Ask the hundreds of students excitedly sharing their findings on posters and in presentations at Student Research Day if they saw themselves there back when they were in their first or second year, and you’ll almost always hear a resounding, “No!”. 

So how do you go from being research-hesitant to studying ancient giant sloths, recording an album or making watercolour paint from rocks in the North Saskatchewan River? 

The first step is opening your mind to the possibility, according to MacEwan’s Office of Research Services. Here are their top seven tips on how to add a little (or big) dash of curiosity to your university experience.  

1. Think beyond beakers and test tubes 

Yes, research happens in labs, but it also takes place across every single discipline and in studios and offices throughout campus. 

At MacEwan, you’ll hear a lot about research, creative and scholarly activity. We consider anything that falls under an academic umbrella and involves creating new knowledge, answering a question or solving a problem to be a form of “research.” 

So if you’re creating new knowledge at MacEwan, you’re already a researcher. Congratulations!

2. Choose something you care about

Interested in something you learned in class? That could be a sign to dig a little deeper, and scholarly activity is the perfect way to do that. Making sure that you start with something you’re interested in or truly passionate about is the best way to set yourself up for success.

3. Get inspired by other students

Not sure what is even possible? Looking at what other students have done is a great place to start. The Student Research Day website lists every presentation given over the past few years, and MacEwan’s RO@M collection is another valuable resource. Search by keyword or just scroll through the list to get inspired. Also make sure to stop by Student Research Day in April!

4. Chunk it out

Researchers don’t ask questions like, “How do we solve world hunger?” They break down those huge questions into bite-sized pieces and build on questions that other people are asking. In a research context, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people looking at different pieces of the same puzzle or approaching similar questions from different perspectives. Bringing all of the pieces together – big and small – is how new knowledge gets created and problems get solved. 

5. Focus on the benefits

Scholarly activity is work, but it’s also fun, exciting and offers benefits that extend far beyond your findings. In addition to the academic skills you take away, there are life skills, job skills and so many other pieces that can find their way onto your resume and benefit you in real life.

6. Decide which approach works for you

The Office of Research Services says there are opportunities for everyone, but how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Two of the biggest factors are time and money. 

How much time do you have to dedicate to something new? If it isn’t a lot, then trying to fit research into a course you’re taking might be the best approach. If you’re not sure, volunteering to help with a prof’s research might be another great option. Have more time? Maybe working with a prof on your own independent research or creative project is the way to go. 

Dipping your toe into the scholarly activity waters in each of those ways might lead you to opportunities for paid positions with your profs. 

7. Stay curious

Watch for events at MacEwan.ca/Research (the Office of Research Services runs a great series of skills sessions for students interested in research), keep your eye out for topics that spark your interest, ask lots of questions and talk to your profs about opportunities. 

See you at a future Student Research Day!