Undergraduate students

All Undergraduates

We expect undergraduates to be reliable and willing to help with whatever projects need it. At a bare minimum, reliability includes showing up on time, regularly checking in, and making sure that all of your work is accurate (double-check everything). If you find yourself without a specific project:

•          Ask around to see if you can help with anything.

•          Look on Trello to see if all tasks are up to date.

•          Ask around (again!)

There is enough to do that you should not be bored!

Your first semester in the lab is an opportunity to see whether continuing in the lab is a good fit; after your first semester we can discuss whether you will continue. If your interests shift, we will not be offended and will be more than happy to help you find a new lab and make that connection for you.

GwD capstone students

We expect GwD students will be organized and independent, and manage their time and responsibilities so that they complete a project by the end of the year, which requires being somewhat strategic in the topic we pick. The written report is typically due at the end of April, with an oral presentation in early May.

To actually collect a reasonable amount of data, it is almost always necessary to start collecting data during the Fall semester, which may be challenging because of class scheduling. Be prepared ahead of time!

At the outset of your capstone project, please make a to-do list on Trello with planned due dates and keep this updated throughout the year.

It is your responsibility to check what the requirements are in your program and department, and make sure to get your project submitted by the deadline.

Deadlines for the GwD Project can be found here: https://dibs.duke.edu/undergraduate/program/graduation-with-distinction

Independent study students

Undergraduate students in the lab during the year can enroll in an independent study section to receive credit and a grade for time in the lab.

Independent study students should plan on producing an annotated bibliography of 5–10 articles on their selected topic, and making a 15-minute presentation at lab meeting sometime during the semester and completing the research paper at the end of the semester.