Undergraduate and first-year graduate students engaging in engineering research need more than technical skills and tools to be successful. From finding a research position and funding, to getting the mentoring needed to be successful while conducting research responsibly, to learning how to do the other aspects of research associated with project management and communication, this book provides novice researchers with the guidance they need to begin developing mastery. Awareness and deeper understanding of the broader context of research reduces barriers to success, increases capacity to contribute to a research team, and enhances ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Being prepared for what's to come and knowing the questions to ask along the way allows those entering researcher to become more comfortable engaging with not only the research itself but also their colleagues and mentors.
Author(s): Wendy C. Crone
Series: Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 146
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Credits
Introduction to Engineering Research
Who is This Book for?
How Research is Different
Engineering Research Defined
Engineering Research Careers
Finding the Right Research Position for You
Societal Implications of Technology
Identifying a Research Project
Undergraduate Research Experiences
The Graduate School Application Process
Is Graduate School Right for You?
The Graduate School Application Packet
The Application Timeline
Visiting a Graduate Program You Would Like to Attend
Getting Accepted into a Graduate Program
Funding of Research
U.S. Model of Research Universities
Funding Your Graduate Studies
Fellowship Applications
Understanding the Organization of Your Research Group
Becoming a Researcher
Developing a Relationship with Your Research Mentor
Aligning Expectations
Developing Expertise
Developing Your Own Identity as a Researcher
Tracking Your Development as a Researcher
Being an Effective Team Member and Collaborator
Working with a Diverse Research Team
Developing Global Competency
Other Resources on Global Competency
Networking
Building on the Research of Others
The Literature
Valuing What Came Before You
Reading Journal Articles
Reading Critically
Literature Search
Proper Citation
Citation Management
Preparing a Review
Crediting the Work of Others
Conducting Research
Scientific Habits of the Mind
Other Resources on Scientific Method
Developing a Research Proposal
Getting Started and Staying Motivated
Project Management
Project Management Tools
Scheduling Committee Meetings
Navigating Roadblocks and Obstacles
Research Ethics (Error, Negligence, Misconduct)
Misconduct Case Studies and the D.I.S.O.R.D.E.R. Framework
Other Resources on Research Ethics
Safety
Documenting Your Research Findings
Keeping a Research Notebook
Documenting Your Research in a Paper Laboratory Notebook
Documenting Your Research in an Electronic Research Notebook
Regular Evaluation of Your Research Notebook
Data Storage and Backup
Avoiding Data Manipulation
Sharing Your Research via Oral Communication
Informal Conversations with Other Researchers
Informal Conversations with Nonspecialist Audiences
Engineering Outreach
Poster Presentations
The Research Talk
Resources on Oral Communication
Sharing your Research via Written Communication
Translating Technical Topics in Written Formats
Basic Principles of Technical Writing
Dealing with Writer's Block
Standard Formats in Technical Writing
Abstracts
Reports
Technical Writing for a Proposal, Thesis, or Journal Article
Refining your Writing
Writing Workshops
Issues Surrounding Authorship
Publishing your Research
Resources on Written Communication
Safeguarding Your Personal Health and Happiness
The Challenges You May Face in Graduate School
Graduate Student Mental Health
Steps You Can Take to Be Healthier and Happier
Getting Sleep
Getting Exercise
Eating Healthy
Creative Outlets
Employing Mindfulness Practices
Making Time for it All
Afterword
Author's Biography
Index
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