Exploration of Academia Beyond Junior and Senior Stages on Campus
In a new article, Engineering Correspondent Ella Feiner discusses the importance of student involvement in research at Princeton University and provides practical advice for first-year and sophomore students seeking research opportunities.
Princeton University is renowned for its high rates of student involvement in research. The university's commitment to undergraduate research is evident in the numerous programs and resources available to students. However, finding research opportunities outside of classes can be challenging for first-year and sophomore students, particularly during the academic year.
One of the key options for students is to apply for campus internships and undergraduate research programs, such as the Derian Summer Internship in Community-Engaged Scholarship. These internships offer mentorship from faculty directly involved in research and are a great way to gain hands-on experience.
Another approach is to attend university events like "Fields Day" and participate in mentoring programs such as the Princeton University Mentoring Program (PUMP!). These initiatives help first-year and sophomore students connect with upperclassmen and faculty mentors across disciplines.
Students can also search for research assistant positions advertised through Princeton’s Health Professions Advising post-grad job board and other departmental postings. These positions may be suitable for undergraduates looking to gain hands-on clinical or laboratory research experience working alongside faculty and alumni.
Identifying faculty members conducting research in your area of interest and reaching out to discuss potential opportunities for involvement is another effective strategy. Many faculty members welcome undergraduate participation in their projects, particularly those connected to interdisciplinary centers like the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.
Princeton’s academic and career advising offices also provide guidance on locating research mentors, navigating application processes, and facilitating introductions to faculty researchers.
Although most formal research positions like postdoctoral roles require advanced degrees, Princeton encourages early undergraduate engagement through specific programs and mentorship initiatives supporting students’ academic and research development.
Networking can be beneficial when trying to find a research mentor. Students should consider reaching out to professors they know or have taken classes with. It's important for students to know what they want to research, considering methodological differences shape the day-to-day progress of research.
The article highlights the global impact of Princeton professors' research and provides an inside look into TigerResearch, a platform that showcases Princeton professors' research interests. The author, as a first-year student, felt pressure to find research opportunities and emailed their MOL214 professor for an introduction to the department. They have been working in the professor's lab ever since.
Student testimonials in admissions pamphlets often highlight the accessibility of professors and the university's commitment to undergraduate research. First-year and sophomore students are just as welcome to conduct independent research as juniors and seniors at Princeton University.
By actively seeking out these programs, participating in campus networking events, and communicating with faculty, first-year and sophomore students can secure valuable research opportunities and establish mentors aligned with their academic interests.
Engaging in undergraduate research at Princeton University fosters both personal growth and education-and-self-development, offering numerous practical learning experiences. Students can tap into various programs and resources, such as internships, university events, and mentoring programs, to find research opportunities that align with their areas of interest, facilitating personal-growth and academic advancement.
The university's commitment to research culture creates an environment where first-year and sophomore students can actively seek out research opportunities, securing valuable learning experiences and setting the foundation for their future careers.
