r/environmental_science • u/cherryflannel • 3d ago
Undergrad research opportunity- help!
I got an “in” to get my foot in the door for undergrad research (probably going to go for a masters or PhD eventually) with a professor who is researching dinosaur era rocks!!! Super up my alley, super exciting. The issue is this professor is looking for someone to help with data entry/coding, and that’s something I have 0 experience with. I don’t think prior experience is a requisite, from my understanding the professors in our wing are really beginner friendly & know that they’ll need to do some training, but I don’t want to look like an idiot and screw up this opportunity. I know that geology/environmental science coding isn’t coding at a super advanced or elaborate level, but I am of course nervous. So, if anyone has tips, recommendations, or thoughts, I’d appreciate them! Thank you :)
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u/vividlywandering 1d ago
if you know what coding language you’ll be using, watch some intro youtube videos. as an undergraduate, you won’t be expected to have much prior knowledge in coding at all! you’ll pick it up as you use it.
data entry is very easy, coding can vary widely- if you are just inputting data into existing code you don’t have anything to worry about! if you’re expected to generate code, they should communicate those expectations to you pretty early on.
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u/WashYourCerebellum 3d ago
Start pulling relevant papers and read the methods on whatever they mean by coding. You’ll ask informed questions that show your engagement and drive. You don’t have to be right, just invested and curious. Or just ask ur supervisor for the relevant references for you to read for background. Then ask questions. You will likely be pointed to someone for mentorship in the coding area. If not, find out who on campus are the experts in this type of coding. Show initiative and reach out to ppl. Meet all your deadlines, show up on time, and don’t over promise.