Sophomore in Undergraduate Research

[calvinjhfeng]

I just finished my first 2 years of college and completed all the lower division classes.

I spent 2 quarters part-time researching and a summer full time researching for my professor (who is a theorist) in solid state physics. The work I done was mostly calculation through programming and I spent plenty time in reading papers.

The thing is my professor thinks during the upcoming school year I should not be spending too much time researching because I need to build a very good foundation for theoretical research.

I admit that I was not very helpful on the math part, I know very little about quantum mechanics and advance E&M. I am grateful that he even allowed me to research for him in the first place and he taught me a lot about superconductivity.

So far I only know things qualitatively, I am missing the heavy-duty math behind the theories.

I don't know how should I take his suggestion. It's kind of disappointing but on the other side it might be a positive thing to me.

I would like to see what do you all think? Should I seek a research position in experimental work instead of theoretical work as an undergrad? Or should I just stop researching for a while and do more school work?

Thank you very much.

 

[TonyG]

Congratulations on completing your first two years of college and taking the initiative to participate in research with your professor in solid state physics. It sounds like you have gained valuable experience in programming and reading scientific papers.

Based on your professor's suggestion, it seems like he believes that you need to strengthen your foundation in theoretical research before diving deeper into it. This is a common approach in scientific research, as a strong understanding of the fundamentals is crucial for success in more advanced areas. It may be disappointing to hear, but it is important to take this advice into consideration.

As for your question about seeking a research position in experimental work instead of theoretical work, it ultimately depends on your interests and strengths. Both theoretical and experimental research have their own unique merits and challenges. If you are interested in exploring experimental work, it may be worth seeking out research opportunities in that area to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field.

In terms of your current research, it may be beneficial to take a break and focus on strengthening your mathematical skills and understanding of concepts in quantum mechanics and advanced E&M. This will not only prepare you for future theoretical research, but it will also make you a more well-rounded and knowledgeable scientist.

Overall, it is important to trust your professor's advice and take the time to build a strong foundation in your field of study. Research can be a long and challenging journey, but with dedication and hard work, you will eventually reach your goals. Keep up the good work and best of luck in your future endeavors.