Getting Started in Research

Research is Engaged Learning

You may be wondering why you should participate in research as an undergraduate and what that means in terms of time or activities.

First, the reasons why.

• Research enhances learning by:
  • promoting active engagement and deeper understanding.
  • activating your curiosity and creativity to explore, solve problems, and contribute uniquely.
  • analyzing data to reveal complex questions and fuel discovery.
• Research develops higher-order thinking skills, improving critical thinking over time.
• Engaging in research can transform your perspective and how you think.

In other words, research is an engaged learning activity that allows undergraduates to: 

• Gain experience in a chosen field
• Prepare for graduate or professional school
• Develop problem-solving skills
• Contribute to the knowledge in a specific discipline
• Build relationships with professionals 

Now, what is research?  

• Research is a systematic and intentional process of inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting, or revising facts, theories, and applications.
  • Research involves asking questions, gathering and analyzing information, and drawing conclusions to expand knowledge or solve problems.
  • Research teaches students authentic disciplinary practices
• Research experiences may include:
  • Laboratory of field-based projects
  • Data analysis in business
  • Creative projects in the fine arts and humanities
  • Text-based and writing projects
• Research opportunities come in several forms.
  • Summer research experiences
  • Course-based research experiences
  • Faculty-mentored projects

How can I get started?

STEP 1: Make your ForagerOne Profile

Baylor has implemented ForagerOne, a research matching software platform, to facilitate connections between research faculty and aspiring undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers. This platform will allow you to search for faculty in your chosen discipline that are accepting students. Follow the prompts and instructions to create your profile. 

STEP 2: Explore and Identify Potential Faculty Mentors

• Identify your areas of interest
  • Research can be done in any field, and students are welcome to pursue opportunities inside or outside of their major.
  • Explore different types of research by reading about faculty projects on department websites, and by using ForagerOne.
• Talk to people in your department
  • As more faculty adopt the ForagerOne platform, more opportunities and projects will become available.
  • In addition to ForagerOne searchers, professors, instructors, teaching assistants, advisors, and upperclassmen may suggest possible mentors and help inspire your research interests.
• Do your homework
  • Utilize your resources to find recently published work from faculty who you are going to contact.
  • Go to research talks or join students groups, such as BURST.

STEP 3: Reach out to Potential Faculty Mentors

• The best practice is to utilize ForagerOne to make connections with research faculty that are accepting students.
• You may also send e-mails to faculty mentors that are not utilizing ForagerOne to request information and/or an interview.

Before the Interview

• Research the faculty member
  • Review their past and current research projects.
  • Understand their future research directions and interests.
• Prepare thoughtful questions
  • Ask about expectations for student researchers.
  • Inquire about skills you may need to develop.
  • Find out how you can best prepare to contribute to their work.

During the Interview

• Dress professionally
  • Business casual attire is recommended.
• Be prepared and confident
  • Faculty want to get to know you—no need to stress!
• You may be asked about
  • Why you’re interested in their research.
  • Your academic and career goals.
  • How research fits into your goals.
  • What you hope to learn from the experience.

STEP 4: Getting Started

• Research students should enroll in a course ( 1V9R, 2V9R, 3V9R, and 4V9R) and earn credit for research.  
• Communicate with your mentor the hours that you have available to participate in research and register for the appropriate level and number of credit hours.
• The Office of Engaged Learning has URSA grants available to help support your research.
• Contact us with your questions!