By Hailey DeWalt, Peer Research Ambassador
You’ve probably heard a million times “find research you’re passionate about”, “engage in meaningful work”, “follow your heart”.
But… what if you don’t know what you’re passionate about?
Today I want to share a bit about my journey, how I figured out what excites me, and how you too can get started in research even if you’re not 100% sure where you want to go. Spoiler alert: it is more than okay to explore and change directions.
It’s Okay to Not Have It All Figured Out
For me, the issue wasn’t that I couldn’t find something interesting—it was that everything sounded interesting. Every topic felt groundbreaking, fascinating, and something I would be interested in exploring. I wanted to be involved in everything. And because of that, I struggled to figure out where to actually begin.
On top of that, there becomes the challenge of actually getting into a research lab, which can feel extremely intimidating and overwhelming.
So here is how I navigated it:
Think Broadly About What Already Resonates with You
Instead of trying to narrow down my never-ending list of specific research topics, which felt like I was getting nowhere, I decided to shift gears. I started thinking about real-life experiences and interactions that had stuck with me—meaningful conversations, moments where I was helping others, issues I saw in my community or on the news, and topics that tugged at me a little harder than others.
Even if I didn’t have experience with a topic, if something sparked a personal connection or curiosity, I paid attention to that feeling. That’s where passion starts.
*Bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to combine interests! Think creatively and trust your gut. Your idea doesn’t have to be conventional—chances are it already exists, and if it doesn’t, that just means you have the opportunity to create your own unique project! For example, I am currently researching the intersection of religion, spirituality, and health—something that felt deeply personal and important to me, even if it isn’t a “traditional” or “common” research path.
Do a Quick Internet Search
Once I had a few topics I felt drawn to, I just typed them into Google with the word “UConn” at the end. It’s a simple step, but very effective. I wanted to see if there were any labs, professors, courses, or projects at UConn that aligned with those interests.
You can also use Lincus (available through the Office of Undergraduate Research website) to find professors who have published papers using keywords that you enter. This is a fantastic tool if you are looking for faculty whose work matches your interests. I recommend using both approaches to get a broader view of what’s out there and happening at UConn.
Reflect on Your Classes, Clubs, and Professors
One of the best ways to find research opportunities is to think about the professors, guest speakers, or TAs you have already interacted with.
Did you love a particular class or professor? Was there a guest lecture or speaker that stuck with you? Is your TA involved in research? Don’t hesitate to send an email or set up a quick meeting to chat.
Reaching out can feel very nerve-wracking at first, but I promise faculty want to help you. Even if their lab isn’t the right fit or they are not currently accepting students, they might refer you to someone else or give advice that points you in the right direction. You’ll even get more comfortable talking with professors, which is a win on its own.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of building relationships. Down the line these connections could lead to mentorship, recommendation letters, or guidance for future opportunities.
Don’t Give Up (I mean it!)
Finding meaningful research can feel overwhelming. You might hear “no” a few… or a lot… of times. That doesn’t mean that it’s not working. It means that you are getting closer.
If you have been putting in the effort, reaching out, and things have still not worked out, please don’t let that stop you. Every lab you contact, every email you write, every meeting you have—it is all helping you grow and bringing you one step closer to the right opportunity for you.
You’ve already taken a huge step just by reading this, and you should feel so proud of yourself for beginning the journey. It is all part of the process, and I promise you’ve got this.
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that your path is truly up to you. There is no right or wrong way to do this, it is about finding the work that makes you feel something. Feel curious, feel inspired, feel ready to learn more. So, keep showing up and exploring. You are doing great.
Hailey is a junior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and minoring in Healthcare Management and Insurance Studies. Click here to learn more about Hailey.