Got an Idea? Need Help taking action and making it turn into a reality?

 

If you don’t, you should explore various fields in engineering and the sciences to determine what you are most interested in.

 

You could research virtually anything! Some topics may include, but are not limited to,

Genetics, stem cells, alternative energy, robotics, and applied mathematics. Just read around and eventually you’ll surely find something you find interesting! Try Scientific American, or IEEE Spectrum…these always address the most up-to-date technologies.

 

After you have your topic, follow this step by step process and you should have no problem. This is the process I have followed in pursuit of my alternative energy research.

 

First, ask yourself the following questions.

 

How long have you got to conduct your research? How much detail do you need?  What is your topic?

 

After you have answered these questions, you are ready to begin!

 

1. Begin by searching several online databases and libraries to find the information you need. After around two weeks of amassing background knowledge, you should write your research abstract.

 

2. Your abstract should address the purpose of your research, your basic method of data gathering, and a synopsis of the concepts involved in the research. For example, for my research, I addressed the importance of alternative energies in modern society (decadent oil industry), my basic laboratory procedure, and the concepts of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic sources. Make the abstract very accessible, so that your audience is not limited to the scientific elite.

 

3. This next step was the hardest of all the steps for me. You will need to find a lab to work in, and a material supplier. It is natural for prestigious institutions like NIH and NIST to reject our proposals for our own researches. For this reason, the hot prospects are local universities. Common universities in the Washington area include the American University, Georgetown University, University of Maryland, and Howard University. If your project involves solving a complex math function, you may want to contact the Mathematics Departments of the universities. If it involves chemistry, you will want to contact the Chemical Engineering Department, and etc. Then, you will need to find the emails of various faculty members. Don’t be afraid, email them, call them, do whatever you need to. Many professors will say no, but don’t be discouraged. It took me quite a while to find facilities. After you have found a mentor, it is time to set dates and begin work. If you need help finding facilities, simply email me, and I’ll help you out.

 

4. Because personal researches are very time-consuming, and all of you are loaded with APs, I recommend beginning your research in your junior year and working throughout the summer on it. Believe me, this research will pay off!

 

5. Research, experiment, gather data, build….whatever your project needs!

 

 

 

6. After you have accumulated the data you need, it is time to begin writing your research report. The Format to be used is:

 

·        Abstract- Make it an abbreviated summary of a research article, review, or any in-depth analysis of the particular subject you are addressing.

·        Introduction- Introduce the specifics of the topic and tie in the purpose of the paper to your experiment here.

·        Materials and Methods- Describe the materials/organisms you used, and their role in your experimental procedure. If your project is a math project, don’t worry about the “materials part.” Also, describe in detail how these materials will be used to get the data.

·        Results- In this part of your paper, present graphs, equations, images, or any other form of data that adds to your deductions. Hold off on the commentary on this section (just show and describe the data).

·        Discussion- Account for the experimental figures you have determined. This should include possible flaws in experimental design. For example, for my research, I would analyze why caustic soda produced ethanol the fastest (increased the surface area for enzymatic hydrolysis).

·        Conclusion- Sum up the results of the experiment and suggest possible futures researches into the field you have just researched.

 

7. Now, you’re just about done. But don’t get too excited, you still have to enter the competitions. Intel STS Applications are like college applications, with spaces for recommendation forms, GPA, SAT, etc. Another very popular competition is the Siemens Westinghouse. After you have completed your full competition package, confidently and proudly submit your package, and hope for the best!

 

 

REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! IT SHOULD NOT BE A BURDEN.