Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am new to this website, so please excuse me if I do something noobish. I really want to go to isef next year (it would be my junior year). I do not have a mentor, and I don't know how to even go about getting one. The closest college to me is The University of Oklahoma (if that makes any difference). I am really good with botany, however I have minimal knowledge due to limited resources. So what should I do? How do I come up with ideas? Anything will help! THANK YOU!

Hi Wesley,

Glad to see you want to conduct a research experiment.

First, I would take a look at Science Buddies' own page on
possible project ideas.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... a=PlantBio

Second, what excites you in the field of Botany? Are there questions that you have specifically? Something
that you want answers to?

Third, start researching. The more you read about the research and development in Botany, you may find
a specific area that may interest you. This can be as simple as a Google search, reading science news
or just searching up articles at pubmed.gov.

Fourth, ask questions. Having an inquisitive mind is very important in the field of science. Ask your
high school teacher if he or she has any suggestions.

Because you are close to the University of Oklahoma. I would suggest perhaps asking the Botany department
there.

Their website is: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/

Look at different professors and their research:

http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/botany.shtml

You are in high school but don't be afraid of asking universities. I would also recommend
contacting grad students whose contact info are on that site.

It could be a possible way to get mentorship and get some questions answered!

Of course, you are more than welcome to come here for questions and we will
do our best to help you!