
Research Guide
1) Find Professors
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Start by doing your own research; look into labs on campus through department ((subject).unt.edu/research) and figure out what they do.
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​faculty.unt.edu - Faculty Search
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biology.unt.edu/research - Biology Research Website
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chemistry.unt.edu/research - Chemistry Research Website
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physics.unt.edu/research - Physics Research Website
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[insert subject].unt.edu/research - Research in a Specific Subject
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Even if you have an area you think you are interested in, you should explore different fields because you might be surprised.​
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Research is not only in math and science; although we are a math and science school, there are other disciplines that research can be done in.
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Short list a few professors that you are most interested in working with and read some of their publications to find out specific information their research.
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Keep a short summary of the main idea of their research and two or three publications, so you are knowledgeable about their work when you contact them
Finding their papers:
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Look on the professor's webpage
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Google Scholar or Research Gate (search keyword)
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library.unt.edu
Sparknotes of paper reading:
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Read the abstract and conclusion!
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​This is often the only thing needed to get a good understanding of the paper
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You don't need to understand every word/method/formula
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Understand the main idea first, and then the paper becomes much easier to read
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2) Creating a Resume
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Providing a Resume/CV to professors:
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Whenever you email a professor or go to meet them in person make sure you either attach a copy of your resume/CV or take a copy with you for them
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Keep it limited to about one-page front and back, and include things that would be relevant for the professor to evaluate your skills and work ethic
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Make a list of all activities/awards you have done in the last couple of years and narrow them down to a few based on what you think might be relevant for a professor to look at and might find interesting. ​
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Include a description of what you achieved and what your duties consisted of for past research, projects, work, etc. instead of just stating the achievement
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Add a description of the award to add some context about how relevant and competitive it is.
3) Emailing Professors
To-do: before the email
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Find out what you specifically would like to accomplish in that lab
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Read several of the desired professor’s publications, and create a good understanding of what he/she does​
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Pinpoint what specifically in their work do you enjoy/ interests you the most
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Send an email following the template linked to the button below or another similar template
Email template (click the button):
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After emailing a professor, wait two or three days and send a follow-up if you receive no reply; some professors are very busy and may your email
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If one professor doesn't reply to your email or says they don't have space available in their lab, don't get discouraged; keep moving forward and email another professor on your shortlist