlook on scientific inquiry, and a new field of academic interest!
This program was my first official exposure to formal lab research. Before these three weeks, I thought of research as an enigmatic pursuit that only the most knowledgeable experts in a field could participate in, just because research papers that I have looked at in the past seemed highly complex and even confusing. However, the EPS Short-Term Research Program proved me wrong: anyone can pursue and enjoy research if they are willing to take on the personal and intellectual challenges that research entails. These three weeks could not have been a more fulfilling, educational, and engaging first exposure to research for me. A huge thank you to the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department for organizing and guiding me through this wonderful program!
It's a fun way to dip your toes into research at Harvard and the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department. The hours are flexible and the faculty and researchers are very helpful, even if you don't have as much background in the areas the research is in.
This short-term program with EPS was such an enjoyable time and one of the highlights of my winter term. It exposed me to research at Harvard and showed how willing and helpful faculty and professors are to help, teach, and learn from you. Esther James was so wonderful and involved and was a great project lead/mentor! Would definitely recommend to any students interested in either research or EPS!
Through my project I learned about how important it is to develop the Earth and planetary sciences through research. I would recommend students to explore their interests through the short-term program and ask as many questions as they would like.
The professors and graduate students in this program are all super welcoming and considerate of your interests and background. This program is a great way to dip your toes into an EPS-related topic and to learn more about research. I really enjoyed being able to connect with a lab in a really low-stress way, and I got to learn a lot about what the EPS department does, too.
Do it and apply! Its a great way to learn about something completely new or get in touch with professors and graduate students who are just as passionate about earth and planetary sciences as you are! There are a plethora of projects to learn from and tons of awesome people to meet on the way. I'm sure you'll leave having learned something new and having had the possibility of discovering something incredible.
The EPS winter-term program is a great way to get to know the warm and welcoming EPS Department while getting a glance at what research they are involved in! I would highly recommend it for any student who might be interested in learning more about EPS or environmental science.
The short-term program is an awesome way to be introduced to research and a completely new topic in a low-stakes and low-commitment environment. I highly recommend it!
This program was a great way to get some experience with research and data analytics skills while learning about a fascinating field.
I would encourage everybody to apply, whether you are strongly interested in EPS or have not heard of the EPS department before. If you are already interested, the program will be a great opportunity to put your knowledge in practice. Even if you are more interested in other disciplines, the tools and methods you will use in this program can be used in other settings too.
Would highly recommend, especially during winter break. Workload can be as high or as low as you want it to be.
I learned so much in this program - everything from "what is sulfur isotope fractionation and why does it matter?" to "what is Python?" to "how should we look at the data?" It's true that no experience is necessary - I had none with respect to any part of the project and still got so much out of it. If you're trying to decide between programs, DO THIS ONE!
The EPS Research Program is an incredible opportunity to gain exposure to a new department, experience remote research at Harvard, and learn from graduate students, professors, and peers! I couldn't recommend it enough and I am very grateful for the new skills and experiences I gained over the winter break. Everyone in the EPS department I interacted with was extremely kind and willing to answer questions. If you approach your research project with an open mind and enthusiasm to explore, you'll be surprised how much you learn over the course of a few weeks!
This experience is the most chill but also most rewarding J-term you could possibly partake in as an inexperienced (or somewhat experienced) freshman. The EPS department is great and welcoming no matter what your major might be. If you are even a little bit interested in some topic, do it!
This project was a great learning experience and introduction to data science and its important applications. It was collaborative and very easy to get help and feedback, and overall the perfect environment in which I could learn and apply new knowledge and techniques.
The short-term program is a great opportunity to get experience with research, especially if it's your first time taking on a research project. There is plenty of guidance throughout the process, and an abundance of opportunities to familiarize yourself with the EPS department.
If you are interested in research, but not sure what area of research you want to pursue this is the perfect program for you! This fellowship will give a wonderful introduction to research. The EPS community is extremely supportive and will help you find what you are interested in!
Highly recommend applying! I honest to goodness just enjoyed learning more about the sun and climate in general. I had absolutely no background in EPS, but I found it to be a really interesting topic nonetheless. Just being able to talk to so many super smart individuals, each pursuing unique avenues in EPS, was intriguing and inspiring. Whether you're already familiar with EPS or are just down to learn something new, the short-term program is a fun, chill environment to gain some research experience and feed your curiosity. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover that it's your passion.
Low commitment, great reward. You get to delve into an interesting topic, learn real science, collaborate with others, and get paid for doing it. A fantastic program overall.
I had a really great time! Coming in, I did not have much exposure to EPS, but I was still able to enjoy this project, and I learned a lot. I would advise that any potential student intern outline weekly/daily goals for themselves in terms of what they want to learn and what they want to accomplish (relevant to the project they are working on and the topic they are exploring) and work their hardest to meet these goals.
It was one of the most enjoyable experience that I've ever had! I've personally learned so much in such a short time period, and Professor Brendan Meade is such an amazing, enthusiastic, funny, and knowledgeable person.
It was so much fun! And a great, low-commitment way to get involved with research!!
Summer 2020
It was super fun and I still felt challenged and like I was contributing to a bigger project.
The short-term summer program not only allowed for me to make a good amount of money, but it provided me with the opportunity to connect with a Harvard professor and explore her realm of study by hearing her talk about the various aspects of seismology that makes her so passionate about it. The EPS department truly is welcoming to students from all backgrounds of study and you should really take advantage of this productive opportunity to do research even if your heart is already set on something else.
I would tell them that when I was chosen for the program, I was nervous that I wouldn't be smart enough. But, I met with the programs supervisor and she(Sophie Coulson) was so helpful and nice that I no longer felt scared.
The short-term summer program is super worth it, both for the brief flexible experience of working and the introduction to EPS. (the Norway trip looks awesome)
I would say, right off the bat, that this community is very warm, welcoming, niche, and personal! I have met some funny and amazing people through the EPS open house and chats with administrators or my research group. I would say that it is a great community to start your research journey in, and that there is so much to learn and so many skills that can be transferred to other endeavors.
That they should do it! It's super flexible but also very rewarding. It was challenging at times, but overcoming those challenges is what made it a worthwhile experience. Also that it is ok to copy code
I would tell other students to definitely apply to short-term projects if they have the opportunity to. The time and workload is very manageable but rewarding. It's a great way to learn more about EPS and get a feel of what research at Harvard looks like.
It's a great experience to learn more about EPS, research at Harvard, and Harvard in general while making connections with researchers.
The program is a great opportunity to learn a lot about an EPS-related research project and connect with students and faculty of the department.
I would tell them that it is a really fun way to learn valuable skills, and that they should definitely apply.
I would tell them that this is a really great opportunity to explore their interests with a lot of flexibility and the opportunity to get to know a lot of members of the EPS department.
It's a really wonderful glimpse of experience into earth science research! I had a lot of fun and learned so much, and felt super supported by my mentor. I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about the topics!
I would strongly recommend the program to other students as a low-time commitment way to meet faculty members, do interesting research, and gain experience.
Take the program. Enjoy meeting new friends.
This is a great way to get introduced to EPS research and faculty members while being compensated generously for your time. You have the chance to learn applicable technical and scientific skills and create connections to help you during the rest of your time at Harvard.
The short-term summer program was an unforgettable experience for me. I came in with little to no R experience, but in the span of two weeks, I've learned to analyze large datasets and make interesting findings on the COVID-19 epidemic that I'd never imagined would be possible.
It is definitely worth it to get involved, both from an academic and social point of view. The professor and the staff were very supportive and understanding and they helped me anytime I needed advice or feedback.
I would tell other students to definitely look into participating in the short-term summer program! It's a low time commitment, super flexible, and an overall great way to learn about EPS and meet some really interesting, brilliant people.
I would tell them that even if they aren't interested in EPS, the opportunity provides each student with a way to continue to develop skills, and such an opportunity provides an invaluable experience.
You get out what you put in. If you come into the program and do not want to participate that much or do not use the resources, the program won't be that engaging or helpful to you. However, if you put in the effort, you will learn a lot.
I got frustrated at times when my code was not working. When this happens to you, I recommend looking over your code and searching for the bug. If you can not find it in a few minutes, step away from your computer for a few minutes and do something else. Then, return to your computer and look at your code again and you'll probably have a better chance of finding the bug.
Was a good time, you’ll learn a lot. Very steep learning curve without good programming background
The project was a pretty hands-on introductory exercise in modeling and data science. The Professor and grad students are very helpful and generous with their time. If you want to make the most of the experience, actively reach out to other students partaking in the same project and really engage with a collaborative spirit!
I would highly recommend that they apply if they are interested in engaging with the EPS department and learning a new skill on their own schedule.
I would say that all the faculty and students were very helpful, and that the project was very flexible and a good experience.
I have recommended this program already to serve tal of my friends, demonstrating my high opinion of it.
I mainly say that you get paid to learn how to code.
Try it! It's a great way to explore coding with Python and cartopy, and it's an absolutely wonderful introduction into the EPS community.
It is a great opportunity to interact with researchers at Harvard at the front of climate science. The research in this field is so diverse and interdisciplinary, and the EPS community is super welcoming.
I'd tell them to definitely participate in the short-term summer program for various reasons:
1. It helps you learn about an interesting subject which you probably haven't thought about before or even learn more about the matters you already know and discuss it with people who are experienced in your field of interest.
2. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the EPS department and opportunities available which will be extremely useful especially if you're considering to choose a concentration related to the EPS department.
3. Even if you're interested in other fields, participating in the short-term summer programs helps you learn about something related to another field and in cases which no background is required, you'll definitely enjoy learning about new matters.
I would tell other students that it is a good experience. We were given almost free rein to update the website as we saw fit and that was fun. It was also nice to talk to some other students in the Harvard community.
Apply to the EPS short-term summer programs!! It is a great way to learn about how research works at Harvard, and you really get to immerse yourself in the EPS department!
This short-term summer program was a fun, insightful, and pleasant introduction to academic research, Harvard students, the EPS department, and summer work. Highly highly recommend.
The short-term summer program is a great way to explore EPS and see if it's a good fit for you.
It’s a great opportunity to meet other students and professors and learn about interesting topics!
its not really for beginners so unless you have a good background in python, dont do it.
Rewarding!
EPS short-term summer projects are definitely worthwhile! It was the perfect length and commitment for someone that already has some other summer commitments, but is not working full time. This short-term summer program was also a great way to get to know other Harvard undergrads, graduate students and professors.
Great! Bewildering, because I did not have experience beforehand, but so worthwhile because it sparked curiosity in an area I hadn’t understood before.
It is more than worth it. I suggested them to all of my friends. I loved it.
I would tell other students, especially future incoming first-years, that these short-term research opportunities are PRICELESS! And that they should definitely look forward to applying. I would highly recommend to them, though, that they should also work outside of the assigned tasks to develop foundations in the coding language (Python, in Climate Modeling). I think this is a really incredible way to transition into the Harvard collegiate environment and would 10/10 recommend to all.
An amazing experience that is definitely worth partaking in, especially if students are looking to explore different interests/fields. Regardless of your prior knowledge or skill, there are always individuals available to guide you through the work. Moreover, for students who may have more experience in computer programming or EPS, you'll find that you'll continue to learn new things that will only strengthen and build upon your current knowledge.
It was a great experience! I would recommend it for anyone with extra time in their summer who wants to learn python or more about EPS.
I would tell them it was an overall good experience that was a nice introduction to the EPS department.
Definitely a fun experience but you have to be self motivated
I really liked it! I would recommend it because it is definitely manageable, and it exposed me to new and useful tools.
I enjoyed the short term project and if you're interested, even in the slightest, you should apply. It will expose you to different research topics you might have not pondered before.
I would say that it's a rewarding project; and recommend them to try and interact with the faculty as much as possible if they decide to do it.
Be prepared to put in more hours than initially advertised. Not that there's anything wrong with that just be prepared for it.
It was super helpful - would totally recommend.
I would say that it is fruitful and worthwhile, and if they believe they might be interested in climate change or getting involved in the EPS department (regardless of their concentration) then they should definitely go for it and give this project or any of the other projects a shot.
I would tell others that the short term summer program is well worth doing; I met fellow classmates, grad students who act as mentors, learned a new coding language, and was met with the reward of seeing the effects of climate change.
Two weeks goes by quickly! Try to learn as much as you can in the short time span. Dr. Tziperman's notes are very interesting.
I would tell them that it was great. It was challenging, but within a supportive and helpful setting. And I got paid to learn!
The program proved to be a priceless experience to expose myself to EPS, coding in Python, and learning more about the Harvard student culture.
I would highly recommend participation in this program, not only for the project experience, but also for the networking opportunities this program provides. Whether one is experienced in programming or in climate modeling, it is guaranteed that you will learn something valuable.
Very positive, strongly recommend!
It's a great way to immerse yourself in something new without the stress of grades and tests. This experience teaches you things about research and science that you wouldn't be able to learn just inside a classroom, so if you really enjoy learning by doing, then this would be for you.
I would definitely recommend doing this short-term summer program for everyone. First, if you are interested in EPS and coding, it will give you a better understanding of the fields, provide you with the opportunity to meet the faculty and advisors of the department, and let you connect with other students. Second, if you are not aware of what you might want to study, it is a great way to discover while receiving essential knowledge, earning money, and having fun!
It was really fun and I would highly recommend it, especially if you'd like to quickly gain experience with Python!
Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a concentration in EPS, certainly consider applying for a position as you will learn new skills and meet amazing people, all the while earning some extra cash.
I would encourage other students to participate in one of these short-term summer programs because they are a great opportunity to do some really cool work even when you have other things going on in your life due to the relatively low time commitment
