How To Get Involved In The RCS Efforts

If you are an undergraduate engineering student interested in working with the RCS or interested in research in general, then there are a few easy steps that you should follow.

Finding research
Check with your engineering advisor and your professors about research opportunities. Taking this initiative alone says a lot about your maturity as a researcher. Most faculty members have projects of their own, to which you can at least expect to play the role of observer. Try to show them what kind of contribution you can make to their work, and expect to have to prepare a mini-resumé to advertize yourself.

One way to find research is to take an independent study course under a professor. These generally lead to a fulfilling experience, as well as extra course credits.

One good resource for finding out what kind of research in which your department's faculty are engaged is the school web page. Professors generally list their research interests on their web pages, and it is not hard to tell which ones have active projects.

Use either the Internet or word-of-mouth to find out whether any of your professors' colleagues are seeking research assistants, and try to forward your resumé to them. More than likely, the professor will go ahead and invite you to weekly lab meetings just so that you can see what their research entails. This is a good way of getting your foot into the door, and when a lab member needs an assistant, you are likely to be the first person upon whom to be called.

Applying to the RCS
The RCS accepts applications from students taking independent research courses in the Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering departments. Complete the necessary forms, and have the nomination of your research advisor.

If you are engaged in an independent research course, then you are encouraged to apply to the RCS. You will find this beneficial to your own development as a researcher, and you'll be contributing to the RCS efforts. In the RCS, you will share your research goals and progress with researchers in other departments, and English and communications faculty will be present to sharpen your communication skills. Seeing your development and maturation as a researcher will help the RCS understand how research and studio sessions affect cognitive development in undergraduates.

Furthermore, the RCS will provide stipends for researchers, with the possibility of travel stipends for researchers to present their research at conferences and seminars.

• See the necessary forms to apply.
• See the handbook for RCS students (.pdf) (.doc).
• Find out what faculty and research advisors can do to nominate students.