Road to Discovery: A Guide to Research

Locating a mentor is a key component of the research process. Faculty mentors will serve as guides and your main resource for questions and advice. Most credit-based opportunities require a mentor; therefore, it is advantageous for you to locate one early.

You can use the following resources to help you find a faculty mentor:

• Browse departmental websites for information on the individual research experience and expertise of various faculty members. This is usually located in faculty profiles, curriculum vitae, personal web pages, and publications.
• Use the campus directory to locate contact information
• Visit the Georgia State Research webpage to get inspired by the innovative research being conducted on campus
• Access ScholarWorks to browse published undergraduate theses.

We find that an email is the best way for communication with a potential faculty mentor. We recommend using the following details in your message to ensure a professional introduction.

• Use your Georgia State student email account
• Begin your message with, Dear Professor or Dr.
• Include:
  • Your name
  • Expected graduation term
  • Reason for your message
  • Your interest in the faculty’s research ( Note: It is expected that you have reviewed and are familiar with the professor’s body of work)
• Request to meet and available days and time (availability for the week is acceptable)

Note:

• DO NOT send a blanket message to the department.
• DO email your potential faculty mentors separately.
• DO remain persistent and follow up with a potential faculty mentor.

Once you have secured an appointment with a potential faculty mentor conduct yourself in the following manner:

• Be on time. If you are going to be late or have to cancel the appointment, communicate this well in advance.
• Place your cell phone on silent.
• Greet faculty with a firm hand shake and make eye contact throughout the meeting.
• Be prepared to ask questions in regards to his or her research.
• Be prepared to explain your academic and professional goals and how undergraduate research will help you achieve those goals.
• Bring paper, pen, iPad, etc. in order to take notes.
• Ask about expectations for undergraduate researchers.
• Be sure that the potential mentor’s philosophy is in alignment with your future goals.