Research
A majority (65%?) of TAMS students will engage in some form of research activities during their tenure. Below are general information on research as a TAMS student.
Seeking Research Mentors
Pair-Up
The "pairing up" process can be bidirectional.
Students Seeking Mentors
Historically the standard practice, students email professors for potential research opportunities. Several things to note:
- Do write an email with good etiquette, clear points, and a mention (maybe a question) of a piece of the mentor's research that interests you.
- Do NOT send too many emails. Dr. James Duban, Associate Dean for Research and National Scholarships, recommends that each email sent be waited for 3 business days for reply.
Mentors Seeking Students
This is made possible primarily through the newly introduced effort by the TAMS Research Organization. A page is kept where students can submit brief form on research interests, and where professors interested in mentoring students may seek those whom they are interested in on a PDF file organized by TAMS staff from the forms students submit.
Further Discussions
After the professor expresses interest, some form of meeting (Zoom or in-person, depending on time) will be scheduled. If an agreement to research under the professor's mentorship is reached, congratulations, you have gotten yourself onboard!
Normal Expectation of Research
On average, approximately 6-10 hours of work is expected per week during school weeks, but more or less may be possible depending on professors.
Summer Research
Each year, depending on fund availability, a select amount of current TAMS juniors (occasionally seniors as well) receive a scholarship to conduct a 10-week research with a research mentor; this is known as "Summer Research".
Early Summer Research
In addition, a small amount of incoming TAMS students also receive scholarship to conduct research, alongside "Summer Research" students; they are known as "Early Summer Research" students. Under the regulation of a comprehensive "contract", students live in McConell Hall and participate in research activities full-time.
UNT Undergraduate Research Fund
Choice of Mentor
There exists some discussions in terms of professors to seek research opportunities for.
Notable Professors in TAMS Research
A table of notable faculty members in UNT who has regularly mentored TAMS students or have in other ways significantly influenced TAMS research is available.
College of... | Department of... | Name |
---|---|---|
Science | Chemistry | Bill E. Acree |
Science | Math | Lior Fishman |
Engineering | Computer Science and Engineering | Eduardo Blanco |
Research Electives
See Courses for further information; one may consider research electives a form of manifestation of research participation on the transcript, in a somewhat oversimplified capacity.