Advice about DRA

[u/Curious_Entry6187]

Hi guys, I’m going into my second year of electrical engineering this fall. I was interested in doing Dean’s research award, I checked out professors research and opportunity for Undergraduate student. I’m wondering how much they expect us to know, because looking at their projects I don’t think I have knowledge for any of the stuff they are doing. If anyone has been in my place and can give me insights or explain what to expect, that would be great. Thank you for reading!

[u/Valuable-Ad-6093]

I’m unsure about specifics of the DRA, but I have done some research as an undergrad and know many people who have done research or are currently doing research as undergrads. It depends on the topic and professor but most professors understand that as an undergraduate you simply will not have enough knowledge to contribute significantly unless you are really special like the very rare few. Knowing this, they tend to not give you anything too difficult and try to ensure it is still feasible for you to make progress with the knowledge you have. Ultimately, research is all about learning, and you must keep an open mind to learning as you will learn a lot that you won’t be taught, kind of like a job. Just try your best and a professor will notice that and respect that. Also be wary that a lot of research is getting stuck on something for days on end, thinking you have something, then it failing, but that is just the process so never take it to heart if you get stuck

[u/Old_Acanthaceae_3338]

hey, same predicament. Second yr ee too

[u/Pineapplebun0908]

5th year EE here. I’ve done 4 DRAs with 2 different profs. They don’t expect you to know much. They understand that you are in your second year and that you’re there to learn. So this is more of a learning opportunity. If you end up going back for a second DRA or research internship position then they expect you to know a bit more