Page 9 - CAS- Undergraduate-Research-Manual

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Making the Most of Research Opportunity

In addition to class-based research, additional research opportunities may be available, but to only a few
students. When accepted to participate in a faculty member’s research program, consider it a privilege
and strive to make the most of the opportunity. The following suggestions are helpful:-
- Pay attention to the culture of the lab, and observe all workplace rules and regulations. Your
mentor may have rules governing student conduct. Observe them all. Some of the rules are
designed for the safety of students and all workers in the research space.
- Be punctual to work.
- Show enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
- Take initiative to do things.
- Ask questions.
- Pursue excellence.
- The student who is willing to learn and work hard, will be given more opportunity to expand his
or her experience.
- Your mentor is a good and reliable source of a letter of recommendation for a job or graduate
school. Faculty members are particular about their recommendations as they are a reflection on
the quality of work being done in their program.

What to Expect of Your Faculty Mentor

A mentor–mentee relationship is one of the most mutually beneficial relationships in academia. The
mentor, a faculty member, has greater skills and experiences than the mentee, the student. The student
looks up to the faculty mentor for professional guidance, but also desires a relationship that can nurture
his or her passions and aspirations. The opportunity to shape a mentee and prepare them for life is
priceless to a mentor. A faculty member would be available to students in various ways including the
following:-
- Serve as a professional role model
- Serve as an adviser
- Committed to student academic success
- Train student in research skills through
practice, coaching, feedback, encouragement,
etc.
- Guide the student to conduct a defined
research project
- Assist in providing professional
networking opportunities
- As mutually agreed upon, establish
trusting relationships to assist student in
personal development.

The bond established between the mentor and
mentee will depend on how the student avails
himself or herself of the research opportunity.
Mentors and mentees can become friends.