Programs

Some people find their mentor by reading research papers and emailing the authors. Others peruse the faculty webpage of a certain university and email professors. Another way to find a mentor, however, is to apply to summer esearch programs. We have compiled a list of some popular programs. Check it out at the above link!

Email Templates

You're going to send A LOT of emails. For every twenty you send, you'll probably receive around three replies. This said, you do not want the quality of your emails to diminish, as the quantity of replies will then diminish, too. If you have perused a researcher's work and feel inspired to work under them, feel free to use this handy-dandy email template we've created to request their mentorship. We've also included other email templates that should prove useful to you in maintaining the mentor-mentee relationship.

Resume Template

When sending an email to a potential mentor, consider attaching a resume! This will help you to stand out and show off your skills; examples of leadership or the ability to work as part of a team are very valuable in the laboratory setting.

Conferences

Conferences can be a great opportunity for students to get inspired and network. Simply hearing a professional researcher present their study can be a truly informative experience and a good example for students' in-class and competition presentations. After a researcher's presentation concludes, the room usually opens to questions. We recommend that you check out the above link, find a conference to attend, engage with the researcher, and keep in contact!

Skill-Learning

Need to learn a certain skill for your project? Coding? Maybe it's statistics? Look no further than this comprehensive list of textbooks, websites, online forums and courses, and other resources that alumni of the program have found to be extremely helpful in their own research endeavors.

Public Datasets

Unable to find a scientist to perform research under? Consider creating your own study by using publically available data! Check out this page to learn the regulations around this, where to find publically available data, and other tips from alumni who have done this.

Skill-Learning

Need to learn a certain skill for your project? Coding? Maybe it's statistics? Look no further than this comprehensive list of textbooks, websites, online forums and courses, and other resources that alumni of the program have found to be extremely helpful in their own research endeavors.

Competitions

Visit this page for a breakdown of the different research competitions, advice from past winners and judges, a walk-through of required forms, etc.