Program Description and Requirements | Eligibility Requirements | Application
Information
The consultation with your MURF mentor is very important. Plan to spend some
time with this step. Don't wait until the last minute to begin this process.
This is your opportunity to find out what your project will be, why it is
important, and how you might approach it. It is also your chance to find
out what it will be like to work in a research group. If you have not previously
done research, the interview should help you form your expectations about
what the mentor wants from you and what you want from the experience. THIS
IS VERY IMPORTANT! Your MURF experience will be enhanced if you spend some
time in this initial, vital step!!
We suggest you ask some--or all--of the following questions when you contact
your mentor. You will impress the mentor and help him/her think more deeply
about your project. These questions are general guidelines; they are not a
checklist. Ask all the questions you can think of! After you talk to your mentor,
think about the discussion, and then go back and ask more questions.
Try to find out in detail what this MURF project is. What is the science or
engineering? What is expected? What led to this question? Ask for articles
or literature references about the project, especially articles by the mentor
or members of the research group. Then read the articles and ask questions
for clarification or further information.
What specific tasks are required to do this project? What is the likelihood
of completing this project in ten weeks? What equipment will you need to use?
When will it be available to you?
Who will your co-mentor be? Contact your co-mentor, and ask him or her the
same questions. When your mentor/co-mentor is not available, who else can answer
questions or help you?
What is it like to work in this laboratory? Are MURF students welcome at group
meetings? When are meetings? Seminars? Journal clubs? Will you get a chance
to present your work to the group during the summer? When do people work? How
long are the days? Are deadlines important to the group?
Read, mark, and inwardly digest the information you get as you ask these questions.
When you have given thought to the project and your interview, go back and
ask more questions about the project; dig more deeply into the science.
Ask the mentor to review and comment on your project plan.
Interview guidelines were prepared by Carolyn Ash, Quondam Director, Student-Faculty
Programs Office.
