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Getting Research

Samples

Resume Format, Email Format, and Professors Who Have Accepted Students

Research Guide

1) Find Professors
 

  • Start by doing your own research; look into labs on campus through department ((subject).unt.edu/research)  and figure out what they do.

    • ​faculty.unt.edu - Faculty Search

    • biology.unt.edu/research - Biology Research Website

    • chemistry.unt.edu/research - Chemistry Research Website

    • physics.unt.edu/research - Physics Research Website

    • [insert subject].unt.edu/research - Research in a Specific Subject

  • Even if you have an area you think you are interested in, you should explore different fields because you might be surprised.​

    • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Look on the professor's webpage

  • Google Scholar or Research Gate (search keyword)

  • library.unt.edu

Sparknotes of paper reading:

  • Read the abstract and conclusion!

    • ​This is often the only thing needed to get a good understanding of the paper

  • You don't need to understand every word/method/formula

  • 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:

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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. ​

  • 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

  • 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

  • Find out what you specifically would like to accomplish in that lab

  • Read several of the desired professor’s publications, and create a good understanding of what he/she does​

    • Pinpoint what specifically in their work do you enjoy/ interests you the most

  • 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

  • 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

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