Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello Expert,

I am doing a project with curcumin and how it interacts with transcription factor NFkB. I am still trying to completely understand the entire process of how NFkB initiates proliferation of T-Cells. However, a professor at San Jose State in California is interested in my project, and asked for me to send my proposal. Now what is included in a proposal? I have absolutely no idea what materials need to be used, as I have had no lab experience. I was just thinking of writing my purpose, question and background research...but I feel he is expecting more?

Thanks!

Sincerley,
Sareena

Definately start with a section on the purpose of your project, emphasizing why the work you want to do is important in your field. Then write about what exactly you are trying to find out/study, being as specific as possible. I would then outline how you would envision doing your experiment-don't worry if it's possible to do what you outlined, but show the professor that you have put some thought into your planning. (Something along the lines of "I'll have two sets of Petri dishes, one with ______ and one with ________. I will then test the bacteria in the Petri dishes for ________." (Of course, your outlined plan will be different so that it is appropriate and relevant to what you are doing.) It is certainly appropriate to include a discussion of pertinent literature. I would also reccomend discussing the potential applications and implications that your research may have.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Hi Sareena,

I hope your professor knows your level of education. Proposals come in various forms, depending on who is writing it.

For you, I would spend most of my effort on explaining what you know about the subject and most important, what questions that you want to ask about NFkB and curcumin. Further, it would not hurt to also let him (or her) know that you are willing to spend a lot of time on the project.

If it turns out that you need to list material and methods (which I think is absolutely ridiculous given your level of education), write back here and we can work something out.

If anything, this professor should take your idea and enhance it to help you get this project started as soon as possible.

Hope that helps,

James

Thanks alot Terik and James!

As for my level of education...it's basically high school. Haven't even put a toe in college research level water. He did mention that the type of experiment I would like to do is above my level, as I've told him what grade level I'm in (11th). I've completed part of my research part for the proposal so I'll continue with the purpose and hypothesis...as well as the implications like you said Terik. This is way way way more difficult than I first imagined. I hope everything works out!

Sincerely,
Sareena

If you haven't already, make sure that you ask the professor to clarify. If you are confused, then he may also have misunderstand the situation. It will help establish clear communication, and it will show him that you are serious.

Congrats on the nice opportunity!
Chris

You may want to set up a face-to-face meeting with the prof whose interested in your work. I would highly reccomend such a meeting. You might finish your proposal, e-mail it to the prof and attach a note to the e-mail asking if there is a time the two of you could meet to discuss and fine-tune your proposal.

I've used this approach several times and have had excellent results each time.