Learning Forum

[AndreyBridge]

How can a high school student, such as myself gain research experience? I'm not talking about anything overly impressive. I'm just talking about possibly doing something along the lines of a research mentorship with a local university or a physicist. Am I already asking too much? How do other people that get admitted into top universities such as Cal-tech obtain research experience? I know about the summer research programs, but those seem extremely competitive. Would it be weird to email a local university professor see what is available? or would they just completely ignore me? Some background information: I'm a sophomore, and have already completed all the calculus courses available to me, have already done the physics, and am looking to get more out of my spare time.n

[Karthik Remella]

nThank you for connecting with us regarding this question. nWe are experts at engineering simulation and our STEM (and AIC) courses are tailored to augment the understanding of physics along with a focus on learning how to use our simulation tools. Since you are looking for more during your spare time, I'd recommend that you enroll in these courses and learn to use these modeling and simulation tools that are used by leading industry experts for engineering product design and development. These courses would give you a good starting point. Here is the link to the courses. nRegarding your question related to research opportunities, out of curiosity, what specific research topics interests you? It is hard to provide a generic answer to your question because different universities likely have different options and run very different programs for high-school students. Having said that, TBH, I think you should connect with professors and faculties not just in your local university but also nation-wide. Pro-actively writing to them shows your seriousness and commitment to the cause. In addition to this, you should also check with your high-school teachers to see if they have any connections. Perhaps, they might be able to provide you with some introductions which might help your cause. Moreover, summer programs are a wonderful way to get exposed to research. Even if some are more competitive than others you could still apply if you are interested. They would certainly be a value-add. nPlease do let me know here what your specific areas of interest are.nThank you.nKarthikn

[Rob]

As a comment, you may learn research skills doing project work at school and then further into an under-grad degree. The last bit of training may be a PhD and research post. nA fair bit (actually most!) of research is reading, so anything that improves your ability to read, digest and collate information is good: not just Google, papers are invaluable too. Assuming you're in the US (based on the Cal-tech reference) you could look into the batting averages of the local rounders team (our US colleagues talk about the Pirates) and look at trends/correlations: what interests you? n

[jackzhf]

How to use search engine to find useful information effectively and efficiently is a very important skill worth a course to learn about. It shouldn't be underestimated.

[AndreyBridge]

Thank you very much for your recommendations!nIt is essential for me.nBut I am energized for research. But I'm very afraid that I no longer have time to achieve an advanced degree. The way I entered the first year when I was already 25 years old. Now I'm 35 and have many ideas and concepts that I want to use in real life! I have completed many courses and have used many modern textbooks and Internet resources like edu zaurus and I would like to find out the shortest way to scientific activity outside the university. Perhaps this does not exist, and please write to me!n

[jackzhf]

 

You have found your way to learn the necessary knowledge and skills for research and development. It depends on whether you just want to keep R&D as a hobby or a career.

You don’t have to work in a specific institute to do scientific activities. You can apply them in your daily life or work, say, arranging different loads and sizes of laundries for washer and dryer to reduce gap period or estimating how many candidates to interview before you are likely to pick the most promising employees. Those are the applications of mathematics and science in the real world.

You can also start your own blogs and vlogs to express your ideas, demonstrate your projects and communicate with other people. You may also be able to find a local, national or international science club, make friends with people with similar interest, learn and do projects with them as well.

 

[Rob]

Turning the question around. Are you wanting to pursue a career in research in some/focused topics of someone else's choosing or to learn the skills to develop stuff of your choosing in your own time? nFor the former, a PhD or good experience will be needed to move into the role, eg extensive industrial know-how in a certain field. You then get paid to improve/invent something and the sponsor/employer takes the derived financial benefit. nFor the latter, consider project management planning to work out the steps and use your imagination. The UK is infamous for the man in a shed approach to invention. It's not efficient, is rarely profitable but those working in the field look to be having fun. Occasionally things like the clockwork radio become successful. either comment can be considered as advice, just my view based on what you've said: I'm English and have a PhD in engineering which will colours my thinking. Colleagues will have different comments based on their experience: we're scattered around the globe but generally have a Masters or PhD in engineering or science.

[jackzhf]

There are many youtube tutorials to learn theories and do practical projects at different scales and levels. Also, the Ansys innovation courses are also a good place to start your journey into research and development world.