Introduction to Engineering Research. Wendy C. Crone
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of Others
4.1 The Literature
4.2 Valuing What Came Before You
4.3 Reading Journal Articles
4.4 Reading Critically
4.5 Literature Search
4.6 Proper Citation
4.7 Citation Management
4.8 Preparing a Review
4.9 Crediting the Work of Others
5.1 Scientific Habits of the Mind
5.1.1 Other Resources on Scientific Method
5.2 Developing a Research Proposal
5.3 Getting Started and Staying Motivated
5.4 Project Management
5.4.1 Project Management Tools
5.5 Scheduling Committee Meetings
5.6 Navigating Roadblocks and Obstacles
5.7 Research Ethics (Error, Negligence, Misconduct)
5.7.1 Misconduct Case Studies and the D.I.S.O.R.D.E.R. Framework
5.7.2 Other Resources on Research Ethics
5.8 Safety
6 Documenting Your Research Findings
6.1 Keeping a Research Notebook
6.1.1 Documenting Your Research in a Paper Laboratory Notebook
6.1.2 Documenting Your Research in an Electronic Research Notebook
6.1.3 Regular Evaluation of Your Research Notebook
6.2 Data Storage and Backup
6.3 Avoiding Data Manipulation
7 Sharing Your Research via Oral Communication
7.1 Informal Conversations with Other Researchers
7.2 Informal Conversations with Nonspecialist Audiences
7.3 Engineering Outreach
7.4 Poster Presentations
7.5 The Research Talk
7.6 Resources on Oral Communication
8 Sharing your Research via Written Communication
8.1 Translating Technical Topics in Written Formats
8.2 Basic Principles of Technical Writing
8.2.1 Dealing with Writer’s Block
8.3 Standard Formats in Technical Writing
8.3.1 Abstracts
8.3.2 Reports
8.3.3 Technical Writing for a Proposal, Thesis, or Journal Article
8.4 Refining your Writing
8.4.1 Writing Workshops
8.5 Issues Surrounding Authorship
8.6 Publishing your Research
8.7 Resources on Written Communication
9 Safeguarding Your Personal Health and Happiness
9.1 The Challenges You May Face in Graduate School
9.1.1 Graduate Student Mental Health
9.2 Steps You Can Take to Be Healthier and Happier
9.3 Getting Sleep
9.4 Getting Exercise
9.5 Eating Healthy
9.6 Creative Outlets
9.7 Employing Mindfulness Practices
9.8 Making Time for it All
Foreword
You may be dipping your toe into engineering research as an undergraduate or you may have decided that a graduate degree in engineering is the right path to pursue. In either case, there are a number of things that you can learn up front that will make your research experience a positive one and will give you more time and capacity to be the most creative and innovative person that you can be. Engineering research is a very different endeavor than the traditional coursework that you have taken up to this point in your academic career. Students often learn about the broader context of engineering research and the ancillary skills needed to be a successful researcher as they stumble across the need for them. However, that unstructured process is wasteful and takes away from opportunities for discovery and innovation. This book provides guidance and resources on topics ranging from reading journal articles and responsible conduct of research to project management and technical communication. It will serve as a supplement to your interactions with research mentors, advisors, and peers as you engage in engineering research.
Student Perspective
Students who have recently begun engaging in research have fresh and insightful viewpoints on both the context and process of research that is best expressed through their own voices. Throughout this book you will find perspectives from students who are reflecting on their experiences conducting research projects. These insights and comments are intended to give you a review on research from a different lens.
Preface
Both research as an undergraduate and the transition into research as a first-year graduate student is unlike most of the coursework and school experiences that one has had prior to entering into such an undertaking. Although we carry our technical expertise with us, there are often gaps in knowledge. Additionally, the research enterprise itself is foreign. Without the proper guidance and support, many students flounder and struggle to set themselves on a successful course. This seems wasteful of people’s time, disheartening to the individuals involved, and ultimately adds to the attrition seen in graduate programs.
Several years ago, I co-authored an article on topics important to the broader context of engineering research based on an undergraduate course in engineering research developed at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.1 Additionally, summer undergraduate research experiences at campuses and national laboratories have developed accompanying workshops,2,3,4 courses,5,6 and even “boot-camp” experiences7 that help students