Remote Undergraduate Engineering Research: Pros, Cons, and Tips

Abstract:

Research relies on collaboration with colleagues and professionals to discuss and formulate results and understandings pertaining to a line of inquiry. However, with the impact of COVID-19, many engineering research experiences switched from in-person to remote collaborations. As undergraduate research students, we were given the opportunity to experience how research is conducted during unprecedented hardships with the rise of the pandemic and social justice issues. We faced several challenges conducting research remotely, including unstable internet connection complicating meetings, a lack of face-to-face interaction, and limited spontaneity as nearly all brainstorming, collaboration, and questions happened in planned meetings. However, remote research gave the opportunity for increased individual development through self-guided learning. Through the employment of Microsoft Teams and Zoom, we were able to engage and collaborate with other researchers across the country. Despite the lack of physical interaction, productivity increased through short meetings every morning to discuss daily tasks and struggles with a community of researchers, ranging from undergraduate students to professional engineers. These meetings provided helpful advice and a sense of community; longer individual meetings with our mentoring professor were set aside to set goals and ask technical questions. Additionally, the ability to set a flexible schedule provided maximum efficiency with frequent breaks for physical movement. We also found that working on multiple aspects of the research alleviated the congestion of a typical workday. Conducting research remotely is not ideal, but we hope to share our perspectives to facilitate collaboration and provide advice for future students and mentors that may experience the challenges of conducting research remotely.