UW is known for its wide array of research experiences. Yet, as an undergraduate, actually finding and securing these opportunities can be difficult, especially if you don’t already have contacts, past experience, or advanced knowledge of where to look. To address this issue, the PCC Undergraduate Cohort (UCo) annually endeavors to make tips and resources more available, through a seminar/panel titled “How to Get Involved in Climate Science Research as an Undergraduate.” The information session, held on 11/7, featured details on research at UW, how to find it, and even advice from current undergrads engaged in research, and intended to provide everything you need to know about undergraduate climate science research.

This event began, as all events should, with pizza and socializing. For the first part of the event, the almost 30 attendees got to chat, bond, and enjoy the food, while getting to share more about themselves, their experience in Autumn quarter, and of course, their pizza preference.

Soon though, it was time for business. Allison Perez, Program Manager of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) opened by acknowledging the different types of research across the university. She explained the many different forms of research, from computer modeling to field research to creating art, and emphasized that what truly defines research is not being in a lab. Research only requires that you are asking questions and discovering knowledge. In fact, that is really the only shared aspect of research: opportunities vary largely in time commitment, pay, and notably, source. Research at UW can come from many places, including Organized Programs and Independent Mentor Outreach, and so, it can be rather tough to find the right opportunity for you. That’s why the OUR maintains the Research Opportunities Database, a regularly-updated list of mentors seeking projects, which offers a place to start looking for positions across lots of departments. However, the OUR is not the only place to find research: Departmental Advisors and websites, UW News, the past Undergraduate Research Symposium Participant List, and personal connections with professors, grad students, and peers can all be places to find opportunities. The OUR also shares resources for the next steps after you find an opportunity. They share recommendations on reaching out with specific aspects of work that interest you, considering transferable skills (even if they don’t come from prior research), and thinking about sources of funding such as the Mary Gates Research Scholarship. Allison ended by emphasizing how research is great opportunity for anyone, regardless of background, experience, or interest, and in climate science opportunities abound. The OUR is a brilliant and comprehensive resource for undergrads interested in research, and the teachings it provides can be extremely useful in acquiring a position. They even provide advising sessions monthly in Mary Gates Hall or one-on-one by appointment. For more information, check out the full presentation, or reach out to the OUR!

We then heard from a panel of undergrads currently engaged in climate research: Caleb Flaim (OCEAN), Fiona Drum (CEE), and Isaac Olson (OCEAN/POE). Each shared their story of how they got involved in research, from the dreaded cold email to professor connections, and then showcased the different forms Climate Science research can take, from modeling to field work to lab work. Students in the audience then got to ask questions, seeking advice from undergrads who had gone through the same research struggles. Topics included how to balance research, work, and school (know your limits, try to get paid), how to tell a bad experience from a good one (understand what conditions you need to succeed, think about what you’re getting out of the position), steps to take at the start of a position to ensure success (set up regular meetings, boundaries, and expectations) and what to look for in a mentor (offers guidance, treats you with respect and value). Each question brought to light important perspectives and 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 initially difficult to get into, it can be one of the most fulfilling aspects of undergraduate life, and fortunately, the Climate Science departments have an overabundance of opportunities. The work being done every day by undergrads at the UW is truly inspiring, and hopefully, with the resources and advice available, each and every person who wants to can find the perfect opportunity to advance their own development and climate science as a whole, while building a future of 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, Aina Hori, Jake Davis, and Madeleine Strait. Special shoutout to undergraduates Lauren Henrie and Medha Kumar for their assistance in leading this cohort this year.

Written by Isaac Olson