ABSTRACT

      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.

       KEYWORDS

      engineering research, technical communications, research ethics, project management, mentoring

      To my family.

       Contents

       Foreword

       Preface

       Acknowledgments

       Credits

       1 Introduction to Engineering Research

       1.1 Who is This Book for?

       1.2 How Research is Different

       1.2.1 Engineering Research Defined

       1.3 Engineering Research Careers

       2 Finding the Right Research Position for You

       2.1 Societal Implications of Technology

       2.2 Identifying a Research Project

       2.3 Undergraduate Research Experiences

       2.4 The Graduate School Application Process

       2.4.1 Is Graduate School Right for You?

       2.4.2 The Graduate School Application Packet

       2.4.3 The Application Timeline

       2.4.4 Visiting a Graduate Program You Would Like to Attend

       2.4.5 Getting Accepted into a Graduate Program

       2.5 Funding of Research

       2.5.1 U.S. Model of Research Universities

       2.5.2 Funding Your Graduate Studies

       2.5.3 Fellowship Applications

       2.6 Understanding the Organization of Your Research Group

       3 Becoming a Researcher

       3.1 Developing a Relationship with Your Research Mentor

       3.2 Aligning Expectations

       3.3 Developing Expertise

       3.4 Developing Your Own Identity as a Researcher

       3.5 Tracking Your Development as a Researcher

       3.6 Being an Effective Team Member and Collaborator

       3.7 Working with a Diverse Research Team

       3.8 Developing Global Competency

       3.8.1 Other Resources on Global Competency

       3.9 Networking

       4 Building