Getting involved in research is perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of becoming an undergraduate at UW. Yet, finding these opportunities can be extremely daunting, especially if you don’t have contacts, past experience, or knowledge of where to look. At the PCC Undergraduate Cohort (UCo), we are highly aware of these issues, and we know how helpful it can be to have access to resources, advice, and a place to ask questions about research. Thus, on 11/14, the UCo hosted “How to Get Involved in Climate Science Research as an Undergraduate,” an information session to learn everything you need to know about Undergraduate Climate Science Research.

However, no event could be complete without pizza. For the first half-hour, the 45+ attendees were allowed to chat, bond, and enjoy the food, bringing together the community over a shared love of climate science and, of course, pizza.

Soon though, it was time for business. Allison Perez, Program Manager of the Undergraduate Research Program began by discussing research at UW at-large. She explained how research can take many forms, from lab experiences to field work to dancing; the only requirement is that you are asking questions and discovering knowledge. No opportunity is the same, as they vary in time commitment, pay, and notably, source. Research at UW can originate from many places, including Organized Programs and Independent Mentor Outreach, and it can be difficult to find the right opportunity for you. That’s where the URP comes in! On the Research Opportunities Database, a continually updated list of mentors seeking projects is available, offering a good place for beginning the process of finding research. This is not the only place to find research though: Departmental Advisors and websites, UW News, the past Undergraduate Research Symposium Participant List, and personal connections to professors and friends can all be places to find opportunities. The URP also provides resources for what to do once you find an opportunity. There are recommendations on how to reach out with specific aspects of work that interest you, considering transferable skills (even if it is non-research), and even offering advising appointments. At the end of her talk, Allison emphasized how research is great opportunity for anyone, regardless of background, experience, or interest, and in climate science opportunities abound. URP is a brilliant and comprehensive resource for undergrads interested in research, and the teachings it provides can be extremely useful in acquiring a position. For more information, check out the full presentation, or reach out to the URP!

We then brought in a panel of undergrads currently engaged in climate research: Ayush Nag (CS), Bridget Ury (ENV H/POL S), Linh Vu (ATM S/ESS), and Isaac Olson (OCEAN/POE). Each shared information on their paths to getting involved in research from the dreaded cold email to professor connections as well as the different forms Climate Science research can take, from modeling to field work to literature review to lab work. Interested undergrads then began to ask personal questions about how research, getting direct advice from people who have gone through the same research struggles. Topics included how to balance research, work, and school (know your limits, try to get paid), what is initially expected of you by mentors (no need for experience, just be communicative, eager, and professional), what daily life as a researcher looks like (varies from working with a computer to doing lab work to reading articles), and what skills learned in research can apply to other aspects of your life (self-direction, accountability, responsibility). Each question brought to light more important advice, and by the end of the panel discussion, attendees left with a more complete idea of how to get involved in research and what exactly to expect.

Even if research is difficult to find, it can be one of the most edifying aspects of undergraduate life, and fortunately, Climate Science has an abundance of opportunities. The work being done every day by undergrads is uniquely amazing, and hopefully, with the resources and advice available, each and every person will find the perfect opportunity to advance their own development and climate science as a whole to build a diverse, responsible community of undergrads here at UW.

Check out the opportunities page if you want to learn more or feel free to email UCo with questions or research opportunities to promote!

Thanks to all of the incredible grad students helping run the UCo and plan this event, Leslie Nguyen, Emma Heitmann, Rachel Zable, Aina Hori, Jacob Davis, Madeleine Strait, and the rest of the past and current P-GraSC committee members who offered their help at one time or another. Special shoutout to undergraduates Annabel Wade, Maddie Brooks, Medha Kumar for their assistance in leading this cohort.

Written by Isaac Olson