Research
Finding Community
Keeping Active
Life @ U of T
Research
TLDR: I wish this existed when I was completing my undergrad: Undergraduate Research Hub
How I've gone about getting research:
I started my research at U of T through the Arts and Science's Research Opportunity Program
At the time, I had to submit an application with a statement of interest, my academic history and course list
Check out the site early or look at past year projects to get an idea of what type of research is available
This turned into a work-study and ultimately a project I continued working on in my spare time
I later completed four different undergrad theses projects for credits
MSE492H: Research Thesis I
I reached out to a prof that I had taken two courses with previously because I enjoyed his teaching style
More info on this project here
MSE493H: Research Thesis II
I was interested in biomimicry in materials science and I knew that this lab took thesis students
I cold emailed this prof asking to set up a chat to discuss the possibility of a project for me
More info on this project here
MSE498Y: Capstone Project for the Design of Materials Processes
My program allowed me to take engineering courses and required that I complete a research thesis project in my last year. I wasn't sure that I'd get another MSE half year research project at the time, so I took this full year course as a back up. It turned out to be fun!
More info on this project here
EEB497H: Research Project in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I was completing my minor requirements in my last semester and wanted to get more involved in plastic pollution research after a summer of field work so one day, while working in the field, I asked the prof (my current PI!) if there was any research I could help with in her lab.
More info on this project here
Advice for reaching out to professors:
Be genuinely curious.
Ask them for a meeting to chat about their research and if they are currently accepting undergrad research students.
Keep trying! One of the professors I ended up working with didn't see an email I sent in my first year at U of T. Make sure to follow up within a reasonable time period if you're serious about something.
General advice:
Have fun. I have a post-it at my desk reminding me how lucky I am to get to do research at a world-class institution
If you don't have a good vibe or connection with a lab, decide whether the experience you might get is worth your energy and time
Take academic integrity seriously. Shortcuts to advance your career in any way are not worth tarnishing your own image, your professor's lab or the university
There are many other work-study positions that will allow you to gain research experience and earn some cash!
If a professor says no, ask if they have any advice or other professors they think might be a better fit for what you're looking to gain experience in
Finding community
When I look back at my years at U of T, I'm not only going to be thinking about what classes I took, what exams were hard or which library I liked; I hope to look back on the formative years I spent in Toronto becoming a young woman in a fantastic community.
Join a sports team! I learnt how to row through U of T's Novice Rowing Program in my first year and have continued rowing ever since
There are many clubs, course unions, organizations, events, and workshops on campus such as the U of T Trash Team, U of T Outing Club, U of T Environmental Resource Network and Bikechain
Outside of university, I've taken part in internships and grants that have provided me with leadership and mentorship opportunities:
Ocean Uprise (Parley for the Oceans)
Take part in local life. Run the Waterfront marathon. Go to the farmer's markets on Sunday. Make friends with your building neighbours.
Keeping Active
Hart House was made as a place for anything BUT academics, it is definitely my most favourite spot on campus. Check out their indoor Wes-Anderson-esque pool
When I'm "too busy" to get a workout in or hang out with my friends, my work productivity plummets. Following a routine has helped me and it might help you!
I didn't pause the rest of my life while completing my undegrad. I learnt how to surf, row, bike, and apply for grants to do fun things for my community. Everyone's circumstances are different and my choices meant that my grades weren't perfect but I'm content with the way I decided to split my energy and time
University can be scary but is truly the place where you can reach new heights academically and otherwise such as jumping out of a plane at 12,250 ft or climbing an active volcano at 12,224 ft - speaking from personal experience
Life @ U of T
In my second year at U of T, I got a part time job writing about my life @ U of T. I hope you find these anecdotes useful!
Research opportunities
Environmental Science/ Ecology and Evolutionary Biology related
Plastic Pollution Fellowship. Usually opens in February: https://uofttrashteam.ca/fellowship/
Summer Field Research. Usually opens in March: https://uofttrashteam.ca/fightingfloatables/
KSR USRA: https://eeb.utoronto.ca/education/undergraduate/scholarships-and-awards/ksr-usra/
Research Excursion Program: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/experiential-learning/international-indigenous/research-excursions-program
Chemistry related
General research opportunities: https://www.chemistry.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/current-students/research-opportunities/summer-research
Research abroad
Summer research abroad: https://learningabroad.utoronto.ca/experiences/summer-research-exchange-program-srep/
RISE Germany: https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/
Funding
NSERC USRA https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/students-etudiants/ug-pc/usra-brpc_eng.asp
UTERN (for events) https://utern.ca/funding/
Ocean Wise (for outreach and mentorship) https://ocean.org/learn-explore/youth-programs/microgrants/
Other great resources