Among the busy rush of classes, internships, social lives and jobs, many students also pursue research positions with university faculty to boost connections and to grow experience.Â
However, finding these opportunities is not as easy as it may seem. Each school, department and professor has their own specific way to how they want to acquire research students.Â
Some professors prefer to gain personal connections through classes and offer students positions that way. While others are open to finding students through emails and other connections.Â
At American University there are many different ways to gain a research opportunity. In the Department of Health Studies, a Research & Labs tab can be found on their website, giving descriptions of the most current running research projects and student roles. However, not all professors include their information on this page so it has also been advised to read faculty profiles and if interested email them and ask if they have open positions.Â
Other departments such as the Biology department at AU feature a student spotlight page, which is also a good way to find professors and projects in motion. There are also resources for students to find places to intern and job opportunities. For example, a partial list of current faculty labs and institutes that partner with AU students can be found on the Research & Centers page. The AU College of Arts & Sciences features a Resources for STEM Students page to give students options on and off campus to find options.Â
Each department and professor has a different method of acquiring research students. These tactics include checking department websites, emailing professors and checking college bulletins are all universal ways to expand your networks and find a research opportunity at your university.Â