What’s the best way for me to get involved in university research?
Though the standard way is to fill out the forms found on the bioengineering department web site, most people get involved through research simply by talking to the professors. If you’re taking upper division classes you can get to know your professors through office hours and ask if they, or someone they know, have any open volunteer spots. You can also browse the department website, and look through faculty profiles and lab websites. If a lab seems interesting, e-mail the professor and ask if he or she has some time to chat. This e-mail does not have to be formal or long, just a 1-2 sentence summary of yourself and a request to meet. Most will be more than willing to talk to interested students! From there, if you’re still interested in their work, you can ask about volunteering opportunities. Volunteering can be done for credit/technical elective (BENG199) or just on your own time. The most important thing: the hardest part about getting a volunteer position is the first contact! Th
