- #1
Spherical Cow
- 10
- 0
I am sophomore that just recently switched into physics from engineering. As a result, my physics background is weaker than most sophomores. I'm applying for a summer research grant at my university, and I'm trying to find a professor to work with.
I've browsed through all the faculty research profiles, and found some research areas I might be interested in. But I'm hesitant to commit to one of them without knowing exactly what I'm getting into. It seems most people usually take a class in the area they are interested in before they begin researching that field. But in my case, I probably won't be able to take any advanced physics courses until my senior year, and I'd really like to begin research now. I've spoken with several professors. All of them are looking for a long-term commitment of at least two summers. Many of them are also politely turning me down because of insufficient physics coursework. One of them even suggested that I go back to engineering, which was quite disappointing to hear.
Given my lack of physics experience, what advice do you have on choosing a research area? What is the best way to approach professors? I feel like most of them are dismissing me right now, even though I try my best to understand their research before meeting with them.
I've browsed through all the faculty research profiles, and found some research areas I might be interested in. But I'm hesitant to commit to one of them without knowing exactly what I'm getting into. It seems most people usually take a class in the area they are interested in before they begin researching that field. But in my case, I probably won't be able to take any advanced physics courses until my senior year, and I'd really like to begin research now. I've spoken with several professors. All of them are looking for a long-term commitment of at least two summers. Many of them are also politely turning me down because of insufficient physics coursework. One of them even suggested that I go back to engineering, which was quite disappointing to hear.
Given my lack of physics experience, what advice do you have on choosing a research area? What is the best way to approach professors? I feel like most of them are dismissing me right now, even though I try my best to understand their research before meeting with them.