<p>I think I’m about to get an independent project soon in my lab. I need to think of a topic first though. Of course, I should choose something that’s interesting to me. Just wondering if there are any other thoughts (for ex., the topic problem should be specific enough for me to complete before graduating)?</p>
<p>I don’t think completion before graduation is a requisite – after all, if it’s a bigger topic that requires more work, you may be able to pass it on to another member of the lab, who can finish it up, and the two of you can write the paper together.</p>
<p>The most important thing is to pick a question (a question, not a project) that is answerable given your tools and skills. This will probably require a few rounds of back-and-forth with your PI or another more experienced scientist – undergrads and grad students tend to go way too broad and not ask answerable questions.</p>
<p>You may have better luck if instead of coming to a PI with a project in mind, if you go to the PI with general ideas of what type of work you want to engage in and see what they have funding for.</p>
<p>Another approach… ask your PI or projected PI(s)(if there are more than one you’re considering) about their work and the work that their students have completed in the past. It will give you a reference point as to what the scope of their research is and what their students have been able to complete. It’s often a little overwhelming to start thinking of a problem first. They should be able to at least help you narrow down your topic and provide you with a few areas to consider further.</p>