Should I find a Mentor?

[maybelle]

Hello, I am a sophomore in high school and I have just started taking an introductory research class this year. However, some of my friends have taken research classes for 2-3 years and have already started to interview for mentors. I really want to compete in the Intel competition and have a general idea of what my project is going to be, but do you think it is too early to look for a mentor after only one year of introductory research? And also, how would I find a mentor?

Another question: do you think it is possible for me to study neuroscience, or is that topic too advanced?

[barretttomlinson]

Hi,

If you are interested in having a mentor, by all means try to find one. I would not let a lack of prior science fair experience stop you. Lack of prior experience could make a mentor’s help all the more valuable. Here is some Science Buddies aevice on the subject:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... tors.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... dmap.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... pete.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... pers.shtml

If you are interested in neuroscience then that is the area to look for a project. You might start with the Science Buddies Project Idea Guide as a place to start:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... l?From=Tab

Here are some sample project ideas:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p029.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p024.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p021.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p014.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p007.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p011.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p021.shtml

I hope this info helps. Have fun with the project!!!

Best regards,

Barrett L. Tomlinson