A Guide to Research at Smith
Smith is unique in a specific way: research is very accessible and encouraged for undergraduate students. I’ve been involved in research since my first semester, when I worked in a graduate students lab studying an invasive species of crab, to now when I work in the rWright lab studying coral response to climate change. As a biology major, obviously all of my experience is within STEM research and I know humanities research can and does operate differently, but research, regardless of department, does share some similarities. The biggest question I hear is people wondering how to get involved, so I thought I’d help answer this!
Step 1: Find a professor who is conducting research you are interested in. Many professors have a website listed on their faculty profile which may contain recent publications, how to join their lab (some have an application, some don’t), and work that they and their lab are currently working on. Another good way to find professors to work with is through your classes.
Step 2: Send an email or submit the application to let them know you’re interested! Explain that you’re interested in their work, and would like to be involved. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience yet, that’s the point of working in a lab!
Step 3: If there isn’t room in their lab they may refer you to another professor or lab. Also, if you start working and realize the research isn’t quite what you had expected, or the hours you’re expected to work aren’t matching up with your schedule, let them know. Everyone understands that Smithies are busy, but communication is key.
Step 4: Proudly present your awesome research at a 5 College conference, at Collaborations, or turn it into a thesis or special studies and present at a department lunch!
Here’s a picture of my research: anemones that live in Sabin-Reed where we in the rWright lab run genetic and ecological experiments to determine their ability to survive climate change. We use them as a model organism for coral, so we can leave coral in the wild where we want it to be!