How does research actually work here at merced

[u/a-chezzybezzy]

Im a first year transfer for aerospace engineering who really wants to go into my Ph.D. program at a uc, preferably Berkeley.

Im trying to get into research, and I literally can not find anything. I've signed up for CoLab. there isn't much on there. I only have 2 years here at the uc, and I want to make the most of it.

Has anyone here actually taken part in research? What is it like? What's the time commitment?

[u/BreathRound5050]

I think the most important part is that you should show that you care about the research being done here. Go up to your professors and ask if they are doing any research, or go to their office hours and talk about wanting to do research in their lab. Just signing up for research online isn't really going to do it. Join clubs that do research projects related to your interests. Look into the UROC program that helps undergraduate students get research experience over the summer. Go on Handshake and look up any research positions that professors here or at other universities are posting. And never stop looking for positions apply, apply, apply, until you get interviews or any advice from admissions.

[u/Automatic-Example754]

Go to your professors's office hours. Faculty are all big nerds and love to talk about our research, so you can just start by asking about that. If it sounds interesting, then say that you're thinking of grad school and, if there are any opportunities in their lab, you'd like to apply.

Due to shenanigans by the Trump Administration, many/most faculty are operating on reduced research funds, so expect to get a lot of "I don't have anything right now, but I'll let you know if I do have something." So look into UROC and talk to all your professors, not just the ones in aerospace. I'm in social science; a few years ago I hired a CSE major, and currently I'm working with a couple data science majors.

[u/jessibobessi → u/Automatic-Example754]

If you don’t need to be paid for your research time, it’s usually easier to get into a lab as undergrad. I got “paid” in credits, and was able to decide how many credits I wanted by how many hours a week I’d be able to commit.

I did research on who I wanted to work with and just asked if I could join.

[u/internetbooker134]

You could try cold emailing the aerospace or mechE professors to see if they have any opportunities in their labs. Research is much easier to access at UCM compared to bigger UC's so it's definitely good to take advantage of that

[u/hypanthia]

I’m a current PhD student at UCM but I did my undergrad at Sac State so it may be slightly different. But the other commenters pointed out important things like showing drive in research. But here’s how I did it: when I was in 2nd semester chemistry I got really into transition metals and I loved my professor. So one day I asked her if she had any lab openings! She said yes, and I started the semester following. It’s pretty individualized, you’ll go into the lab most days and assist the graduate students. For me though, since we had no phds, I was able to work on some of my own ideas. From there, you’ll present posters at conferences and possibly even get published (higher chance to be published here than sac state) and that will make your PhD application highly competitive. Basically, just shoot your shot. Find a professor you like and see if their research interests you. Ask them about it! Good luck!

[u/Open_Reward_848]

Not sure, I've never found any research either.

[u/Practical-Ad-9418]

Also just email the chair of the department and set up a meeting with them and ask them these questions. Simplest fastest way.

[u/Upbeat-Succotash-985]

Lots of great advice here. Keep in mind that manu profs will require a minimum gpa of 3.0 to let you join lab and will request your transcripts as proof.

[u/ValueIllustrious2995]

Why did you transfer to UCM if your ultimate goal is a school like Berkeley?