Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi!

I am interested in completing a research project in the category of epidemiology. This is my first time doing a science fair project but I have signed up for my school's research methods class and in order to pass that class, I must complete a science fair project. So far, I know what topic I want to be, but it is very broad and I am open to any project really. How do you suggest narrowing down my interests? Also, is it a good idea to email professors of epidemiology and ask if they have any projects that I could do to help them with their research or do I need to have a specific project thought out before contacting them?

Thank You!

Yasheen

Hi Yasheen,

I think my background in medicine should help you out with this. So if you're looking at the epidemiology of diseases then I would narrow it down to infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases. From there it would be best to pick a disease that you have more interest in learning about compared to the others. Also, it wouldn't hurt to ask your instructors about what types of epidemiologies they are working on. This way you can see if you are either able to assist them in their work or it just gives you another area to look at.

Best of luck to you and here's to passing the class.
- Schmetterling

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help!

Hi Yasheen,

Schmetterling gave you some great advice! In addition, I'd like to add that once you have narrowed down a basic topic you want to work on, it can be really helpful (I speak from high school experience) to go on to a university's epidemiology department page and read through some of the topics current experts in the field are exploring. This may help jump-start your idea, or it at least can help you put your project idea into perspective with current work, which would, in my opinion, greatly strengthen the project for your class. Maybe you may even contact one of the professors if their line of work really aligns with your interest, and the possibilities are really endless. (:

Good luck, and hope this helped!
scibuddyAK