UTRN Research 101 Manual

2024

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RESEARCH 101 MANUAL

Your essential guide to learning about and getting into research University of Toronto Research Network Club @uoft.rn /uoftresearchnetwork uoftresearchnetwork@gmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2 1 - Life and Physical Sciences...................................................................................................... 5 1.1 - Getting Started.................................................................................................................................................6 1.2 - Research Process...........................................................................................................................................6 1.3 - Finding a Research Position.................................................................................................................. 7 1.4 - Experiences & Skills......................................................................................................................................9 1.5 - Time Management & Commitment...............................................................................................10 1.6 - Publishing Research...................................................................................................................................11 1.7 - Career Progression & Long-Term Research................................................................................ 11 2 - Social Sciences and Humanities......................................................................................... 13 2.1 - Finding the Correct Sources................................................................................................................ 14 2.2 - Developing the Proper Skills...............................................................................................................15 2.3 - Accumulating Experience.................................................................................................................... 15 2.4 - Getting Started............................................................................................................................................ 16 2.5 - Expectations in Research...................................................................................................................... 16 2.6 - Publishing Research.................................................................................................................................17 3 - Technology................................................................................................................................. 19 3.1 - Getting Started.............................................................................................................................................20 3.2 - Experience and Skills................................................................................................................................21 3.3 - Benefits of Research................................................................................................................................ 22 4 - Arts............................................................................................................................................... 25 4.1 - Getting Started............................................................................................................................................ 26 4.2 - Research and Design Projects......................................................................................................... 27 4.3 - Professors and Investors.......................................................................................................................28 4.4 - Alternate Research...................................................................................................................................29 Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................................30

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1 - LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

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1.1 - Getting Started 1.1.1 - Where do you begin when you know you want to do research but don’t know how to get involved?

Looking for resources online or through student associations is the best way to start.

UofT clubs like the UTRN offer guides and links to various opportunities. While it may seem overwhelming, plenty of resources are available; searching is the first step! ––JC Reaching out to upper-year students can be very helpful. Many TAs or professors are open to discussing their research experiences during office hours. Life science clubs often host coffee chats or networking events with professors and students, providing a chance to hear about others’ experiences in specific fields or labs. For clinical research, consider volunteering at hospitals to meet people in research departments and learn about opportunities firsthand. ––IG 1.1.2 - What are good resources for learning more about research?

The life sciences/health sciences newsletter (Invite Health) is a great source of Canadian-specific research opportunities and includes research interviews.

Additionally, some non-profits provide roadmaps for different research specialties (non-profit focuses on providing roadmaps) (science, engineering, technology) to help students get involved in their fields. ––EO For life sciences and biomedical research, check out these resources: ● UofT Research Opportunities Database ● Undergraduate Research at UofT ● UTRN, URSA, CURE, and student union events ––HJ This document details several biomedical research opportunities offered in Toronto.

Other ways to learn more about research include attending seminars (like those offered by student associations) and talking with your TAs and professors. ––JC

1.2 - Research Process 1.2.1 - What is the research process like, in detail?

It depends on the type of research you’re doing, but in my experience: ● Volunteering - one qualitative literature review where a group of other students & I read abstracts and papers and decided if it was a good fit for the review paper prof was working on. In another position, I sorted flies for a couple hours and helped make food (very minimal involvement/work for both) 6

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Work-study - Fed zebrafish ~3 days/week at certain times, also helped run some PCR genotyping and lab chores (could have learned more techniques but I was too busy - definitely ask your supervisor for more responsibilities if you like the lab’s research) ROP - clinical project working on patient data entry and did an entirely independent project using the clinical data (quantitative data analysis), poster presentation, and proposal and report write-ups Wet lab (summer full-time & full-time internship) - working with mice/samples and cells, and ongoing lab projects, lots of wet lab techniques like PCR, qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence staining/microscopy. Start with learning techniques, then build independence, eventually “build your own schedule” and work a lot more independently (dependent on lab culture). Some data analysis, lab meeting presentations/journal club, poster presentations.

Undergrads typically get to help out at varying capacities, although if you have plenty of experience and stayed in the lab for long, you may be given a small independent project to work on. Your involvement and responsibilities will depend on your role (generally less responsibilities and commitment if you’re volunteering or work study), as well as the lab and PI. Generally, if you're actually helping with a project you’ll generate some kind of data (lit review, database, lab techniques) and do some analysis. But most positions you will start small and build up your responsibility! ––HJ

1.3 - Finding a Research Position 1.3.1 - How do research supervisors select their team, and what qualities do they look for?

Even if you lack direct lab skills, demonstrating a willingness to learn, adaptability, and independent thinking is crucial. Supervisors value students who are eager to grow and contribute. ––CW Researchers often look for students with a clear interest in their research area, shown through relevant coursework or extracurriculars. Demonstrating knowledge of the lab’s projects and explaining where you could contribute are key. ––EO 1.3.2 - How do I find and develop research interests?

Taking upper-year courses helped me narrow down my interests. Going into detail on different topics showed me what I enjoyed most. When reading about a professor’s research, I assess whether it excites me or if I’m interested in the experience alone. Especially early on, explore broadly, gain experience, and reflect on what you genuinely enjoy. ––HJ

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1.3.3 - When is a good time to cold email for research positions, and what should I include?

Keep your email short and professional, introducing yourself, describing your interest in their research, and stating how your skills align with the lab’s work. Attach a CV to highlight your background and qualifications. ––CW Start emailing in the fall semester for summer positions, though I secured mine in February. Unless a position has a deadline, you can inquire anytime, but earlier in the year usually has more openings. ––HJ Include a brief introduction, why you’re interested in the professor’s research, your resume, and unofficial transcripts if relevant. Professors appreciate concise emails covering all necessary details, making the process smoother. ––JC 1.3.4 - How do I email professors about interest in their lab/research?

Start by reading their papers, in particular, the projects they are involved in. Typically this means they are the first authors or the last author on the paper. Being able to understand their primary focus and contributions will help you tailor your email, showing your interest and it demonstrates you’ve taken the time to write a thoughtful email. This can also make a strong first impression. ––CW 1.3.5 - What's the best strategy to land your dream research position?

Connect with previous members of the laboratory / previous researchers with the same position over LinkedIn, introduce yourself and your desire to work within that project, and ask what skills and competencies they recommend to develop in order to be a successful candidate for the position. ––EO 1.3.6 - How can I get research experience without being well versed in the research content (e.g., just trying to get lab experience before actually conducting research)?

Work-study and volunteering are great for joining a lab to learn some foundational skills in a low-stakes environment. It largely depends on the lab, but most of the time you’ll be doing “grunt work,” helping out with simpler experiments and chores around the lab. Even if your role is small, you can ask to shadow and learn from the rest of the lab if you’re proactive. This is a great way to learn since profs hiring volunteers or work-study students know your commitment will be relatively low. And if you like the lab and their research, you might even be able to stay for a research project course, summer scholarship, ROP, etc.! ––HJ

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1.4 - Experiences & Skills 1.4.1 - As a first-year student, how do I get a research position if I have no experience and a weak resume?

If you do not have scientific experience on your resume, consider obtaining some computational and statistical skills that can apply to the science you are interested in. There are plenty of courses online, focusing on computational neuroscience, biology, and bioinformatics. Skills within computational statistical analysis are highly necessary for students within physics and astronomy, and is something almost all physics professors are looking for. Plenty of courses online are free and will provide you with useful skills you can put on your resume and mention in an interview.

Additionally, you can join clubs which are focused on student-led research and carry out research projects. Some examples of clubs like these at UofT are iGEM, BioSync, Neurotech, Biotechnology and Computer Science Association, and COBWEB. ––EO Remember that there’s no set linear way to get a research position. If you think any of the experiences you’ve had - regardless of where it’s from - are significant, then list it on your resume and explain it in a way that shows you can meaningfully contribute to the project/lab. If you have no or little lab experience, focus a lot on the soft skills you can bring. It can be challenging early on, but apply widely to labs that align with your interests. Use cold emailing, ROP, work-study, volunteering, and summer programs to reach out. Networking with peers, TAs, and professors is also invaluable in finding positions. ––HJ Even without experience, you can speak to your professors during office hours and express interest in learning about the techniques you might use in labs or classes.

Some professors are willing to spend extra time teaching, or you might even be able to volunteer in some labs doing basic tasks or even helping to clean things. This is a good starting point for getting lab experience and research involvement. ––IG 1.4.2 - How early should one start becoming involved with research?

There’s no specific time one should begin getting involved in research. Once you become motivated to participate, you should! I know some people who did not do any research during their undergraduate degree and are now doing a masters, on the other hand I know others who participated in research programs beginning in high school and have continued since then. So again, once you become interested, you should get involved but there is no required timeline. ––JC 1.4.3 - Where do you get the experience needed to be a good researcher?

My experience didn’t just come from research positions; part-time jobs and extracurriculars also taught me essential skills like teamwork, time management, and organization, which are all vital in research. ––HJ

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1.4.4 - To apply to research, do we need the best grades? Or what are the requirements for research?

I can attest to this when I say absolutely not!!! I do not have the “best grades” - my grades are probably just a bit above average or around average (B-B+), and I was lucky to have a ton of different lab and research experiences through volunteering, work-study, ROP, a summer award, and also a paid full-time internship in the US. My guess is it likely has to do with my various work experiences and how I present myself on my resume. There are no strict requirements for research, but the more you can highlight your non-research experiences in a positive light and think about the transferable skills (if you don't have any experience already), then it will take you far refer to the resume questions above. Another thing is also thinking about why you’re interested in that lab’s research. ––HJ 1.4.5 - What skills are most important for starting life science research?

Be open-minded, adaptable, and eager to learn. Keep a detailed lab notebook and show a positive attitude, especially when things don’t go as planned. Research is a learning process, and labs value students who are motivated and enthusiastic. –HJ 1.4.6 - How to use past positions as stepping stones to more intricate and groundbreaking research?

You need to sit down and write out all the skills you learned from one research position and anything that could be translational. For example, working in a cell culture lab and successfully doing RT-qPCR and plating cells shows you have precision and an eye for detail. This could be translated to working with patient files in a hospital and inputting them into Excel, which also requires paying attention to detail. Make sure to highlight these connections in your cover letter, introductory email, and while interviewing to show that you have thought about the role you are applying to and have the necessary skills to fulfill it. ––SR

1.5 - Time Management & Commitment 1.5.1 - How can I balance coursework with research?

Balancing research with coursework requires planning and open communication. Set realistic expectations with yourself and your supervisor, and discuss required hours and flexibility. Having a clear agreement helps both parties stay on the same page as responsibilities change. ––CW

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1.5.2 - What is the usual commitment of most research positions? Are there any commuter-friendly ones?

This is an agreement set by discussions between you and your supervisor, I’ve heard commitments of 4 to 20+ hours a week. If you are doing research for course credit, please check with your department and syllabus, it is typically a minimum of 8-10 hours a week.

Your project will determine what tasks are needed. For more computational-based, or literature-based projects, it’s often possible to complete the work remotely, making them commuter-friendly options. ––CW

1.6 - Publishing Research 1.6.1 - What steps can increase the chances of getting my research published?

Publications are challenging to secure as an undergraduate. Qualitative or meta-analysis projects often have higher chances, and discussing expectations with your PI can help.

Staying in one lab long-term and taking on meaningful work boosts publication opportunities. ––HJ

1.7 - Career Progression & Long-Term Research 1.7.1 - How can I use past positions as stepping stones to more advanced research?

Reflect on the skills you’ve learned and look for transferable ones. When applying to new roles, highlight these in your cover letter, introductory email, and interview to show that you can bring valuable skills to the position. ––SR

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2 - SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

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2.1 - Finding the Correct Sources 2.1.1 - What are the best sources of networking to help get involved in research?

Attending club events with professors, other professionals (think tanks, research institutes), and student journals, attending office hours for classes I enjoyed, and cold emailing. In my experience, being able to speak in person is the most useful for engaging with people. Therefore, taking advantage of any opportunities to make connections face-to-face will be helpful. Attending classes, especially upper-year courses with smaller class sizes will be useful for demonstrating your knowledge and curiosity about specific topics to the professor of the class. Through building rapport with professors (and industry professionals), there may be opportunities to volunteer or work as research assistants. When building rapport face-to-face is not possible, cold emails are necessary. Cold emails should be concise and to the point, clearly outlining your intentions and main qualifications. In addition, it is important to showcase your interest in the lab or professor’s research area. ––IC Firstly, be proactive in engaging with your professors and TAs (many of them are students themselves so they can offer you practical advice). Follow the instagram pages of UofT clubs that align with your program and interests. There are always new events happening throughout the year, especially the student unions, they have events with faculty members like TAs, Professors, and UofT Alumni. The guest lecture series of many social sciences’ student clubs invite professionals in the field that have used various sources to advance in their fields and offer opportunities for youth as well. ––QK 2.1.2 - What are the best sources online to look for research opportunities as an undergraduate student?

As an undergraduate student at UofT, it is easiest to look internally for research opportunities through courses such as the Research Opportunity Program (ROP) and Independent Research Project (IRP), work studies, or other methods. These are all great methods of seeking out opportunities and are strongly recommended.

However, I also strongly encourage everyone to look externally, by looking at faculty pages to look for professors with similar interests to yours. In addition, it is also extremely helpful to look at all UofT campuses, and even outside of UofT. ––IC For outside opportunities, it is a good idea to volunteer for advocacy and social justice initiatives since they give many volunteering and employment opportunities available to youth, especially students. It is a good idea to follow specific pages on Instagram that focus on youth employment and volunteer opportunities. You can periodically look at the following websites: www.goodwork.ca, www.opportunitiesforyouth.org, and https://www.youthop.com. Many student or youth opportunities do not require extensive experience but choose to apply for positions or opportunities that ask for your resume, Cv, cover letter, and most importantly, a written sample. Have a written sample that demonstrates your best research skills prepared, this will help your application. ––QK 14

2.2 - Developing the Proper Skills 2.2.1 - How / where can I develop the hard skills for research positions (coding data with particular software, etc)? Are there online courses or other resources I can use to do this, especially as a first year?

Statistics courses at UofT often also teach programming languages for data analysis, usually R or Stata. R and Stata are two of the most common programming languages used in academic research in social sciences. Python is also very common in programming language. While most online resources cost money, a free site that I use is Software Carpentry. Software Carpentry is a group of volunteer instructors that teach many programming languages with lessons in Python and R. ––IC 2.2.2 - Why does one get involved with research?

Personally, I choose to get involved with research because I believe this is the way I can start to create my portfolio and help find solutions to existing problems. As an aspiring lawyer, research helps me understand the current problems in our society and how the legal system can become better equipped to tackle inequalities and deliver justice. Research is a way for me to educate myself on the existing problems in my field so that when I do become a practicing lawyer, I know where I should focus my time and effort. ––QK

2.3 - Accumulating Experience 2.3.1 - As an undergraduate student, what experience is needed before you get involved in research in areas like law and other social sciences?

When applying for your first research assistant position in social sciences as an undergraduate student, professors typically understand that you may not have any research experience. However, there are several ways to gain an edge over the competition. First, it is useful to have volunteer or extracurricular experience related to the field of research you intend to look at. In my personal experience, I worked at Elections Ontario, the administrator of Ontario’s provincial elections, during one summer. This gave me an edge when applying for a research position related to electoral politics. Secondly, it is important to highlight skills useful for the specific positions you are applying to. Skills required may differ between different positions, such as a focus on qualitative versus quantitative skills, specific software, and more.

These skills can typically be learned in classes or online, such as Econometrics classes at UofT teaching Stata to students. ––IC As an undergraduate student, the best way to get the necessary and required experience for research in law and other social sciences is through coursework.

Personally, as a student of history with a focus in law, my courses are research and writing intensive which means that I have working samples of my research. By writing essays and examining primary and secondary sources, I have a solid skill set when it comes to doing preliminary research. Basically, to get good research 15

experience, take research and writing-intensive courses, especially for law, policy, and history. You need to develop your reading and writing skills, especially your ability to connect your research. Connecting your research means creating links and relations between your academics, knowledge, and experiences. By doing so, you will have developed a skillset that readily engages theoretical knowledge and application of your research. ––QK

2.4 - Getting Started 2.4.1 - Once we have the topic, where do we start?

Brainstorm. Go to University College, find a classroom in the basement, get a chalk and write on the blackboard constantly without stopping. Once you are done, sit back and look at the board. What are you trying to prove? Why do you want to prove this? Which gap in the subject matter is your research trying to fill? After deciding on a topic, determine the purpose of your research. Once you have your purpose, creating a research question and thesis will come easier to you. This is how I start my research. It is very important to understand the purpose of your research, plus it’ll help keep you on track when it comes to your thesis and arguments. ––QK 2.4.2 - Regarding more “niche” topics, how staggering is the support behind said topics compared to larger-scale topics and issues?

In my opinion, the more “niche” a topic, the more substance and free reign in your research. For example, I am currently writing a case study and a policy proposal on the Rohingya refugee situation and the obligations of the international community based on international customary law. There is a lack of proper research conducted on this topic, I do not mean that we do not know how the refugee crisis began, I mean that there is a disconnect between the facts of the situation and the reality shaping the experience of the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh.

Because my topic is so specific and unique in the refugee subject matter, there is limited grounds for me to conduct literary research but I can conduct primary research with Rohingya refugees currently in Canada. Honestly, because a topic is so “niche”, you essentially have an edge over other research papers because the topic is not redundant and examines a problem or situation that is largely ignored or omitted. Realistically, there might be less support in terms of resources but think of yourself as a pioneer and change-maker for introducing and engaging with such a niche topic. ––QK

2.5 - Expectations in Research 2.5.1 - How is the value from research seen in everyday life? Is it rewarded, or is only the most acclaimed and relevant research rewarded?

It mostly depends on your research topic, the question you are answering, and what you think is a reward. In most cases, you are examining a problem and providing solutions to that problem. So, there is inherent value in your research because you 16

are providing a purpose to your research (in a research paper, definitely try to convince your audience on why and how your research matters). Of course, the more research you do and the better you understand your subject, you will find better solutions or answers to your questions. Essentially, rewards to your research depend on your reason for research. The subject matter of my research concerns international law and human rights, thus my reward for my research is when the public is properly educated on why the problem persists and what the international community can do to remedy the situation. As an undergraduate student, your research might not be taken seriously and brushed aside at times but that does not mean that there is no value in it, take it as a learning point and grow from it. ––QK 2.5.2 - What are the expectations/decorum in research?

Firstly, and most importantly, it is very important to not plagiarize and steal the ideas of others. If you have read the ideas of other authors and want to reference their arguments or claims, then cite them properly and in line with the citation guidelines.

Claiming the ideas of others does not help you, it will only serve to undermine your credibility. Second, clearly articulate your argument. Your thesis is the singular most important part of your paper, if your thesis can not be read independent of your paper and clearly understood, there is something wrong with your paper. In social science research papers, it is very important to communicate your findings and research to the audience. In a research paper, if you can get these two points correct, then you have perfected the formula for writing a “research paper”. ––QK

2.6 - Publishing Research 2.6.1 - How does publishing work?

After your research is finished and completed, it takes a lot of work to get published, especially as an undergraduate student. But the best part of being in a student community is that we understand the struggle. This is why the student clubs, particularly the course unions have undergraduate journals where you can publish your research and academic papers. UTRN will also have a research conference in the Winter 2025 semester where students can share their research and connect with like-minded students interested in research and publishing. In my experience, most of my publishing has come from student groups and internship opportunities. It is hard to get independently published but not impossible. If you are in first or second year, use the papers you wrote for your courses and publish them in student journals at campus. This helps to build your publishing portfolio. Next, after you are done writing your paper, there are national and international publications that do publish student papers. For social sciences, target think tanks (for policy papers and research articles) like Fraser Institute and publications like the Journal of Student Research (they currently have a Call for Paper until November 30, 2024 11:59pm). ––QK

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3 - TECHNOLOGY

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3.1 - Getting Started 3.1.1 - How can I get into research as a first-year undergraduate student?

Talk to a professor in your field of interest and express your enthusiasm for their research—professors are often open to helping motivated students get started.

Demonstrating genuine curiosity, willingness to learn, and excitement for the field can make a strong impression. Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of their work that interest you and highlight any relevant skills or coursework you’ve taken to show you’re ready to contribute. Additionally, inquire about any upcoming projects or tasks you could assist with, even if they’re small; showing initiative and reliability can lead to more substantial research roles over time. ––OC As a first-year undergraduate, you can get into research by applying for summer research programs or internships designed for beginners. Proactively reach out to labs, showcasing transferable skills like coding or organizational abilities, highlighting your potential despite limited experience. Research the specific areas of interest of professors you admire, and when contacting them, explain why you’re drawn to their work and how you could be a valuable fit. Many labs welcome motivated students, especially if you show genuine interest and a willingness to assist. ––PY 3.1.2 - What are the most effective strategies to get involved in research as an undergraduate student with no experience?

To get involved in research as an undergraduate with no prior experience, start by exploring public databases and practicing data analysis to gain hands-on experience.

Taking free online courses related to your field can also build foundational knowledge and introduce you to research methodologies. These steps allow you to develop practical skills independently, which you can later demonstrate when reaching out to professors or applying for entry-level research opportunities.

Remember, it’s never too late to gain experience, and showing initiative through self-study can make a strong impression. ––OC Start by reaching out to professors whose work aligns with your interests. Express your enthusiasm and offer to assist with simple tasks, such as data collection or analysis. Taking courses in research methodology or related topics can also help build foundational knowledge and improve your research skills. Additionally, working on personal projects or independent research in your area of interest demonstrates initiative and curiosity, making you a more attractive candidate for formal research opportunities. Networking and engaging with professors is key to finding potential research roles. ––PY 20

3.2 - Experience and Skills 3.2.1 - What specific skills should I develop to be successful in research?

Working independently on projects can deepen your knowledge and build practical skills in your field of interest. Take on a variety of projects that allow you to explore different aspects of the field and document your process and results to create a portfolio that highlights your skills, creativity, and dedication. This portfolio can be an excellent way to showcase your experience to professors and research labs, demonstrating both your initiative and your ability to apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios. ––OC The skills needed for successful research can vary by field, but certain abilities are valuable across disciplines. Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills is essential, as they help you analyze data, draw insights, and troubleshoot challenges.

Familiarize yourself with reading and understanding published research papers to gain insight into current findings and methodologies. Depending on your research focus, learning to code or using specific software tools can be highly advantageous, especially in technology-related fields. Additionally, organizational skills and attention to detail are key for managing data, experiments, and documentation effectively.

––PY 3.2.2 - What Methodologies are commonly used in engineering or computer science research?

Mathematics, data science, and programming are foundational engineering and computer science research methodologies. Mathematics is essential for developing models, solving equations, and validating theories, while data science enables researchers to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. Programming is crucial for implementing simulations, creating prototypes, and automating experiments, making it necessary for testing and refining solutions.

Together, these skills provide a strong framework for conducting innovative research.

––OC Common methodologies in engineering and computer science research include experimental design, simulation and modeling, data analysis, prototyping, and optimization. These methods are crucial for testing hypotheses, refining processes, and driving innovation. Much like course projects and lab work, these approaches allow researchers to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, explore solutions, and iterate improvements systematically. These methodologies provide a structured framework for tackling complex problems, making them fundamental in both academic and applied research. ––PY 21

3.3 - Benefits of Research 3.3.1 - How will research experience benefit my career in technology or engineering?

Research experience immerses you directly in your field of interest, giving you practical knowledge and hands-on expertise that can open doors to specialized areas which may otherwise be challenging to access. Engaging in research helps you develop a unique skill set and builds credibility, making you a stronger candidate for niche fields within tech or engineering. This experience sets you apart by demonstrating your commitment to advancing in your chosen area and your ability to handle the complexities of specialized work. ––OC Gaining research experience can significantly benefit a career in tech or engineering.

It strengthens your graduate school applications and allows you to work with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that aren’t covered in standard coursework. Research challenges you to tackle complex problems, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also exposes you to the key issues in your field, providing a deeper understanding of industry challenges. Additionally, research experience builds valuable connections with experts and peers in your field, boosts your resume, and demonstrates your ability to learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to future employers or academic institutions. ––PY

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4 - ARTS

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4.1 - Getting Started 4.1.1 - Can research be done about the arts? If so, how does it work?

Absolutely! There is an abundance of research in the arts—in fact, every successful artist conducts research regularly, even if they’re not directly involved in academia. I think a big misconception a lot of people have is that art comes entirely from some sort of creative talent or genius, when this really isn’t the case—artists in all media work very hard to develop their skills and understand art history and criticism, formal and conceptual analysis, and what makes a quality artwork. Research in the arts is also not necessarily done at a book or a computer. Every sketch, model, and iteration of a project is an act of research that contributes to a greater project or practice. ––CA 4.1.2. - How do you find and develop research interest in school?

In school—take electives that you think sound interesting and do your class readings as much as you can. These courses will expose you to different areas within your field and help you discover what excites you the most. Additionally, engage with your class readings thoroughly, as they often provide valuable insights into current research trends, theories, and methodologies. The more you explore through coursework and independent study, the more you’ll refine your research interests and identify areas you’d like to investigate further. ––CA 4.1.3 - How do you find and develop research interest outside of school?

Outside of school—take note of what it is in the world that interests you, and figure out how to apply that to your field of study. I learned I was interested in new media and communications because of the time I spent on Instagram. I realized I knew so little about how it worked, and I desperately wanted to learn more. My best advice is to pay particular attention to your surroundings until you find yourself constantly coming back to a question that you cannot answer. Once you have that question, do what you think is best to find answers. This will lead you to a more specific question, for which you can try your best to find answers, and so forth. In the arts, there’s no wrong way to do research—it’s about finding new questions and answering them well, no matter what form that takes. ––CA 4.1.4 - How do I know if research is for me? Do I have the necessary knowledge a a first-year to pursue research?

If research is about finding knowledge to support and develop your ideas, then is the premise that first-years necessarily need knowledge to pursue research true? While I 26

first conducted historical research on the Iraq War during the IB Programme, I was totally unversed with the history of Middle Eastern conflicts. All I knew about the Iraq War were contextually based off the Cold War, which were discussed as part of our syllabus. However, I was able to use different resources to build up a case: news reports, searching archival databases, reviewing literature and searching for material in Arabic. The necessary knowledge you need as a first-year is about your research toolkit, and how you synthesize knowledge from your findings to move forward in your research. It’s okay to feel out of your depth sometimes. My first placement as a research assistant involved looking into ancient Chinese timber-frame architecture – something I was confident I had no expertise or reason to be in. Although my Cantonese is proficient at best, my Mandarin and understanding of simplified Chinese is quite poor. This didn’t stop me from using other tools at my disposal to make up for this deficiency, such as translating articles and using English-based media. As a first-year, you don’t necessarily need a lot of knowledge to pursue research. Having some contextual knowledge to know where to begin, as well as having access to the right tools are more important in defining your ability to conduct research in my opinion. ––AW It’s never too early to start conducting research if you think it’s something you’re interested in! As a first year, it might be difficult to access research positions with faculty, simply because you need to understand the university and its systems to be successful in these roles. However, the best way to learn what research is and isn’t, and to figure out whether or not you’re interested in it, is simply to try any experience you can gather will be valuable, even if it’s self led. ––CA

4.2 - Research and Design Projects 4.2.1 - Is it essential to do research before pursuing a new design project?

Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it. Contemporary discourse around architecture revolves around the failure of the Modernist movement for its blind belief in grand ideals and minimal aesthetic, and not towards the sensitive demands of a diverse, unpredictable population - such as the Pruitt-Igoe projects, which Charles Jencks declared as the death of Modernism. Although I could wax lyrical about the failures of Modernism, I will say: it is possible to pursue design without conducting research, do as the Modernists do, and revere only wabi-sabi geometries. Admittedly our courses promote design on the entire spectrum, from urban site studies (ARC200), to designer houses (ARC201 or ARC362) - and yet, the house, too, exists on a plane of contextual reality. Yet no reality exists without context.

And especially all, Modernist art exists as it is as an underlying acknowledgement and subsequent left turn from previous developments in Eurocentric art history.

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Research has the potential to create a project cognisant of its own deficiencies and overcomes it to produce better design ideals, as well as finding past precedents that share similarities to your project, which learnings can be taken from to improve upon your own. ––AW You should do research before starting any project, but the type and nature of research you conduct will differ depending on what you’re doing. If you’re writing a paper or a piece of criticism on a building, an artwork, or the like, you’ll need to research the object you’re writing on, who made it, when it was made, and understand its contemporaries and precedents before starting to write. Even for studio projects though—paintings, models, drawings, installations, the list goes on—you should be conducting research to understand how to best communicate your artistic/design concept. Everything in the arts is iterative, and your creative vision always takes inspiration from somewhere, whether or not you realize it. To be successful in the arts, you must have at least a basic understanding of your interests and how they are present in both past and current artistic worlds. ––CA

4.3 - Professors and Investors 4.3.1 - How do I research which professor to cold email?

To research which professor to cold email, start by identifying faculty members whose academic and research interests align with your own. Look at the professor’s website, read their publications, and review any current projects or research they’re involved in. This will give you a sense of their expertise and help you determine if their work resonates with your interests. If their research aligns with your goals and you believe you could contribute meaningfully to their projects, they could be the right person to reach out to for potential research opportunities. ––CA 4.3.2 - Do I need to find investors before pursuing my own research and ideas?

To a large extent, classical arts have long been defined as a transactional relationship between the artist and wealthy patrons. Vincent van Gogh had his brother, Theo; the Roman Catholic Church sponsored architecture and artists such as Michaelangelo; and contemporary artists like Tracey Emin continue to attract support of patrons such as Charles Saatchi. ––AW In architecture, financial relationships are also shared between the client, the architect and the building contractors. Similarly, patronage to fund your research can be extremely helpful. For instance, I had the opportunity to be a Laidlaw Scholar from 2022 to 2023. The Laidlaw Scholars Programme encourages self-initiated research 28

on international and interdisciplinary topics, which granted me the funding & opportunity to travel across the United States to examine historical and present-day company towns. It was a great experience to investigate my own research for the first time, but that being said, research is not all about funding. There are other opportunities to pursue your own research, such as an undergraduate thesis. As of right now, I’m looking into the ecological impacts of semiconductor production in Taiwan without any funding, which proves that you don’t need investors to pursue your own research and ideas. Nonetheless, Daniels provides stipends to investigate certain topics, such as Georgian-style architecture, whereas some large companies may be willing to offer sponsorship on topics they are also interested in, such as building energy consumption. Meanwhile, some topics don’t require much funding at all, but rather demand your ability to dedicate time and effort to finding critical information on the topic. ––AW

4.4 - Alternate Research 4.4.1 - Can I get involved in research outside my field of study? Would it be more beneficial to me?

Research outside your field of study can be a tricky prospect. Not only might one lack in-depth knowledge on the topic, but obtaining connections to expertise and resources sponsored by the university as well are crucial to success that are much harder to find outside of programmes and faculties. Even so, research outside one’s expertise can take on unexpected forms. For instance, it might be possible to get experience by volunteering in organizations in other faculties, or NGOs that are based around your interests. I met a professional who studied in a liberal arts programme that could not find work, but by volunteering in several organizations dedicated to urban planning, eventually found work with Perkins&Will as a project member on urban planning. While this isn’t necessarily related to research, it might be possible to break into an adjacent discipline by finding connections and participating in dedicated initiatives and organizations. ––AW In any discipline, the best way to get involved in research as an undergraduate is to take classes that interest you, participate actively in those classes and build relationships with the professors that teach them, and ask them how you can get involved in the kind of research or work that they do. However, I’d think twice about going into a different discipline unless you’re absolutely sure what you want to pursue and why. There is research happening in pretty much every discipline under the umbrellas of art and architecture. By using art and architecture as the lenses through which you conduct research, you can focus on pretty much anything. ––CA

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THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Life/physical sciences: Hyeri Jeong (Neuroscience) Catrina Wong (Pharmacology and Toxicology) Elena Osipyan (Physics/Biochemistry) Julia Calovini (Biochemistry/Physiology) Isabella Gouthro (Global Health/Environment and Health) Samantha Rahamatali (Neuroscience) Social sciences/humanities: Quanita Khan (History) Ian Yiu Hon Chan (Economics/Political Science) Technology: Parsa Youssef Pour (Applied Machine Learning Engineering) Orest Cobani (Electrical Engineering) Arts: Augustine Wong (Architecture) Clair Allen (Visual Arts)

AND, THANK YOU TO MEMBERS OF OUR 2024/2025 EXECUTIVE TEAM Stay tuned for more resources and events!

University of Toronto Research Network Club @uoft.rn /uoftresearchnetwork uoftresearchnetwork@gmail.com