Faculty Advising

The first step in starting your undergraduate research journey is identifying a faculty advisor. We recommend that all students meet with a faculty advisor.

Faculty advisors are your teachers! They are experts in their field; they possess in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and opportunities for engagement. They can provide mentoring, recommend courses for your major, help you refine your education goals, and advise you on graduate school and research opportunities. 

Learn more about Ecology & Evolutionary Biology faculty advising here.

Your interests in biology will vary, so you can also research what faculty in other departments specialize in:

Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology Faculty

Environmental Studies Faculty

Finding a Faculty Advisor

When choosing a faculty advisor we recommend you read faculty biographies.

You can choose a faculty advisor based on the type of research they are involved in, the courses they teach, or because you have had a class with the professor already. After you choose an advisor, you can either attend their office hours or make an appointment to meet with them.

The best way to introduce yourself to faculty is via email. We know it might be a little intimidating to email a professor for the first time, but you can find some helpful tips for successfully crafting your email here: How to Email a Research Professor.

Preparing for a Faculty Advising Meeting

Review your academic plan and major checklist. Are there particular courses you are interested in taking? Why did you choose your major and what are your particular interests? Are you planning for graduate school or particular careers? Prepare some questions for the faculty advisor, too. For example, "What was your journey from an undergraduate student to professor?" or "What advice would you now give yourself as an undergrad?"