So I need to do a physics research project....

[PsychonautQQ]

Hey PF!
So I'm thinking about upgrading my physics minor to a major, the main obstruction to this is that I would need to do a research project and I'm a bit late getting on board with one of the professors and assisting in their work. So I'm trying to think of something I could do independently that I would be able to give a 25 minute presentation on...

I live in Wisconsin and the seasons are changing from spring to fall to winter right now, could I involve that possibly? There are a lot of different rivers/streams/lakes/ponds around, maybe something with water? Idk, I'm just brain storming really, if anyone has any ideas let me know! It really doesn't need to be anything too fancy :D.

 

[PsychonautQQ]

Perhaps I could investigate how air quality changes during the winter and then try to measure it?

 

[Choppy]

i'm a bit late getting on board with one of the professors and assisting in their work

Is this based on an assumption or have your professors told you this specifically? It's September 1st. At our school this is about the time that students looking for senior thesis projects come around knocking on door or sending emails to query about projects. Sure, the more diligent ones do it over the summer, but I'm sure if you started looking around, there would still be some professors who will talk to you.

It really is to your advantage to set yourself up with a mentor for these kinds of things. Not only does it tend to make the project go more smoothly, but you also get to network and learn about aspects of research and academia you otherwise wouldn't be exposed to on your own.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

I agree with Choppy. Before going solo or pursuing ideas outside of your physics department, you need to beat the bushes thoroughly in your home department and look for options there. Your local faculty are best positioned to help you in your research project. Odds are the faculty member who administers the senior research course can give you a few ideas.

Perhaps I could investigate how air quality changes during the winter and then try to measure it?

This seems more like chemistry than physics to me, though your local department will have the ultimate say regarding project approvals. If you do end up going solo, a couple Physics Forums Insights articles may be useful:

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/niches-publishable-undergraduate-research/

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/secrets-successful-science-projects/

We do occasionally work with university students on their senior research projects. However, your local department has dibbs on your time and talent, and we only take on students who have exhausted their local options and with the knowledge and approval of the faculty member administering their research course. We can usually work out all these details, as well as the project mentoring from a distance. A number of students who we have never met in person have completed successful research and co-authored papers with us.

PM me for additional details if it comes to the point where you may want to pursue this path. I'll need a resume and an unofficial transcript early in the process to share with my colleagues for their feedback, approval, and assistance matching with a topic.