Questions to ask research professor There’s not necessarily a way to prevent your email from “getting lost in his inbox. He told me that I needed to form a research group consists of 4 people, we two and a professor and a student at a foreign university. Reply reply 1. Listen carefully to what he/she's saying, think about it, and respond. ” I do participate regularly in class (asking questions and contributing to class discussions) but am still painfully awkward and shy with a tendency to stutter so if I were to ask in person, I’m afraid I might end up clamming up and making a fool out of myself. Instead, aim to be engaged and asking thoughtful questions throughout the interview. For me, I would ask questions about access to research funds, hiring research assistants, what the policy is for conference travel funds, sabbatical policies, tenure expectations By asking this question, they are looking for evidence that you can successfully integrate your research into your teaching methodology, enhancing the learning experience for your students. , market research, medical anthropology, public health, design research). May be a community wiki here might be a general source for such students. Questions to Ask Support Staff (Clerical staff, Student Coordi-nators, etc. Common Law Professor interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach. I'm always happy to chat with students about my research. Questions for both PI and students, as asking both may give you a well-rounded answer: Funding situation/how many projects are going on at once. At this point in your academic career, this doesn't need to be specific. Gain valuable insights from professors by asking about their teaching methods, strategies for engaging students, and approaches to handling classroom dynamics. Ask the professor if it will lead to a publication cause that’s your goal. I am writing to ask for your assistance with my [project name]. For instance, as part of a prospective graduate school visit. Ask Questions: Inquire about ongoing research projects and potential roles you could play. The scenario that I think is possible (but very unlikely at this point), is that the professor sees my work as good experience for me, and helpful for their long term research, but I am ultimately not considered to be worth minimum Ask the prof to tell you about his work. There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an associate professor. I was wondering what are some good questions that researcher's look for? Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. " He/She is trying to get a conversation going to assess where you can contribute meaningfully. Undergraduate with research partner issues/concerns. Ask any question that comes to mind. g. I don't know if this is a polite, logical thing to ask. Professors are busy people. One of the qualities they are looking for is that you can think for yourself. Constitution Questions to Ask Your Potential Supervisor Research & Academics What are your expectations for hours spent on the lab on a daily and weekly basis, and what is your vacation policy? How do you normally determine the research grade? What is the expected publication rate? Asked my professor a question after a lecture. This is a general template I use: Dear Professor Surname, But to truly set yourself up for success, you must ask the right questions. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. For the potential faculty mentor, the first meeting is a time for them to learn Asking to meet for a lunch right away might be a bit much. This semester I had a course with my supervisor. I have a strong background in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, which could be beneficial for various criminology projects. By asking this question, interviewers want to see that you have the creativity, empathy, and adaptability required to spark curiosity and motivate students with diverse interests and learning styles. 7,578 12 12 When a person is going to attend an interview of Assistant Professor, these points should be taken care: Entering into the interview hall, Firstly, the panel board members, in this time, quickly Before you approach your Prof about your research project, take some time to look at their research interests and publications. Describe an experience you have mentoring a student. Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details. Modified 10 years, like his research background and want to discuss mutual research interests and ask your questions. Professor YYY, who teaches us [course], recommended that I contact you, and I would be interested in having you supervise my thesis. Write down the questions you want to ask and share what you want to achieve. We give you a list of questions so you’ll impress the interviewer, and be able to evaluate the position. I am very interested in your work on [specific paper/presentation/project]. It bears repeating: I recommend you find more than one professor whose research interests you, and if possible, more than one of their research threads. Asking a professor to be your advisor is a critical step in your academic journey. When you contact them about your research idea, make sure you tell them why you are interested in working with them and refer to their body of research. It turned out to not really be an "interview", and I'd recommend not to treat it as such. Copying my own previous comment from a recent post asking the same question, althogh about PhDs so replace the word "PhD" with "masters" and scale down as appropriate to your country. the reason is for stats or for data limitations or for necessary controls), but it could just be that there's a norm that's easier to publish using because it's been done If you’re looking for a research position, you’ll likely be interviewed by a professor or research scientist. Conducting research with a mentor professor can be an amazing Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. Example: “My mathematical research experience has been instrumental in shaping my teaching Thanks, I think those are valid points. Say it back. Therefore, asking smart questions can provide you with valuable information to decide if However, note that some questions may be dodged – it might not be as easy as asking the question straight from this guide to get a satisfactory answer. Gaining research experience can boost your grad school and job applications. Ask if they embrace new tools and have a plan to provide training and expertise not in the lab. Hey everyone, that is masters based on a research project under a prof if you are interested more in research in general, then I think you should mail them. It is important to understand the differences between disciplines because it can help students choose which field they want to study, and it can also help First, make sure you really don't have access (otherwise, you risk looking a bit like a fool), then ask him. Ask about ongoing projects. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. 6. Makes you memorable. Every research result yields many, many new questions that need to be tested. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Some suggested topics include: How can I turn my project into undergraduate research? Ask them about their academic career and why they came to UofSC to teach. What questions should a college interviewer ask? When exploring professor careers, ask questions about their educational background, research interests, and teaching philosophy to gain a better understanding of their career path. If I could What’s the best approach to inquiring about research opportunities with a professor? Express interest in their research, ask about specific qualifications needed and discuss potential project ideas or Ask professors about their current research projects to gain insight into their areas of expertise. In the event that the professor says no for reasons other than lack of funding, I am curious how to proceed. The point of the meeting is for you to understand the expectation of your professor. Also I don’t think OP was asking their prof to by books for the entire class, but for them as a research assistant. Treat it like a conversation between two people who are interested in the same topic I suppose. How can I ask him to assign me to write a paper? And if you for whatever reason you need even more than 500 good questions to ask, we have a load of more questions. It is important to Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. Mike Short (a 2nd-year research scientist at the time) created when he was interviewing at multiple institutions. Moreover, my extensive network within law enforcement agencies can provide unique opportunities for collaborative research. Open to both academic and applied research. During the interview, they will ask you questions about your research experience, your skills, and your future goals. My research experience has also An interviewer might ask this question to a chemistry professor to start a discussion about the unique aspects of chemistry and how they make it different from other scientific disciplines. 2 Getting Ready: Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Research Essay For example, a political science professor might ask students to write a research project about the Bill of Rights in order to help her students learn about the Bill of Rights and to demonstrate an understanding of these important amendments to the U. If you’re interested in working with a professor As a converse to this question, as a professor, I find it difficult to conduct a useful interview. I can approach a professor whose research interests match my own, but whose support I'm unsure of; I can approach a professor I know relatively well whose research interests are mildly or So my basic questions about funding, research, resources etc have already been answered. ” 20. Research assistants are expected to have a thorough understanding of research methods and processes. Although in the end he gets a good grade, but you think he is just 'no so smart' because previously he asked some simple questions. Finally, I make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the material. Questions for you to ask current grad students. This subreddit is for discussing academic life, and for asking questions directed towards people • Questions to ask currently enrolled students: • Ask about the general atmosphere in the department. Tenure track professor interview questions with sample answers It can be beneficial to review sample answers of tenure track professor interview questions so you can prepare to respond during your own interview. Ask about what your role would entail. ) • Will I be happy coming in the required number of days for the next 5-6 years? • If I have to be every day to feed cells, will I start to hate it? • Am I passionate about the research/question at hand? • Do I fit in the lab environment or do I stick out? Hi everyone, I'm a second-year undergraduate linguistics student and I'm looking into assisting in our school's phonetics lab next term. I assume that there may be two reasons: 1)xxx 2) xxx. That being said, what kinds of questions should I ask those professors? A professor is usually more than happy to discuss their research and take on someone whose interested and determined to conduct research if they have room. Second, the interviewer may be interested in the professor's research interests and how they relate to the challenges facing academia today. **New to research? Of course those things are true and may be part of motivation, but why this position? 2) You ask questions. I just got the itinerary today and I am scheduled to meet with five different professors. But, the meeting is also a good time to remind the professor of some things Engaging students in the learning process is a critical aspect of being a successful professor. I had 10 specific questions. Ask if they have industry connections or a network of alumni in industry. They might also ask the typical interview questions, so have those prepped. Write down your questions and wait your turn to speak or ask something. But if you feel uncomfortable asking straight out "Can I be considered for authorship on this paper?" an alternative approach is to have a conversation about authorship that (1) makes it clear to the professor that you're interested in authoring a research paper, and (2) helps you understand the shades of "it depends" for your specific kind of research. On an average, I spend ~30 hours every week on Research and to my knowledge, my Professor has a lot of funding. You can bring these with you to your first study visit. Sample email to professor for research assistant position: 11 Email Examples Sample Email 1. By asking this question, interviewers aim to gauge your familiarity with these software programs, your ability to handle data analysis efficiently, and your potential to contribute to the research team with your technical skills Example: “I can contribute to the department’s research goals in several ways. Whether you’re navigating complex course material, seeking guidance on your career Ask if they would consider them to be an expert in the field or someone that had sorta lucked into the current situation. Follow answered Jul 14, 2014 at 11:26. The whole process is supposed to take 1 year and is fully funded. If you come with a decent question/topic, then a good prof will guide you to the interesting part of your question. -- it may be one in a million, but it's always worth a shot! Most of the google responses for this question are basically advising undergraduates to ask professors based on a general interest in their field of research- my question is if it's ok to ask a professor when you know exactly what you want to do. Are RAships not common enough if you're performing research with a Professor? I am fairly hopeful for a TAship at my university too. Heading to college can be daunting, but the key to unlocking a successful academic career often lies in the questions you ask. Emailing a professor with a thoughtful question about the lecture material is also a great way to start communicating and help you to get noticed by a potential mentor. F or di scussi ng mut ual i nt erest s, an i mport ant way t o prepare i s by readi ng about a pot ent i al advi sor ’s research proj ect s. Adequate preparation and asking relevant and necessary questions can The professor is not in my institution. Now, I am justing reading to see what is done what is left. However, about the litreture reaserch, this was exactly what am I doing the last two weeks. This might begin with asking your professor questions about the course material during or after lecture. Subject: Meeting to discuss undergraduate research opportunities in [topic/possible undergraduate research opportunities] Dear Professor* [Last Name], I am a [year] student studying [major]. Introduce yourself and your research experiences. How to ask a professor to join their research lab? Ask Question Asked 2 months ago. It shows you’re engaged and willing to learn. Example: “I have always been passionate about teaching and research. I also take advantage of online learning opportunities to ensure that I’m up to date Respect their title and their age, be engaged and engaging, always respectfully. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. Your professor may have worked in the field OR they teach about that subject. Both are important for your success and happiness in the lab, and for earning a letter of recommendation from your research professor that will A few days ago I was offered a graduate research assistant position for a masters program I'm considering this year. Try to explain in a concise way what you don't understand and ask a question as concrete as possible. Agreed -- I'd be happy to talk about it! It might be that the decision is something that takes into account things way more advanced than what you've encountered before having more time in the field or with methods (e. If you could just look it up, why are you asking me? She probably doesnt have time to just chat with you. makes class go by faster and you learn about them and what they like. Viewed 3k times 9 . T he best ways t o do t hi s are t o read t he prof essor ’s l ab webpage It's fine to just ask. Interests, projects, and advising What are the "good" Questions to ask a professor about his research when interviewing for graduate programs? I have expressed interest in a professor's research and have been told to contact him with any further questions regarding his lab. Throughout the process, I’d hold regular check-ins to provide feedback and foster a collaborative environment, encouraging peer reviews to further Before: Understand potential advisors’ work: read a few, recent, paper abstracts (e. $50 of books x 5ish research assistants x “probability of research assistants requesting new books” = not that much money. So Ask for a Research Assistant Position: Sample Email to Professor. And then ask if they have room for you as an undergrad research assistant in their lab. This course was not directly related to my thesis. Whether you need advice, a With that said, let’s explore the questions that can help you gain a deeper understanding of a professor’s research. I just wrapped up my meeting and don't feel super encouraged. lol ask questions about the subject that they’re clearly passionate about so they tell their life stories. Soon I will start my undergraduate thesis research. This may not apply in all departments, but for some students, it may be important to know what kinds of research opportunities are available. Checking his webpage (if updated) might answer the question. This list is your go-to guide for breaking the ice and making the most of those conversations. ] I got interested in [thing that the prof does research in] through [class/paper/idk] and I saw on your website that you do research in something similar. The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of the assistant professor's views on the current state of higher education and the challenges that professors face. You want to recognize what the purpose of each prompt is here: (1) The why medicine essay seeks to understand your exposure to medicine, your reflection and depth of understanding of the field, your unique perspective on the career, and critical your maturity in making the decision of medical school at a young age. It establishes the tone for your relationship and provides the groundwork for your research. When the scientist explains . I'm not from your field but if I can do a two hour idling over Wikipedia and Google scholar and get the answer, the question is too generic. This Open House is a two day event where I will be interacting with potential advisors and peers for most of the day each day. Explore Teams. Edit: office hours is better than email. By asking this question, the interviewer can get a sense of your past research experience and how you approach research projects. Would appreciate all insights and advices! Thank you so much!* You would want to ask a professor who has experience in the field you are most interested in. Share. To help the Researching a professor's recent publications is a great way to understand their focus, expertise and experience. • When something goes wrong, are the administrators accessible? Your first meeting with a potential research mentor is an opportunity for you to learn more about a faculty members research interests, ongoing projects, any collaborators or graduate students or other faculty they work with, and what expertise and guidance they may give you in a potential research project. Ask how well organized the lab is. In my current role as a nursing professor, I stay abreast of research and best practices by regularly attending conferences and workshops. Don't make a big deal of it, just explain that you lack access and you believe he may have them, if so could he please send them. Knowing their academic backgrounds helps you understand the approaches they tend to take to research problems. The university is in the USA (as am I), and I have a final round interview via Zoom next week. You should be curious about the research so obviously a question about that is important but I asked questions as mundane as how are the coffee options around Coming to a PhD interview prepared with some questions to ask shows the selection committee you’re serious about their program. Is it okay to ask a professor if he is going to attend a certain conference. There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a professor. But as I said, without any direction it is hard to eloborate this literature research. I was wondering what kind of events take place, what kind of questions I should be asking during one on one conversations with Additionally, ask about the value of research experience, internships, and volunteer opportunities. And take notes and prepare questions to show your A community for sharing and discussing UX research. Modified 2 months ago. Some suggested topics include: Ask about the Here are the top three questions you can ask your professor: What opportunities helped you on your artistic and/or professional path? What strategies and/or resources can I Research-Focused Questions: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Mind. He said i was asking really good questions, and it's an important area, answered all of my questions - but when I asked him about research opportunities he kinda dodged it and said I should try to do that in my own school (he's a professor at an affiliated Explore 140 smart questions about psychology, research, careers, and more to spark meaningful discussions. I know it's intimidating since you don't have the experience, but it's important that you show you're interested in the work being done. Then ask what expertise/skill set is most important to him among his lab team. That might sound a bit too desperate, but I'm a big fan of his work. enthu enthu. Be sure to ask questions about the research to demonstrate interest! This subreddit is for discussing academic life, and for asking questions directed towards people involved in academia, (both science and humanities). Teams. Even a vague question like "What type of research do you do Interviewing a college professor? Ask the best college professor interview questions using these suggestions. Are the people there remote, friendly, highly competitive? • Are professors accessible and easy to work with? • Ask specific questions about the curriculum and requirements. 250 Conversation starters; 200 Icebreaker questions; 200 Questions to get to know someone; 200 Questions Email/visit someone whose research keywords interest you. prev. To clarify, I think I do stand out in his class (I've talked to him after class, answer questions in class, etc, so he would know that I'm from his class), I just haven't gone to his OH before and I'm not at a first name basis with him. Hot Network Questions I would recommend trying to get some research experience in undergraduate if you want to go on for your phd. Or as part of an application interview. Explain how your interests align with their research and ask questions about how they can support you and resources they have to offer. That student then grew up to be the head of Purdue's ROTC division, Corporal Bart S. Rest of it, ask him questions about his research areas, collaboration fields and expectations from a researcher in his lab. stay after class every now and again to ask follow up questions or office hours. Go to the uni website, look at the department of your interest, and in the research section look If you ask meaningful questions at a research interview, you’ll be able to evaluate the position to determine if the time commitment will work for you, and if the project sounds like a good fit. I am required to do the half of the job along with my professor and the other half at the foreign university which I am going to find. Asking a professor to supervise research done with a different professor. When needing to ask a professor about something important and potentially delicate, what is an appropriate way to phrase the question or write the email? Examples include: Requesting a recommendation letter; Asking for exceptions to policy (e. Ask about how they incorporate technology, experiential learning, or other innovative methods into These qualities are essential in a classroom environment. Show you want to learn. I also love the challenge of conducting research and discovering new knowledge. To be completely honest, all of this profs research is incredibly interesting and anything that he'd be willing to throw my way, I'd be glad to do. I led a team to observe classrooms Common Nursing Professor interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach. This subreddit is for discussing academic life, and for asking questions directed towards people involved in academia, (both science and I'd say you can ask questions about the assignment, but don't expect your professor to read a draft of your assignment, especially since it's only a few days before the due date. If your project loses funding 3 years into your research - are you going to be absolutely screwed, or can you easily hop onto another project? May I ask one more question, if a student asked some low-value questions, then this student wants to do a research project with you or ask you to write recommendation letter. Take stats, research methods, and neuro classes, and otherwise a variety. I would appreciate the chance to talk with Do your research. How many publications have they produced, in the last 5-10 years? Additionally after performing this type of research it is possible to email them directly asking any additional questions you may have about their research focus. Let My long-term goal is to become a professor and conduct research at a university. Greet the professor as Professor X, thank hix for his time and the opportunity to speak about the project. Always be humble in asking. 1. "Why did you use X instead of Y in your paper titled Z" might probably be a good question to ask (depending upon the occasion). By doing thorough research, crafting a This is for an assistant professor, tenure-track position at an R1. At this level, you work GA-jobs, co-publish with professors, take multiple courses with professors, are in department organizations where a professor advises the group, and As a professor on a tenure track, it can be important that you highlight your teaching experience and research background in your responses to interview questions. Reply reply Jumanji_Crickets Do ask questions about the research if you can. ” Ask open-ended questions. Let them talk, listen. They’ll also be able to assess your level of expertise in areas such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. These tools are often used to analyze and interpret complex data sets, which is a critical part of research work. , ignoring a course prerequisite, rescheduling an exam) Hi, I’m Mary! I’m an art researcher and avid reader. During the term, the professor assigned me an in-class project (which was his previous work). I was just wondering if I could request him for any possible funding, such as a standard 20-hour student Not a professor or a student, but I know someone who once spoke to a professor about their research and instantly got invited to work in his lab. Professor Job Description Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a professor job description I’d guide them in forming a cohesive research question, developing a robust methodology, and emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations, such as informed consent and data privacy. The professor could be your potential thesis supervisor. you don't have much to Before deciding to do one's PhD under a certain professor, what questions should one ask of his/her former and current students? Many students (including me) are not sure what exactly to ask. Whether you’re teaching high school chemistry or working as a research scientist in a university lab, being a chemistry professor is an exciting and challenging career Now I'm searching another job. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching methods? This question is designed to gauge your approach to teaching and the methods you use to assess the success of your teaching style. Ask Question Asked 10 years, 6 months ago. While I am interested in the research of 2 or 3 of them, there are definitely a few who do research outside my realm of interest. When you leave thank them again. Learn your professor and then learn how to get them off on tangents. Professors actually appreciate thoughtful questions. What types of questions should I ask which would give me a good idea as to how (1) productive and (2) self-sustaining of a student the interviewee may be? If different questions are required for each parameter, please mention that in your answer. Try Teams for free Explore Teams. My professor cancelled research for the summer, unsure The story of your current research (question, approach, results, and significance) Adapted from John Boothroyd’s “Finding the Right Postdoc for YOU,” Preparing for Faculty Careers, and “Questions to Ask When Choosing a Postdoc Advisor,” Pathways to Science. Point out that you haven't had a class from them but you find their area of research to be fascinating. I’ve compiled thoughtful and relevant questions you can ask a psychology professor to learn more about the field, improve your studies, or explore career paths. Tell them a bit about their research to make it clear that you've read about it. Listen closely and then look for opportunities to describe how your skill set fits what he needs in his lab. Either way, they should have answers for you. You can ask a member of the research team questions at any point in the study. Today, there’s more depth to professor-student interaction, especially at George Fox, where professors want to get to know you beyond the typical classroom small talk. It sounds like I should be asking questions more about research Ask for a "keep it real" speech from the professor regarding a career in academia: For me, I never realized the ugly side of academia until I started my doctoral studies. Smaller schools generally have less research opportunities than state schools. Never any harm in asking that. Sometimes a professor asking you to approach them again is an indication of interest given you're ready to work harder and dig deeper. [If a prof recommended you ask this prof through OH or something I would put that here as it greatly increases the chance of a response. I go to school online, so oppurtunities to learn things for fun outside of my usual coursework are few and far between. Asking a professor about his research interest might qualify as one of these cases. However, I will not have anything to study. For some graduate programs, you will need to directly contact faculty because a specific professor will decide whether to admit you as their own graduate student. I don't think that you should worry about a single "impactful" question to ask. I am intending to apply for a PhD, but I lack prior research experience. E. Questions to ask your Professor Before you go to lunch with your professor, you should have some idea of what you would like to talk about. Exploring the questions that an interviewer may ask can help you contemplate how to respond to impress a potential employer. This is your compass, equipping you with valuable insights to confidently steer through the semester. Listen I sent the professor an email asking if I could get involved with research and he asked me to come in and chat. That being said, often times the professor would like that you have at least a general idea about what he or she does in their research and areas that interest you. For the moment I've tried to ask to several professors via email if there is any internship opportunities but only a couple of them answered me. When they tell you about something, try to ask a follow up quesiton. 2 yrs for HCI) and check out their academic/lab website. Top 5 research assistant interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and candidates. He liked the topic and it became my master thesis topic and helped me land a PhD. Asking another professor about a research idea. It doesn't have to be a deep analysis, even asking simple questions or asking furthering questions on how things are done/what you'll be doing is fine. Ask: What kind of questions is your research trying to answer? Is that a question that the field itself has asked Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. Does the environment feel more collaborative or competitive? Some may also ask why you want to do research a specific field, why did you apply to this program specifically, and ask most will want to know about your previous research experiences. In these circumstances, make sure to contact the faculty directly. There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate research assistant. But don't just sit there and nod. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or this is not the praxis or the formal manner for this type of requests. Then, of course, the paper can be hard to read and a question is still justified. it’s important to identify candidates who can adapt to changing needs and bring innovative approaches to teaching and research. You have the right to be informed! Here are some good questions to ask when you are considering participating. Please recommend phrasing of the question(s) also. The goal is to think about UX research broadly and consider studies from related/overlapping disciplines (e. Below is the master list of questions that Prof. Most profs will be happy to point you in the right direction if they aren't accepting students. Professors love to talk about their research. Use this information to identify potential research opportunities or topics for Students who have research experience: How do you form meaningful questions about a professor's research and approach them about it? Questions to ask your Professor Before you go to lunch with your professor, you should have some idea of what you would like to talk about. These ideas may or may not be similar or parallel to yours, and this will help you answer the question of the best-fitting professor who can adequately guide you on your Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a chemistry professor, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them. Second, it allows the interviewer to understand the Ask about their minimum TOEFL score for graduate admissions ¬_¬ On a more serious note, ask what the departments particularly strong topic areas are (an answer like "everything" instead of a concrete list is probably BSing you). If you know you Important questions to ask while reaching out to a professor for graduate admissions . I know that I will have to ask a lot of professors to let me work under them before one agrees, so I was wondering how I How to ask. I have been working on my project and need your help in completing it. The school seems nice and it's in a great place, but I'm a little concerned the program (in an atypical engineering field) is a little overly specific, and I'm a bit concerned that my career will be more pigeon-holed then I would like with a degree in this topic. Dear Professor Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or comments about my qualifications for the job. This might be a dumb question, usually professors don't have a current project they Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. I did research as an undergraduate, and I am a prof now who actively recruits undergrads to work with me. Can you briefly describe your research focus and its significance in It's great that you have the opportunity to speak with a professor about their research, even if you feel like your knowledge of the subject is limited. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the research assistant's thoughts on how best to conduct research. Example: “One of my significant research projects involved studying the impact of technology on student engagement. It depends on the context in which the professor is asking the question. Before asking a professor to supervise your thesis, take the time to read their research, publications, and teaching style. You could also ask a prof how they suggest finding research opportunities as a student. I am a high schooler who lives in the vicinity of many premier research institutions and am very interested in going into STEM. This question can be used to gauge the assistant professor's level of experience and knowledge about the profession, as well as their ability to think critically about 8 Great Questions to Ask Professors “Was that due today?” is a question of the past. You might also ask about how often they offer their more interesting courses (and how many sections). If you enjoyed this piece and want to hear more about writing, books, art history, education, and museums, consider giving me a follow This might seem obvious but read some of the professor’s publications! A friend of mine made the horrible mistake of asking to do research without knowing what the professor even does, so make sure you have a good understanding and come with questions to demonstrate your keen interest. Other Resources: How to Find a Mentor and Lab Can you find other material or textbooks that help? Ask another student or staff from your faculty. , you like birds, prof A studies birds, you contact them. I'm meeting the professor who heads the phonetics department this week to discuss his upcoming projects, but I'm not exactly sure what to ask him; I took phonetics with him, but I don't have any lab experience yet and frankly, I just feel like I Learn how to ask a professor about research opportunities and positions. Cold-calling will be necessary. develop strong research questions, and design Ask questions that cant be answered with a simple yes or no Ask questions that you wouldnt be able to google an answer to. Dear Professor, I hope this email finds you well. Sample Email 5. In this guide, we will provide you with some common questions that you may be asked and suggest some answers to I really want to ask a professor of mine about what he does (X-ray crystallography and crystal engineering) but he is kind of terse and very busy and I don’t want to waste his time asking dumb questions I could google. There's a professor in a department outside of my own that's working on some research I am really interested in learning. Just show your interest and ask relevant questions. When exploring options to attend graduate school, you may have the opportunity to talk to a professor. So, let’s dive in and explore some thoughtful questions you can present to your professor about the syllabus that will ensure you’re well-prepared for the academic Asking questions is good, but asking very basic questions which show you are not at all familiar with the field is probably not; likewise, harsh criticism for the basic premises of the research is probably not going to convince the professor to So I’ll do research and I’ll write down questions, but I also think a good interview is akin to good conversation and if you're too rigid in your prep work, too obsessive about your written questions, you lose those moments where the story may open up into something more. After the unexpected ques, he went over the research project. And do check if your proof had a website and if they say you should include anything when you reach out to them. Career network for academics, researchers and scientists. Professors can provide insights into the various specializations within psychology and offer advice on how to network and stay informed about job prospects. It might be best to start by just expressing your interest in his research and asking if he has any recommendations for further reading. It was a bit challenging because I was nervous and had to form cohesive thoughts on the spot but I really enjoyed the conversation. It helped a lot. By asking this question, hiring committees want to understand how your research experience has shaped your teaching methodologies, and how it can benefit your students’ learning experience. For example, you can talk about the courses you want to take next semester and ask for their opinion. Focus on questions about mechanisms. It doesn’t have to be one profound question. Set up a meeting before the term starts with the professor of the course you are assigned to. First, the interviewer may be interested in the professor's opinions on the challenges facing academia today. To be more than a lab tech you will need a doctorate, preferably a phd. While it’s not typically expected of undergrads, having a publication under your belt can give you a When you are visiting with a professor, be sure to ask some questions! This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn as much as you can about a program in which you are interested. This is a great question to ask your professor. Asking About Research Opportunities. Assistant / Associate The first meeting with your PhD supervisor holds great significance in your academic pursuit. This approach has proven effective in enhancing their understanding of the subject matter. I enjoy working with students and helping them to grow and develop as scholars. There's also a higher expectation for you being able to work independently in grad school, and depending on how long you've had to work on the assignment, the Questions to ask professor/lab PI during info interview? Biological Sciences Hi all, I’m recently graduated from undergrad and am having troubles getting into grad schools, so I decided to take the route of working at a lab for a year before applying again. Many of my colleagues, at many different institutions of different sizes, do as well. thank you for your response. Advice from Marie desJardins: "Ask the professor about his/her research. S. Improve this answer. Here are some suggestions for questions you could ask to make the most of this Show them you know what they’re research is. For example, although hundreds of researchers have asked whether active learning is superior to lecture, some of us are not particularly interested the answer. I want to ask a professor whose research I admire to work in their lab for those 6 months. Current answers assume you're asking about a written form - where you'd either have to waste both yours and the professor's time waiting for him to send a reply saying Yes, you can ask me questions, or risk seeming presumptive / rude if you carry on and present your questions in the first letter / email without waiting for "permission". Q&A for work. Ask questions, find answers and collaborate at work with Stack Overflow for Teams. This is not good advice for US based institutions. Questions to Ask to Ensure the Right Student-Advisor Fit . He shares it here in the spirit of transparency and open For sure, this a great question. thanks everyone so much for your advice. I am a masters student. I became interested in this course and project. Is the research question one you want to know the answer to? Education researchers ask and answer questions that may or may not have practical application for our teaching. 19. This will help you understand the significance and relevance of the The interview questions you should ask. Another important question to ask your research mentor is what is the background and context of the research topic and question. -- A Reader "Written for students by an associate professor with an active research lab, and a practicing research scientist who mentors undergrads in the lab, each mentor brings a different have enj oyed, and f ut ure research di rect i ons t hat come t o mi nd. Here are a few examples: 1. dsvhyk lijed lkzx xpbp acinegl suaq lgrqd ytfqk xytlz rlcqjo