HOW TO GET STARTED FINDING RESEARCH
The Basics
Finding research at the University of Wisconsin Madison is very easy. It can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
1. BASIC RESEARCH
Exploring Interests
The process of finding a research position starts with a personal search. Using the resources provided in Research Opportunities page explore options for different types of research such as data analysis, coding, patient interaction, biotechnical data aquisition and a host of other research positions. Create a list of labs or opportunities that interest you.
2. REACHING OUT TO LABS
How to Cold Email a Principal Investigator
Although cold emailing a principal investigator (PI) may seem scary it is fairly easy. If you are unsure of what to put into an email when reaching out to researchers, the center for pre-health advising put together a great template. Although this is catered to pre-health interested students, much of the information is broadly applicable to all fields of research. Just make sure you know the research of the person you are reaching out to and always be respectful of their time. Principal investigators (PIs) especially often can go a week or more before responding to some emails. If you are reaching out to a bigger lab it may be more beneficial to email a grad student in the lab as they might be more attentive to their emails.
FOLLOWING UP WITH LABS
Due to the fast paced nature of research and the constant inflow of emails, it may take up to 2 weeks for a PI to respond to your emails. If you are following up with an email to a research lab, follow up a week after your first email, and then 2 weeks afterwards. Do not flood them with emails; That will definitely put them off! If the lab you are applying for is a large research lab, emailing one of the graduate researchers may also be effective as they typically have less emails inflowing and may be able to quickly answer any questions you need answered.
INTERVIEWING
If the Lab is Looking for Undergraduates
Congratulations! The lab you emailed the PI about is looking for undergraduates. Interviewing is one of the most important points of applying for a lab, this is a way for the lab not only to evaluate you and see if they want to bring you into the team but also a time for you as a prospective researcher to see if you fit into the lab.