<p>I was wondering how you get into doing scientific research and where you get it done?</p>
<p>I’ve heard of all these people winning awards for individual research and I just don’t understand how they are able to do such advanced research and experiments on their own and where they get the ideas and equipment from. Most of all, how could you get it published?</p>
<p>Depending on your area you have many ways to go through doing research. PM me if you’re interested.</p>
<p>I have the exact same question!</p>
<p>nirvanatear, do you mind if I PM you as well?</p>
<p>^Wow I never realize so many people want to get into science research! I got the impression that people on this site are leaning towards the humanities and arts. Anyways, I’ll post the same information I wrote to people who PMed me.</p>
<p>Start with science fairs. There will be many in your area on the district and regional level. Check out [Youth</a> Science Canada](<a href=“http://www.ysf.ca/Home.aspx]Youth”>http://www.ysf.ca/Home.aspx) for affiliated fairs. These fairs will send top contestants to Canada Wide Science Fair, which is perceived as prestigious. You will meet all sorts of amazing people at these science fairs, and chances are they started research just the way you did.</p>
<p>One particular program I strongly recommend is SABC [Sanofi-Aventis</a> BioTalent Challenge](<a href=“http://sanofibiotalentchallenge.ca/]Sanofi-Aventis”>http://sanofibiotalentchallenge.ca/). I’m starting to do it this year, and regret not starting much earlier. After you submit a project proposal (lots of reading done for that), Sanofi-Aventis pairs you up with very professional labs, gives you environment to do topnotch research, and pays to get your report published or presented. Major urban areas have more access to this program.</p>
<p>Also, SUMMER PROGRAMS! There are many research programs out there. I went to Clark Scholars Program last year, and it was the BEST summer in my life. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/776777-clark-scholars-2010-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/776777-clark-scholars-2010-a.html</a>. I was paired one-to-one with a prof and continued his research interest. I probably won’t have another chance of that level of interaction till the last year in grad school. Other programs include SSP, Shad Valley, Deep River, RSI (they rarely let Canadians apply), ISSYP, etc.</p>
<p>As it might be too late to apply to most of these programs…You can also contact local hospitals/labs and ask if you can volunteer there over summer. I haven’t tried that myself, but I know someone who spammed 30 emails to different labs in the city, and a lab that she neglected (is that even possible =p) contacted her because 5 or 6 people she did contact all forwarded the email to the lab manager. So, be persistent and aim wide. Wherever you end up working at, you will enjoy to the fullest.</p>
<p>Also, I think regional science fairs across the country are going to take place in early April. Check the Youth Science Canada website! I strongly urge you to visit on the public display days and check out the projects. Feel free to ask the contestants how they started their projects, chances are they are as talkative as me =p</p>
<p>Many thanks for sharing that. As I checked out, I am too late for my region’s fairs. If I had only known of these fairs and summer programs such as ISSYP, I would have definitely applied and made my chances at US schools only better, let alone the fun I would have had. I HATE!!! my school… they never inform us of ANYthing except Waterloo exams!!</p>
<p>I share your anger prkiji. </p>
<p>A question for you though: had you applied to these fairs, what research would you have presented? Have you done independent research that’s worthy of being presented at these fairs? If yes, I’m interested in knowing how you got into doing that research, because that’s what I’m looking to do, but don’t know how to get started.</p>
<p>Different people I know got in by different means. Some have connections in hospitals/labs, some used the SABC opportunity, some contacted profs, some built gadgets at home (these tend to do very well in science fairs…). I’m a math person so I did some reading and found an interesting program to work with.</p>
<p>@nebular9: You may wanna check out [Science</a> Fair Resources – Science Fair Preparation Guides](<a href=“http://www.edinformatics.com/science_projects/sci_fairs.htm]Science”>Science Fair Resources -- Science Fair Preparation Guides)</p>
<p>I have been thinking of something which requires a bit of lab actiivities. If I do not make any of summer programs, I am going to go on with that this summer. It might sound stupid so I cannot tell details…</p>