Developing Your Research Agenda

Found in In The Academy Archives > In The Academy Resources

IN THE ACADEMY

OCTOBER 25, 2007

We appreciate Dr. Michele Atkins, Dr. Gavin Richardson, Dr. Jill Webb, and Dr. Darin White who graciously consented to share reflections, thoughts and ideas from personal experience about developing research interests.

Snapshots of what was said:

· Try the table top view vs the mountain top…try looking close to home for ideas.

· Engage in scholarly discussions with students. Many times they are a catalyst when brainstorming ideas.

· The “recommendations for future research” sections of articles may provide great ideas.

· Join professional listservs. They provide a good source of information for upcoming national conferences and opportunities for research collaboration.

· Find multiple venues for a single project: local presentations, conference papers and publication.

· Acceptance is irrelevant. Submit. Revise. Resubmit. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

· “know thyself…” we are more likely to invest the time in an investigation (& complete the project!) if interested.

· Find what works for you. Be intentional about using the classroom to work out research ideas.

· Be the expert … offer to be an ad hoc advisor or consultant and barter for research opportunities: access to data, equipment, personnel & provide professional analysis with the agreement to publish.

· Collaborate with a friend or colleague at a research institution.

· Strongly consider applying for internal grants, use grant application a means to multiple ends. Winning (an award) is only “one” benefit of grant writing.