Getting Into Research is Easier Than You Think

Summary

In this video, Dar Trali, a 22-year-old physics PhD student at CU Boulder, reveals a practical three-step process to land cutting-edge research opportunities—even with no prior experience. He walks viewers through identifying professors and labs of interest, crafting compelling emails to reach out, and evaluating if a lab is a good fit. Emphasizing persistence, professional communication, and strategic networking, Dar shares real examples from his own journey working with NASA JPL and top universities. The video demystifies research, showing that curiosity and determination matter more than perfect grades, while providing actionable advice to get started immediately.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by identifying professors you want to work with, even if you don't have relevant experience. Research their areas and find specific labs that match your interests.
• 😀 🏫 If you're at an R1 university, there are many research opportunities available; however, if you're at a smaller institution, look into nearby universities.
• 😀 🔍 Research professors' work thoroughly by checking their faculty pages and lab websites to understand their projects and see if they align with your interests.
• 😀 📧 When reaching out to professors, write a concise, clear, and professional email. Introduce yourself, explain your interest, and attach a resume (and optionally, a transcript).
• 😀 📅 Send emails during business hours (ideally 8-9 a.m. in the professor's time zone) and follow up after three days if you don't hear back.
• 😀 🤝 Don't be afraid to reach out to senior PhD students for help, as they may be more accessible and helpful than professors.
• 😀 💪 Persistence is key. Expect rejections, but remember, you only need one 'yes' to get started in research.
• 😀 💡 When meeting with professors, be honest about your interests and what you hope to achieve. Ask about mentorship opportunities and the possibility of publishing.
• 😀 📝 If a lab is unwilling to offer opportunities for publication, it might be a red flag. Look for labs that allow students to work towards a publication.
• 😀 🚀 Research is difficult and often involves failure and dead ends. The real challenge is having the persistence to keep going even when things aren't working.
• 😀 🌱 Remember, you don’t need all the answers right away. The first step is sending that initial email and getting started in research.

Q & A

What is the first step to getting involved in a research project with zero experience?

The first step is to identify professors you want to work with. Start by researching departments that align with your interests, even if it’s not directly related to your major. Look for faculty members and explore their research through their lab websites.

How do I identify the professors I want to work with?

You should go to the faculty page of the department, review the list of professors, and click on their individual research pages. Look for lab websites where you can find detailed descriptions of current projects. Rank the professors based on your interest in their work.

What should I do if my university doesn’t offer many research opportunities?

If your university lacks research opportunities, contact department heads to inquire about possible options. You can also look into nearby universities or even distant ones, especially for theoretical or computational research where being physically close to the lab isn’t as important.

What is the best approach to emailing a professor about a research opportunity?

Craft a concise and informative email introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in their research. Attach a professional resume (and optionally, a transcript). Emphasize any relevant skills or experiences, and mention specific areas of interest within their work.

Should I follow up if I don’t get a response to my email?

Yes, following up is important. If you don’t get a response after 3 days, send a polite follow-up email. Make sure to send it around 8-9 AM in the professor's time zone to increase the chances of it being noticed.

What’s the benefit of contacting senior PhD students in a lab instead of professors?

Senior PhD students often get fewer emails than professors and are usually more accessible. They can guide you and may be able to point you in the right direction for research opportunities within the lab.

What should I include in my resume when applying for research positions?

Your resume should highlight any relevant experiences or skills, even if they aren’t directly related to the research field. For a more professional appearance, use a LaTeX editor like Overleaf to format your resume, making it visually appealing and well-organized.

What is the best time to send an email to a professor?

The best time to send an email is between 8-9 AM in the professor’s time zone. This ensures your email is one of the first they see when they start their day, increasing the chances of getting a response.

What two questions should I ask during a meeting with a professor about a research opportunity?

First, ask if there will be a mentor you can work with, as larger labs often assign graduate students to guide undergraduates. Second, inquire about the potential for contributing to a publication. If they’re not willing to include you in a publication, it might be a red flag.

What is the hardest part of doing research, especially for beginners?

The hardest part is not the technical challenges, but the persistence required to keep going when experiments fail or progress seems slow. The key is to stay resilient, as the most rewarding moments in research come after overcoming these challenges.