This video provides a three-step process for getting involved in research projects, even with no prior experience. The speaker, Dario Tringali, shares his personal journey from having no research experience to working with NASA JPL and top universities, emphasizing that it's easier than many believe.
Identify Professors: Begin by identifying professors whose research interests you. For students at R1 schools, explore department faculty pages, focusing on research websites and lab details. If your school lacks research opportunities, contact department heads or explore nearby universities. Consider professors working on theoretical or computational projects if distance is a factor.
Reach Out: Draft a concise, informative email explaining your interest and relevant skills. Attach your resume (created using a professional tool like Overleaf, not Google Docs or Word). Time emails to arrive around 8-9 AM in the professor's timezone. Follow up after 3 days if no response. Consider contacting senior PhD students as well. Persistence is key, as many rejections are common.
Identify a Good Fit: Meetings with professors will likely provide research overviews and involvement opportunities. Be upfront about your interests and goals to ensure alignment. Ask about mentors and publication possibilities; the latter is considered a significant indicator of a worthwhile opportunity.
